Mamata Leads Massive Rally Against Voter Roll Drive
On November 4, 2025, the streets of Kolkata witnessed a massive political demonstration led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The protest, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was aimed at opposing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll
The rally began at the iconic statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on Red Road and concluded at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore. Mamata Banerjee, dressed in her signature white cotton saree and slippers, led the 3.8-kilometer march, waving to supporters and urging calm and unity.
TMC has accused the Election Commission and the BJP of orchestrating what they call “silent invisible rigging” through the SIR process. According to the party, the revision is being used to manipulate voter lists ahead of upcoming elections.
Thousands of TMC supporters filled the streets, waving party flags and chanting slogans. Placards denouncing the SIR process were visible throughout the route. The atmosphere was charged but peaceful, with Mamata urging her followers to remain non-violent and focused.
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee walked alongside the Chief Minister, reinforcing the party’s united front. Senior leaders and ministers also participated, making it one of the largest political mobilizations in recent months.
In response, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the rally, calling it a “Jamaat-style gathering.” He accused the TMC of shielding illegal immigrants and manipulating public sentiment for political gain.
Mamata Banerjee carried a copy of the Indian Constitution during the march, symbolizing her party’s commitment to democratic values. She emphasized that no legitimate citizen would be left out of the electoral rolls under her watch.
Residents of Kolkata watched from balconies and sidewalks, many cheering and some recording the event on their phones. The rally disrupted traffic but remained largely peaceful, with heavy police deployment ensuring order.
With elections approaching, the protest signals a high-stakes battle between TMC and BJP in West Bengal. The SIR process, though administrative in nature, has become a flashpoint for political confrontation.
TMC has announced plans for further demonstrations if their concerns are not addressed. The Election Commission, meanwhile, maintains that the SIR is a routine and transparent exercise.
