Mamata Banerjee Announces Compensation for 39 SIR-Linked Deaths; Accuses Centre of Imposing ‘Pressure’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced financial compensation for families of those who allegedly died by suicide or fell seriously ill due to pressure linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being carried out across the state.

Compensation for deaths and serious illness

The Chief Minister said the state government will provide:

• ₹2 lakh to families of individuals who reportedly died due to SIR-related stress
• ₹1 lakh to those who survived but fell seriously ill, including individuals who attempted suicide or required medical attention

The compensation will also cover Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who allegedly died or became critically ill while working on the revision exercise.

Mamata claimed that 39 people had died due to stress or health complications linked to the SIR drive.

Criticism of the Centre

During the event, where she also released a report card on her government’s achievements since 2011, the Chief Minister accused the Union government of exerting unnecessary pressure through the SIR process.

She urged the Centre to engage in dialogue rather than issue “one-sided directives,” comparing the approach to colonial-era governance.

Her remarks included:

“Don’t give any forceful instruction that results in the suffering of common people. We are answerable only to the people, democracy, and the Constitution.”

Reiterates commitment to secularism

Mamata Banerjee also stressed that West Bengal has always rejected communal politics and will continue to uphold secular values.

“I have always believed in secular politics and will continue on that path,” she said.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions between the state government and the Centre over the conduct and impact of the SIR exercise.