Speaking to reporters in Sonarpur Uttar, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on April 13, Pathan stated that the process undermines citizens’ constitutional right to vote.

He remarked, “Regarding SIR, I would say that it is very heartbreaking that injustice is being done to the eligible voters of our country. This is also an injustice to the right to vote that the Constitution provides.”

Pathan praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her efforts to defend public rights, saying, “Mamata Banerjee is the only Chief Minister who went to court and fought for her people. She not only raised the voice of the people of Bengal but also raised the voice of all those who suffered injustice in the SIR case. She has always fought for the people and will continue to fight in the future.”

He expressed confidence in the party’s future, adding, “TMC is not going anywhere for the next 40-50 years. People like TMC because it works for the people.”

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee intensified her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing the SIR exercise as a “huge scam” intended to manipulate voter lists. Addressing a rally, she claimed nearly 90 lakh names had been deleted and accused the central government of attempting to impose the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal through indirect means.

She also opposed the proposed Uniform Civil Code and criticised the timing of the Delimitation Bill, alleging a lack of consultation. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, “He comes like a seasonal bird during elections, not during floods or disasters.” Banerjee raised concerns over alleged atrocities against tribal communities and Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states.

These comments come amid heightened political tensions ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.