Mamata Banerjee Intensifies Attack on SIR: “Double-Engine Government is Trying to Snatch Citizenship of 30 Million Bengalis”

Mamata Banerjee Intensifies Attack on SIR: “Double-Engine Government is Trying to Snatch Our Citizenship” 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again taken a firm stand against the Centre, launching a scathing attack on what she calls the “double-engine government” — a term she uses to describe the BJP-led administration at the Centre and in several states. Addressing a charged-up crowd during a recent public rally, Banerjee made it clear that her fight is not just political but deeply personal and people-centric.

The Chief Minister was particularly vocal about the proposed SIR — the Standard Identification Register — a move she claims is a backdoor attempt to undermine the citizenship of genuine Indian citizens, especially those belonging to minority and marginalized communities. “They are trying to snatch our identity our rights and now even our citizenship. I will not let that happen” she said to loud cheers from the crowd.

Standing by the People

Banerjee stressed that her government has always stood by the people and will continue to do so no matter how much pressure is applied from the Centre. “West Bengal is a land of unity and diversity. You cannot divide us with fear or threats. The SIR is just another tool to discriminate to isolate and to alienate certain groups” she added.

The TMC supremo also hinted that this was not the end of her resistance. “This is only the beginning. If they go ahead with SIR we will launch a full-fledged protest. From the streets to the courts we will fight this injustice with all our might” she declared with determination.

Link to NRC and CAA Fears

The Standard Identification Register proposal has triggered fear among citizens who still remember the nationwide protests that erupted during the roll-out of the NRC and CAA. Banerjee’s remarks bring back the same anxiety as she draws connections between the SIR and the past attempts by the BJP-led Centre to implement what many saw as divisive and exclusionary policies.

“There is a pattern here” Mamata said. “First it was the NRC then the CAA and now SIR. Every time they bring a new name and a new system but the goal is the same — to intimidate and divide Indians based on identity and religion.”

TMC’s Ground Strategy

The Trinamool Congress is already preparing to go all-out with its ground-level campaign to educate and mobilize people against SIR. Party workers have been instructed to distribute pamphlets hold community meetings and stay connected with local leaders and influencers to counter any misinformation.

“Our job now is to ensure that every person understands what SIR could mean for them. This is not just a political issue — it affects every family every student every worker” said a senior TMC leader who was part of the rally.

BJP Reacts

In response BJP leaders brushed off Mamata’s comments calling them politically motivated and misleading. “The SIR is being misrepresented. It is meant for administrative efficiency and not for targeting any community” said a state BJP spokesperson.

However this has done little to calm the concerns of Banerjee and her supporters who believe that the SIR will become another tool for exclusion once implemented.

Citizens Voice Concerns

Many ordinary citizens who attended Mamata Banerjee’s rally said they share her concern. “We already stood up against NRC and CAA. Now we are being asked to prove our identity again. How many times do we have to do this?” asked Shabnam Begum a schoolteacher from Howrah.

Others expressed hope that the Chief Minister’s vocal stand will make a difference. “Didi fights for us. She speaks when others stay silent. We trust her to protect our rights” said Kunal Sen a small business owner.