Multiple sources in the BJP said that the highest number of deletions had taken place in seats with a significant population of Matuas and Bangladeshi Hindu refugees, who are a known vote bank for the party. All six have a significant presence of BJP voters and grassrootsorganisation. Voter deletions have become a cause of concern for the BJP, as a large number of people — particularly Bangladeshi Hindu refugees — are reportedly unhappy with the post-SIR list. Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool national general secretary, during a news meet on Sunday, said Matuas and Hindu refugees were significantly affected as deleted voters. Political scientist Biswanath Chakraborty said that if Adhikari’s assurances do not work, the BJP may have to face the consequences of the SIR-driven deletions of Matua and Bangladeshi Hindu refugee voter names.
