Mamata Banerjee Asserts ‘NRC Will Not Be Implemented in West Bengal,’ Ready to Sacrifice Our Blood
Mamata Banerjee opposes NRC in West Bengal, ready to sacrifice. She criticizes Aadhaar deactivation, ensuring welfare access for all residents.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has taken a firm stand against the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, asserting that her government is ready to make sacrifices to ensure its non-implementation. In a bold declaration, Banerjee stated, “We will not allow NRC to be implemented in Bengal. We are prepared to sacrifice our blood, but we will not let anyone in Bengal be expelled.”
Banerjee’s statement comes as a direct challenge to the central government, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been advocating for the implementation of the NRC across the country. She questioned the motives behind the BJP’s push for the NRC, accusing them of playing a “dirty game” that undermines people’s democratic rights and deprives beneficiaries of their entitlements.
Reiterating her stance, Banerjee emphasized that her government would not permit the expulsion of any individual from Bengal. She emphasized the need for fairness and justice, particularly for marginalized communities, stating, “We will not be unfair to any poor person.” To address concerns regarding exclusion from official documents like Aadhaar cards, Banerjee announced the establishment of the ‘West Bengal Government’s Aadhaar Grievance Portal.’ This portal aims to assist individuals whose Aadhaar cards have been deactivated, ensuring they can access their democratic, social, and economic rights without hindrance.
Furthermore, Banerjee’s criticism extended to the BJP’s unilateral decision to deactivate Aadhaar cards, particularly targeting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities in West Bengal. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee expressed strong condemnation of this decision, labeling it as a premeditated attempt to disenfranchise eligible beneficiaries just before the Lok Sabha elections.
In her letter, Banerjee highlighted the inherent injustice of deactivating Aadhaar cards without proper investigation or consultation with the state government. She emphasized that every resident of Bengal should have access to the state government’s welfare schemes, irrespective of their possession of an Aadhaar card. This move is seen as a response to the BJP’s attempt to wield Aadhaar deactivation as a tool for political advantage, especially in the run-up to the elections.
Banerjee’s actions and statements underscore her commitment to protecting the interests of the people of West Bengal and upholding their rights and dignity. By refusing to bow down to political pressure and standing up against unjust policies, she demonstrates strong leadership and a dedication to inclusive governance. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Banerjee’s unwavering resolve serves as a beacon of hope for those who seek fairness, equality, and justice in Indian democracy.
