Will expose Didi's 'U-turn' on NRC: Poonam Mahajan
The BJP-TMC war over Assam's NRC went up another notch as the former's youth wing chief Poonam Mahajan slammed WB CM Mamata Banerjee's "U-turn" in the issue. Once upon a time, when the Left was ruling the state, Banerjee had expressed concerns in the parliament over illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Mahajan claimed, but now they are protesting it. BJP will expose "U-turn didi," Mahajan added.
What is the NRC?
The first National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was prepared in 1951 to weed out illegal Bangladeshi immigrants; recently, it was updated for the first time. Applications opened in May'15. Individuals had to prove links with family members having their name in the original NRC, or in electoral rolls till March 25, 1971. Applications were received from 68.27L families across the state.
40L left out, but can file claims and objections
After months of delay, the Assam government published the complete NRC draft on July 30 with 2.9cr names. Around 40L applicants haven't found place in the list. Officials have asserted that this is only a draft, and no action would be taken based on it. Those who have been left out can file claims or objections, depending on their status, till September end.
It's just vote politics by BJP: Mamata Banerjee
Despite the assurances, WB CM Mamata Banerjee slammed the Assam government and accused it of playing divide and rule policy. The TMC leader asserted the Centre wanted to deliberately throw Bengali-speaking people and those from Bihar out. "Consequences will be felt in our state also," she said, asking, "Where will the 40L people whose names have been deleted go?"
TMC team lands in Assam to 'take stock,' detained
Following its stand, the party sent an eight-member team to Silchar yesterday, which included MPs and MLAs. But they were detained after they landed at the Silchar airport. The administration also imposed prohibitory orders. Responding to the development, TMC MP Derek O'Brien said, "This is a 'super emergency'-like situation." Meanwhile, hundreds of TMC supporters shouted anti-government slogans outside the airport.
BJP-TMC war likely to move to Kolkata next week
The BJP-TMC spar is set to get nastier, with BJP Chief Amit Shah addressing a rally in Kolkata on August 11. He is expected to make demands for an NRC-like register in WB too. The war has already started: the state government asserted police hadn't given permission for his rally. Shah, in response, dared the Banerjee-led government to arrest him. Police later clarified permission had been granted.
