Is the EC Planning to Impose NRC in Bengal?
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Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raises concerns about a potential NRC imposition through the Election Commission's SIR exercise. She emphasizes the importance of voter registration and criticizes the Union government's neglect towards the state while also highlighting a significant growth in GST collections.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee alleges a plot to impose NRC in Bengal.
- She stresses the importance of voter registration for all citizens.
- Criticism directed at the Union government for neglecting Bengal.
- West Bengal reports a 12% growth in GST collections.
- Plans for infrastructure improvements and water management.
Kolkata, Aug 5 (NationPress) Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, once again raised her concerns on Tuesday regarding the alleged intentions of the BJP-led Union government to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal through the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative.
"There is a strategy being devised to impose the NRC under the guise of conducting the SIR. It is crucial for every citizen to ensure their name appears on the voter's list. If anyone's name is missing, they should report it to the relevant authorities. We will support those individuals. We cannot accept the idea of people being sent to Bangladesh after their names are removed from the voters' list. No Indian citizen should be labeled as a Bangladeshi," Banerjee asserted.
After visiting flood-affected areas in Ghatal, located in West Midnapore district, the Chief Minister also pointed out that the Election Commission of India initiated the concept of the EPIC card.
"Who was responsible for the Aadhaar cards? A significant amount of money was invested in creating these cards. Why shouldn't these be accepted as proof of citizenship alongside ration cards? This is a systematic scheme orchestrated by the BJP government at the center with assistance from the ECI. We will not allow this to happen," CM Banerjee stated.
In her address, the Chief Minister criticized the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for their water release practices in West Bengal and pledged to construct a dam and redirect the water back to Jharkhand after the upcoming state Assembly elections in 2026.
"I frequently visit Ghatal. This area faces floods consistently. This time, the DVC has set new records with their water releases. They have not performed dredging for two decades. Whenever it rains, water is released into Bengal. After the 2026 elections, we will formulate a strategy to control this release. It will require funding, but we will also build a dam to divert the water elsewhere. We are tired of enduring this hardship. This time, we will have a solid plan in place," CM Banerjee added.
She also lambasted the Union government for its perceived neglect towards Bengal.
"Previously, the Union government provided funds to combat erosion along the Ganges. Now, we have to manage everything independently. I've been urging the Union government about the Ghatal Master Plan for quite some time, but they have failed to act. It was their responsibility. Nonetheless, we have already developed a plan worth Rs 1,500 crore, and work has commenced. More will follow after the monsoon season. A committee has been established," she mentioned.
Furthermore, she criticized the BJP regarding its attitude towards the Bengali language and Bengali migrant laborers.
"Currently, the BJP claims that Bengali is not a language. They are even demanding that I (the Chief Minister) be arrested under the National Security Act for raising these issues. I will continue to speak in Bengali. How dare they deny the existence of the Bengali language?" she remarked.
Earlier on Tuesday, CM Banerjee announced that West Bengal achieved a 12 percent increase in gross GST collections for July 2025.
On social media, CM Banerjee noted that the state collected Rs 5,895 crore in GST revenue last month, compared to Rs 5,257 crore in July 2024.
"I am pleased to announce that West Bengal has reported a significant 12 percent year-on-year growth in gross GST collections for July 2025, achieving a total of Rs 5,895 crore, as opposed to Rs 5,257 crore in the same month last year, according to provisional figures released by the Union government," she stated.
"The cumulative growth rate for our state’s GST revenue until July stands at 7.71 percent. This indicates a consistent improvement in business and consumption in West Bengal, reflecting a positive economic outlook," CM Banerjee concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the concerns raised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the NRC and its potential implications for citizens in West Bengal. Her call for vigilance in voter registration aligns with the broader discourse on citizenship and national identity. While her criticisms of the Union government's actions deserve scrutiny, it's imperative to maintain an unbiased perspective that fosters constructive dialogue.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRC?
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a list intended to document all legal citizens of India. Its primary aim is to identify illegal immigrants.
What did Mamata Banerjee say about the NRC?
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led Union government of trying to impose the NRC in Bengal through the Election Commission's SIR exercise.
How does the NRC affect West Bengal?
The NRC could potentially disenfranchise many citizens in West Bengal, particularly those who may not have adequate documentation to prove their citizenship.
What is the significance of voter registration?
Voter registration is crucial for ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in elections and have their voices heard.
What recent economic achievement was mentioned?
Mamata Banerjee highlighted a 12 percent year-on-year growth in gross GST collections for July 2025 in West Bengal.
