NRC Assam Draft: Mamata Banerjee Hits Out at BJP Government, Says It Wants to Isolate Muslims

Kolkata, July 30: Few hours after the final draft of Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came out all guns blazing against the BJP-led central government. Mamata Banerjee said the NRC draft declared 40 lakh people refugees overnight and termed it BJP's strategy to isolate Muslims.

"Some people have Aaadhar cards and passports, but still their names are not in the NCR draft list. Names of people were removed on the basis of surnames also. Is the government trying to do forceful eviction?" Banerjee asked. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief added that Bengalis and Biharis were deliberately targetted.

"People are being isolated through a game plan. We are worried because people are being made refugees in their own country. Its a plan to throw out Bengali speaking people and Biharis. Consequences will be felt in our state also," the chief minister said. She added that she would raise the issue with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

"Where will the 40 lakh people whose names have been deleted go? Does Centre have any rehabilitation program for them? Ultimately, it is Bengal which will suffer. Its just vote politics by BJP.  I request Home Minister to bring an amendment," Banerjee said.

Assam’s NRC has been updated for the first time since 1951 to keep a track on the illegal immigration from countries like Bangladesh. Following the release of the list, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that no coercive action would be taken against those whose names are not mentioned in the final draft list. Around 40.07 lakh applicants did not find a place in the list.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 01:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).