Centre Playing ‘Divide & Rule’ Politics: Mamata on NRC Draft
Mamata said the Centre is attempting to “forcibly evict” those who would not vote for them in the 2019 elections.
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Video Producer: Shohini Bose
Stating that the Assam government and the Centre played “divide and rule” politics through its “game-plan”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the NRC final draft, which was released on Monday, 30 July.
According to the list released, about 40,07,708 applicants have been considered “ineligible” and left out of the final NRC draft.
Banerjee further alleged that through this list, the Centre is attempting to “forcibly evict” those who would not vote for them in the 2019 elections.
“There were people who have Aadhaar cards and passports, but still their names are not in the draft list. Names of people were removed on the basis of surnames too. Is the government trying to do forceful eviction?” she asked.
“Ultimately, Bengal Will Suffer”
She stated that the NRC’s draft list would lead to severe repercussions in West Bengal as well.
Voicing a note of caution, she added: “...If you hit Bengalis, will they not hit back? If you attack Biharis, Marathis or Gujaratis, will they not hit back? Remember there are Assamese, Biharis in West Bengal too.”
“Govt Did Not Consult Us”
The chief minister further claimed that the Centre had not consulted the West Bengal government before announcing the NRC draft.
"Nobody even thought of consulting us. I will appeal to the home ministry that these people need to be saved for the sake of humanity. Even the UN resolution says international refugees need to be protected," she added.
“Will Take in Those Thrown Out by NRC”
Calling out the state government and Centre for “throwing out” people who have lived in Assam for decades, she stated that the West Bengal government would provide shelter to those who found themselves excluded from the NRC list.
"We cannot push them back. We believe in humanity,” she declared.
"This is clearly an attempt to push back Bengalis... where will these people go... what if Bangladesh doesn't take them?" she asked.
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