Kolkata protest march against Bengal SIR took place on Tuesday as hundreds gathered to oppose the alleged harassment of people during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
The march was organised by Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind, led by West Bengal Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury. It began from Rajabazar in north-central Kolkata and ended at Esplanade, covering nearly 4.5 kilometres. Throughout the route, protesters raised slogans against the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Moreover, a large number of women and elderly citizens joined the procession. Many participants expressed anger over what they described as unfair verification practices. According to Mr. Chowdhury, officials forced senior citizens to stand in long queues for hours, which he called inhuman and unacceptable.
Speaking to the media, the minister said the organisation would continue its struggle through democratic means. He further alleged that the central government was exerting pressure on the Election Commission to conduct the SIR exercise ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, responding to questions on minority targeting, Mr. Chowdhury clarified that the Kolkata protest march against Bengal SIR was against oppression and the weakening of an independent constitutional institution.
Overall, the protest highlighted growing political tension surrounding the voter list revision process in the State.
