NRC report: Not Hindus or Muslims, but Bengalis being targeted, says Mamata

Kolkata, July 30: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out at the NRC draft list, calling it a "game-plan" and a "divide and rule policy".

Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee claimed that Bengalis living in Assam were being targetted, and said that they are "Indians, not Rohingya".

"How can they send women and children to detention centres? Aren't people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states living in Bengal? Bengalis living in Assam are being targetted. They are not Rohingyas, they are Indians," she said.

"There were people who have Aaadhar cards and passports but still their names are not in the draft list. Names of people were removed on the basis of surnames also. Is the Govt trying to do forceful eviction?" she asked.

"This is politics ahead of the 2019 elections," said Mamata. The chief minister said the state government has tried to get in touch with the home ministry and other departments, but there was no response. "What is this lack of transparency? Why can't I speak to Mr Rajnath Singh?"

"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," she said.

"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," she said.

"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. Request Home Minister to bring an amendmen," she said.

"I will also try to go to Assam, my MPs are already going. Let's see if they are restricted or not," she further said.

In the final draft of NRC released on Monday, 2.48 lakh D-voters are among the 40 lakh people who have not qualified to the final draft. State NRC coordinator Prateek Hajela said the these included the descendants of D-voters, people whose reference is pending in Foreigners' Tribunal and descendants of those who have pending cases in Foreigners' Tribunal.