Political War Over NRC Draft, Mamata Calls It ‘Deliberate Ploy’

A political war broke out after the release of the final draft of the NRC, which excluded over 40 lakh people.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference at Nabanna in Howrah on 30 July. 

(Photo: IANS)

Video Editor: Vivek Gupta

A political war broke out after the release of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling it a ‘deliberate ploy’ to isolate voters. Banerjee slammed the NRC draft in a press conference, after over 40 lakh people were excluded from the final draft identifying Indian citizens in Assam.

People have Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, identity cards and many of them have been staying there for more than 50 years. Still, their names are excluded. This is absolute vote-bank politics to isolate the people into those who will vote for the BJP and those who won’t.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

She was joined by Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, who stated that the exclusion of “people living in the region for 70-80 years” was a mistake on part of the government. He added that it sent out a wrong message to the people.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the NRC process was impartial. “No coercive action will be taken against anyone. There is no need to panic,” he said. He added that there was an attempt to create “an atmosphere of fear” regarding the NRC.

I would like to emphasise that this is not the final list. This is just a draft. Everyone will be given an opportunity to raise their objections or claims. There are legal provisions for the same. After that, the final list will be released.

Rajnath Singh, Home Minister

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government would follow the directions of the Supreme Court. “Assam is a very peaceful state and we are confident that all sections of society will come forward to maintain the peace and tranquillity in the time to come,” he added.

Amnesty International India released a statement saying millions might rendered stateless by the NRC process. It urged the government to ensure that families were not torn apart by the process.

(With inputs from ANI)