Mamata Questions Centre's Intention Behind Deactivation of Aadhaar Cards, Announces Separate Cards

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that the Aadhaar cards of SC, ST, and minority people of the state are being deactivated ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Attacking the BJP government at the Centre, she alleged that the Aadhaar cards are being deactivated as a precursor to bring in NRC.

Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, Banerjee said she will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this connection. “Why have so many Aadhaar cards been deactivated before the Lok Sabha? Aadhaar cards of people mostly of the Matua community have been deactivated. Cards of the STs and minorities are also being deactivated,” Banerjee said.

WB Govt To Issue Separate Cards

Mamata Banerjee’s government will issue separate cards for the people whose names are being struck off. The state government has created a grievance portal, ‘Aadhaar Grievance Portal of West Bengal Government’, through which residents will report their deactivated Aadhaar cards.

The portal will commence its operation on Tuesday.

“Those whose Aadhaar card has been deactivated should inform us as soon as possible so that they continue to enjoy their democratic, social and economic rights,” she said.

“Those who are playing with the Aadhaar Cards, there will come a time when people will throw them in Andhaar [darkness]. We will give you an alternate card that will not only safeguard your identity but also allow you to avail of our welfare schemes. We are not zamindars, we are you pehredar.” she said.

Banerjee Reiterates Not To Implement NRC In State

Mamata further added that she is ready to give blood for the people, but “we are not going to exclude any person from West Bengal.” She reiterated that she will not implement NRC in Bengal, adding that she will not allow detention camps in Bengal.

She questioned the Centre and said that the Matua community, who have been promised citizenship are now being termed as foreigners. “Is this not disrespecting them?” she said.

“I want to ask the BJP why are they playing this dirty game?… They are snatching away the democratic rights of the people, and the rights of the beneficiaries. We are not going to implement NRC in Bengal please remember,” the TMC supremo said.

Mamata’s Letter To PM Modi

Condemning the deactivation of Aadhaar cards, Mamata Banerjee termed the decision ‘unilateral’. She called the act a ‘sinister plot’ to deprive eligible beneficiaries of welfare schemes, conveniently timed before the Lok Sabha Elections.

“It is learnt that the Head Office of UIDAI in New Delhi, without any field enquiry or hearing the persons and taking the state government into confidence, has been directly issuing letters to individuals and family members informing them about the deactivation of their Aadhaar Cards under provisions of the Regulations of 28A of Aadhaar  (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016.” read a statement from the letter.

Banerjee also added that she has received several representations including those from Tapasili Federation, adding that the present situation has created chaos and hue and cry among the residents of the state.

(with inputs from agencies)