Kolkata, Oct. 13 -- Alimuddin Street witnessed two contrasting political programmes on Tuesday, with a Chandi Path organised by the Republican Party of India (RPI), an NDA ally, near the CPI(M) state headquarters and a citizens' convention on electoral rights held nearby.
The Chandi Path was attended by Hindu religious leaders and BJP MLA Santu Pan. Speakers asserted that Bengal's culture did not belong to any political party and that Sanatan traditions and India's spiritual heritage did not require the approval of Left-wing ideologies. Those present included Thakur Shri Shri Samireswar Brahmachari, Tantra Debananda Maharaj, Khana Maa, Satyajit Das and Sayantan Basu.
Meanwhile, former MP and ex-IAS officer Jawhar Sircar and senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya convened a citizens' convention demanding protection of voting rights. Actor Prakash Raj and former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa joined virtually.
Sircar questioned the legal basis and terminology of the SIR, describing it as a "corporate document". Lavasa said earlier revision exercises were more inclusive and voter-friendly, while the current process had triggered anxiety over possible exclusion from electoral rolls.
Prakash Raj criticised the Centre's defence of the Election Commission, alleging that the poll body helped the government win elections. He also condemned the hurried revision process and the exclusion of lakhs of voters. Writer Anita Agnihotri questioned the legitimacy of a people's mandate when the number of excluded voters exceeded winning margins by more than double.
The two programmes highlighted contrasting positions on cultural identity and electoral rights.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.