Mamata Banerjee Uses Poetry to Protest Against SIR
West Bengal Chief Minister releases poetry collection criticising electoral roll revision amid legal challenge
Bengal, Feb 04 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has chosen a literary route to voice her opposition to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, publishing a collection of 26 poems centred on the contentious exercise.
Titled “SIR: 26 in 26,” the book was unveiled on January 22 during the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair. The poems carry evocative names such as Panic, Doom, Mockery, Fight, Democracy, and Who Is To Blame, reflecting her sharp criticism of the revision process.
In the introduction, Banerjee dedicates the work to “those who have lost their lives in this ruinous game,” while alleging that a sustained atmosphere of fear has been created among the people of Bengal. She describes the verses as emerging from a “spirit of resistance.”
One poem questions prolonged silence, suggesting it signals suffering rather than peace, and asserts that accountability will ultimately be sought in the “people’s court.” Another piece portrays democracy as under assault and claims that even dissent is constrained by what she terms “agency-raj.”
Written during travel, says chief minister
Speaking informally to reporters on the sidelines of a press interaction in New Delhi, Banerjee said she completed the book in just three days while travelling.
The chief minister, who has authored more than 160 books, remarked that she does not draw a pension as a former Member of Parliament and has also given up her salary as CM. According to her, income from royalties and other creative ventures supports her personal expenses.
A prolific creative figure
Founder of the Trinamool Congress, Banerjee is widely recognised for her artistic pursuits alongside politics. Her body of work spans poetry, essays, short fiction, and political writing. She is also an accomplished painter whose artworks have been exhibited in India and abroad, and has composed songs addressing social issues, nature, and human emotions.
The poetry release comes as the dispute over the electoral roll revision continues to unfold, with the Supreme Court set to hear West Bengal’s plea challenging the exercise.
