Bharatiya Janata Party, Asom Gana Parishad Flay Mamata Banerjee over ‘provocative statements’ on NRC

Bharatiya Janata Party, Asom Gana Parishad Flay Mamata Banerjee over ‘provocative statements’ on NRC

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Two alliance partners of the ruling dispensation of the State — the BJP and the AGP — have come down heavily on the latest stand taken by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with reference to the ongoing NRC (National Register of Citizens) process. Flaying Banerjee for issuing “provocative statements aimed at maximizing political mileage keeping in view the 2019 Lok Sabha polls”, both the parties also warned that “such an act is aimed to create differences among the Assamese and Bengalis residing in Assam”.

These views were expressed by BJP leader and Parliamentary Affairs, Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary as well as by AGP president and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora while addressing media persons separately here today.

Apprehending that such “irresponsible comments by the Chief Minister of a neighbouring State can create a serious situation besides driving a wedge between the Bengali-speaking and the Assamese-speaking populace in Assam”, Chandra Mohan Patowary stated that “the government would not then remain silent”.

The ongoing NRC work primarily concerning the people of Assam has been carried out on the directive and under the close supervision and monitoring of the Supreme Court, Patowary said pointing out that “Banerjee’s statements are tantamount to contempt of court”. He further asked Banerjee not to issue such statements at the behest of some vested circles and urged her to use her discretion.

Similarly, Atul Bora also castigated Banerjee for making “provocative comments” on the NRC. The NRC updating work has elicited support from all citizens, Bora pointed out adding that “some political parties including the TMC (Trinamool Congress) are trying to give a wrong picture on the NRC.”

Stating that “the NRC is a tribute to more than 855 martyrs of the Assam Agitation”, Bora said: “It is also one of the main demands of the Assamese people as enunciated in the Assam Accord.” He asked Banerjee “not to twist the facts and create divisions among the people of Assam.”

When asked about the proposed two-day Assam visit of the eight-member TMC members from tomorrow, both Patowary and Bora said that “all have the right to visit Assam, but there should not be any hidden agenda behind such visits.” Both the leaders further pointed out that “the NRC is a vital tool to identify infiltrators who have posing a serious threat not only to Assam but also the entire nation.”

Meanwhile, according to State TMC committee, the members of the visiting party team are: Shukhendu Shekhar Roy (MP), Nadim ul Haque (MP), Appita Ghosh (MP), Mamata Balathakur (MP), Dr Ratna Dey Nag (MP), Firhad Hakim (Minister of West Bengal), Mohua Moitra (MLA), and Dr Kakloi Ghosh Dastidar (MP). The team would reach Silchar on Thursday and visit Guwahati the following day.

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