Owaisi opposes SIR process in West Bengal, says citizenship verification not ECI’s mandate

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal, arguing that citizenship verification is the responsibility of the Union Home Ministry and not the Election Commission, while also raising concerns over delays in finalising electoral rolls.

New Delhi: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday strongly criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, insisting that citizenship verification does not fall under the Election Commission of India (ECI) but is the responsibility of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to reporters in West Bengal, Owaisi said, “We oppose the SIR. Our writ petition on this matter is still pending before the Supreme Court. Citizenship is not within the purview of the Election Commission; rather, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.”

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Owaisi also highlighted delays in the publication of the West Bengal electoral rolls, stressing the urgency of finalising voter names on the adjudication list.

“There are many names in the adjudication list. It should be finalised as soon as possible. The elections have already started, and this delay is causing serious problems and needs to be fixed,” he said, pointing to potential disruptions in the ongoing elections due to administrative delays.

The AIMIM chief arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday to address a public rally in Murshidabad, marking the launch of the party’s campaign for the Assembly elections in the state.

AIMIM is contesting alongside Humayun Kabir’s Jan Unnayan Party, with both leaders scheduled to speak at the rally. The alliance aims to strengthen its presence in the state and mobilise voters ahead of the polls.

In its first-ever electoral outing in West Bengal, AIMIM will contest eight Assembly seats, three each in Birbhum and Murshidabad, and two in Malda, targeting constituencies with significant Muslim populations.

The party has raised concerns over what it describes as a lack of development in Muslim-majority districts like Malda and Murshidabad, highlighting high unemployment that has compelled many young residents to migrate. It has also criticised the state government for insufficient infrastructure in higher education and healthcare, claiming these gaps have adversely affected local communities.

West Bengal is scheduled to hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.