Interview/ Shashi Panja, women and child development minister, West Bengal
Q/ The Election Commission says deletions are happening because of duplicate, deceased or absentee voters. Why do you still believe this is a serious issue?
A/ If lakhs of names are being deleted, then tell us clearly under what category. The categories mentioned are absentee, dead or duplicate. None of the columns says that a person is an infiltrator or a Rohingya, but that narrative is being pushed politically. That is what is creating fear among people. The narrative and the actual data categories do not match.
This is very dangerous because it makes ordinary citizens feel like they have to constantly prove that they belong here. Many genuine voters, poor people, migrant workers and women are now worried that their names may be deleted and they will be labelled something they are not. Elections should be about development, governance and people’s issues, not about creating fear among citizens.
Q/ Your own name was deleted initially. What exactly happened?
A/ I found out that my name was missing and I had to go through the process. After submitting the necessary documents and verification, my name was added in the second supplementary list. But the bigger issue is not about me. If this can happen to a sitting MLA, imagine what ordinary people are facing. Many people in my constituency are still struggling because their names have been deleted and they are running from one office to another trying to get their names restored. There are still many deletions from my constituency, and people are worried whether they will be able to vote. That uncertainty and fear among voters is the biggest concern.
Q/ What kind of irregularities are being reported?
A/ There are many strange cases. In one instance, a husband’s name was deleted from the voter list but the wife’s name remained, and her voter ID still mentioned her as the wife of that person.
Q/ The BJP has fielded the mother of the R.G. Kar victim. You are also an alumna of R.G. Kar. How do you think this will impact the election?
A/ It was a tragic and painful incident for all of us, especially for those of us who have been associated with the institution. It is not just a political issue, it is an emotional issue. The parents lost their daughter, and we have always said we stand with the family in their fight for justice. But turning such a tragic incident into a political issue or an electoral issue is unfortunate. Justice should be the focus, not elections.
Q/ How do you see women voters responding this election?
A/ Women voters are aware and strong in Bengal. In Bengal, women are more active in politics because they have been given representation and opportunities. Our party has consistently given more representation to women candidates over the years. That has made a difference. But politics is still not easy for women; it requires constant work and visibility.
Q/ Political clashes and tensions have been reported.
A/ Political fights will happen, but physical attacks and violence are dangerous for democracy. There have been incidents where political workers were attacked and even my house was attacked. This kind of politics is very unfortunate and dangerous. Democracy cannot function like this.