Rajnath Singh Statement on NRC Assam in Rajya Sabha: Home Minister Reiterates 'It's a Draft', Says 'It's a Fair Process'
He assures that no coercive action will be taken against anyone in any situation.
New Delhi, August 3: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh issued a statement on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue in Rajya Sabha today. According to an ANI alert, he said, "The whole procedure of NRC issue in Assam was undertaken under the supervision of Supreme Court. I would like to repeat that it's a draft and not final, everyone will get chance to appeal. It's a totally fair process. Unwarranted accusations are unfortunate."
Singh further highlighted that, "The procedure of NRC started in 1985 through the Assam accord when the late Rajiv Gandhi ji was the PM. The decision to update was taken by Dr. Manmohan Singh ji in 2005."
He assures that no coercive action will be taken against anyone in any situation. Any attempts to create an atmosphere of fear are condemnable, said the Home Minister. The Assam government released the second and final draft of NRC for the state on July 30. Out of 3.29 crore people, 2.89 crore have been found eligible to be included. Names of 40 lakhs and five thousand and seven citizens haven't been mentioned in the list.
Opposition parties are trying to capitalise on the situation, and West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee has taken the lead to dismiss the NRC. She accused the draft by calling it a product of "vote bank and divide and rule policy" of the BJP. The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution condemning the NRC for Assam.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2018 11:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).