'Can we allow infiltrators to elect our CMs or PM?': Amit Shah slams Opposition over SIR, jabs Mamata

Speaking to ABP News, Shah said his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fully welcomes the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s move to flush out the infiltrators from the voter list through SIR.

The Home Minister said, "Can we allow the infiltrators to elect the government of Bihar? The basis of elections that constitute democracy is the voter list. How can people who are not citizens become voters? Will the foreigners elect our state Chief Ministers or the country's Prime Minister? What's problematic for the Opposition if the Election Commission removes the infiltrators from the voter list?

"The Opposition is resisting SIR because they are in power due to the votebank created by the infiltrators. The BJP welcomes Election Commission's step and we believe SIR should be conducted across the country and the infiltrators should be deleted from the voter list."

In the same line, Shah has appealed to the voters of West Bengal to oust the Mamata Banerjee government, which is strongly opposing SIR, in the upcoming elections to drive out infiltrators.

"I appeal to the voters of Bengal to topple Didi's government in the upcoming elections and the BJP will stop infiltration," the BJP strongman said.

When asked for a response to Mamata saying she won't allow SIR in West Bengal, Shah sarcastically said, "She will oppose it because she is above the Constitution. We (BJP) function by staying within the limits of the Constitution."

Days ago, Mamata, who heads the state's ruling Trinamool Congress, called Shah 'Mir Jafar' and also warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trusting the Home Minister.

Mamata said, "Cuttack is on the boil. BJP itself has created a riot there. I am sorry to say but BJP will ruin the country. I have seen many governments but not as arrogant and dictatorial like the present one. They should remember power is transient. Nothing is permanent. They want to eliminate the names of voters through SIR. Is it possible to conduct SIR within 15 days amid natural calamities, rainy season and festivals. What do they think of themselves?

"Will it be a commission of the BJP or for the civic rights? This is Amit Shah's game. He is working as the acting Prime Minister but the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) knows everything. I am sorry to say. We can request the Prime Minister 'Don't trust Amit Shah always' otherwise he will turn out to be your Mir Jafar (18th century military general infamous for his betrayal of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah) one day. He should be careful. Morning shows the day."

SIR, which was controversially conducted in Bihar, is expected to be rolled out soon in West Bengal which goes into polls next summer.