Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, asserting that verification of citizenship falls outside the authority of the Election Commission of India and lies with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi reiterated his party’s opposition to the exercise and noted that a writ petition challenging the process remains pending before the Supreme Court of India.
Owaisi also raised concerns over delays in publishing electoral rolls in the state, pointing to a backlog in finalising names listed under adjudication. He stressed that with elections already underway, the delay is creating complications that require immediate resolution.
He warned that administrative inefficiencies could disrupt the electoral process if not addressed promptly.
Owaisi arrived in Kolkata to address a public rally in Murshidabad, marking the launch of his party’s campaign for the Assembly elections.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen is contesting in alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Jan Unnayan Party, with both leaders scheduled to address the gathering.
In its debut Assembly election in West Bengal, AIMIM plans to contest eight seats, three each in Birbhum and Murshidabad, and two in Malda, focusing on constituencies with significant Muslim populations.
The party has flagged issues such as unemployment-driven migration and gaps in higher education and healthcare infrastructure in districts like Malda and Murshidabad.
Polling in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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