Quake Meets Quip: BJP Links Kolkata Tremors to Mamata’s SIR Row

Updated: November 22, 2025 04:10

Image Source: India Today

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh sent tremors across Kolkata, sparking political sparring. The BJP mocked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by linking the quake to her criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress hit back, framing the jibe as desperation ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections

Kolkata experienced tremors on Friday after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district, with shocks felt across West Bengal and parts of the Northeast. While the quake caused no major damage, it quickly became fodder for political exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Moments after the tremors, the BJP’s West Bengal unit posted on social media: “West Bengal just felt earthquake tremors. Mamata Banerjee, was it because of SIR?” The remark referenced Banerjee’s ongoing criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which she has described as “chaotic, coercive, and dangerous.”

The TMC responded sharply, saying the tremors were symbolic of the “ground shaking beneath the BJP’s feet” as the party faces challenges ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Major Takeaways

The Earthquake: A 5.7-magnitude quake in Bangladesh triggered tremors in Kolkata and nearby regions.

BJP’s Jibe: The party mocked Mamata Banerjee by linking the tremors to the SIR exercise, which she opposes.

TMC’s Retort: The ruling party countered that the BJP’s ground reality is shifting, hinting at electoral setbacks.

Banerjee’s Stand: She has urged the Election Commission to halt the SIR, citing lack of preparedness and risks to officials and citizens.

Political Context: The SIR has become a flashpoint, with both parties accusing each other of manipulating voter rolls.

Notable Updates

The tremors caused panic among residents, though no casualties were reported.

The incident underscores how natural events are being politicized, reflecting heightened tensions in West Bengal’s political landscape.

The exchange highlights the intersection of governance, electoral processes, and political rhetoric in the run-up to 2026.

Conclusion: What began as a natural tremor quickly escalated into a political tremor. The BJP’s quip and TMC’s counterattack reveal how even seismic events are woven into West Bengal’s charged political narrative. As the state braces for elections, the SIR controversy remains a focal point of contention.

Sources: ABP Live, LiveMintMint, NewsBytes, NDTV

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