Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Ratna and former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Sadhan Bose (78), popularly known as Tutu Bose, and his entire family, including his son Srinjoy Bose, also a former MP, were sent notices by the EC for an SIR hearing on Jan 19.
The Boses will appear for the hearing at Ballygunge Govt High School.
Given his poor health, the wheel-chair-bound Swapan Sadhan might not be able to attend the SIR hearing, said a family member, adding the rest, including Mohun Bagan secretary Srinjoy, would. The family has been called for hearing as their names were not found on the 2002 SIR list though they pointed out that they were very much in the city, living on Hungerford Street at that time.
Earlier, the BLO had informed them that everything was in order but later, they were told they needed to attend the hearing. At present, the Boses live in KMC Ward 69, which falls under the Ballygunge Assembly constituency.
Summoning Swapan Sadhan to the hearing is seen as a blow to the emotions of Mohun Bagan supporters. "Tutu Bose is synonymous with Mohun Bagan, and now he has to prove his citizenship. It's a matter of shame and disappointment," said former footballer Dipendu Biswas. He suggested that issues concerning prominent individuals should be resolved by visiting their homes, rather than summoning them in this manner.
Trinamool functionary Kunal Ghosh criticised the move on X. "Tutu Bose is unwell and unable to move without a wheelchair. They are summoned on Jan 19. Tutu Bose now has to prove his citizenship in Bengal. The EC and BJP will face consequences for this oppression of Bengal, Bengalis, and people of Bengal in the upcoming elections," Ghosh posted.
Refuting Ghosh, the CEO of Bengal posted on X: "The enumeration forms clearly show the linkage column is left blank. Sri Swapansadhan Bose, along with his family have therefore, been called for hearing like all other similarly placed electors as per the notification of the ECI. Since the Elector Swapansadhan Bose is sick, he may opt for hearing at his residence."