Amid mounting criticism from opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its outreach campaign across Tripura, holding a series of press conferences to defend the exercise and urge voters not to be misled by what it described as "baseless rumours."
At a press conference held at the BJP's Gomati district office, Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati and BJP leader Debal Debroy rejected the allegations leveled by the opposition regarding the SIR process. He said the BJP felt it necessary to clarify its stand as opposition statements were creating confusion among the public.
Debroy explained the party's position on various aspects of the SIR exercise and asserted that the revision process is aimed at ensuring an accurate and transparent electoral roll. He appealed to citizens not to be influenced by misinformation and said the press conference was organised to present the facts before the public. Gomati district BJP leader Sabita Nag was also present at the briefing.
Continuing its awareness drive, Teliamura Municipal Council Chairman Rupak Sarkar addressed a separate press conference on Wednesday, where he urged voters to verify their names and details in the electoral roll and remain aware of the documents required for the SIR process.
He advised the public not to rely on rumours or incomplete information and instead obtain authentic information only through the Election Commission's official channels and the officials associated with the SIR exercise. The programme aimed to create greater awareness and provide voters with a clear understanding of the revision process.
In another press conference held at the BJP Sonamura Mandal office on Tuesday, Sonamura Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Sarada Chakraborty appealed to residents not to panic or become confused over the SIR exercise. She urged citizens to cooperate fully with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during their door-to-door verification visits by providing accurate information.
Referring to Election Commission data, Chakraborty said the SIR process had already been completed smoothly in 20 states, including Bihar and West Bengal, and maintained that the exercise is intended solely to prepare a transparent and error-free electoral roll. She assured residents that the Sonamura Nagar Panchayat would extend all possible assistance throughout the process.
The Sonamura press conference was attended by BJP Sepahijala South district general secretary Shyamal Kanti Das, district media cell in-charge Tapan Nandy, co-in-charge Sangeeta Karmakar, and other party leaders.
The BJP's coordinated campaign comes amid an intensifying political debate over the SIR exercise, with the party seeking to reassure voters and counter the allegations raised by opposition parties regarding the ongoing revision of electoral rolls.