Checking citizenship not in ECI's jurisdiction, MHA's job: Owaisi raises SIR objection on Bengal campaign trail

Speaking to reporters, Owaisi stressed that he has filed a writ petition in the matter, which is pending in the Supreme Court. "We are against SIR, and our writ petition is currently pending in the Supreme Court. Right now, SIR ECI has no authority to check anyone's citizenship--this is the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs. That's all we will say," said Owaisi.

Furthermore, on delays in publication of West Bengal electoral roll by the ECI, the AIMIM chief said that the voter names which have been put in the adjudication list should be finalised as soon as possible, highlighting the beginning of elections in the state.

"There are many people's names in the adjudication list, and it should be finalised as soon as possible. Right now, the elections have already started. All this is happening very wrongly and needs to be corrected," Owaisi added.

Owaisi arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday and is set to address a public rally in Murshidabad to begin campaigning for the West Bengal polls. AIMIM is contesting the state elections alongside Humayun Kabir's Jan Unnayan Party.

Alonside Owaisi, Humayun Kabir is also scheduled to address the gathering. Their presence indicates an attempt to build broader alliances and strengthen regional connections, which could be crucial for the party's prospects in the state.

From a strategic standpoint, the rally is not merely a campaign event but part of a larger effort by AIMIM to test its electoral viability in West Bengal. The party has previously made inroads in other states by focusing on issues such as political representation, social justice, and constitutional rights. In Murshidabad, similar themes are expected to resonate, particularly in areas where socio-economic challenges remain prominent.

Political observers note that AIMIM's entry could influence voting patterns, especially in constituencies with fragmented opposition dynamics. While the party may not yet have a widespread organisational network in the state, high-profile rallies led by Owaisi are aimed at building visibility, energising local cadres, and creating a narrative around alternative leadership.

The rally is also likely to focus on local concerns, including employment, education, and infrastructure, while linking them to broader national issues. By doing so, the party seeks to bridge local aspirations with its larger political messaging.

West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

West Bengal has a total of 6,45,61,152 electors as per the Election Commission of India, including 6,44,52,609 general electors and 1,08,543 service voters. The state has 5,23,229 young electors aged 18-19 years.

The last date for filing nominations for this phase is April 6, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 7. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling for the first phase will be held on April 23. (ANI)