Bengal CM Mamata Writes To PM Modi Over Aadhaar ‘Deactivations’, Announces Alternative

Accusing the BJP of engaging in a "fascist conspiracy," Banerjee claimed that the party's actions aim to strip people of their rights without consent.

File Photo Of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Source : PTI Images

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Monday that her government would issue alternative identification cards to people facing Aadhaar card deactivation. She also announced the launch of an Aadhaar Grievances Portal starting Tuesday. Writing to PM Modi, the CM "vehemently" condemned the "reckless deactivation" of Aadhaar cards in the state.  

Speaking at a press conference, Banerjee encouraged people to report Aadhaar deactivation on the portal, assuring the provision of alternative IDs along with necessary actions to ensure citizens continue receiving social welfare benefits. 

"I will ask people to inform the portal if their Aadhaar card has been deactivated. Will give them an alternative identification card, take their photos, and issue the same so that the people of Bengal are not deprived of the benefits they get. Don’t worry if an Aadhaar card isn’t there. We will issue another card. We will take the necessary action. If needed we will issue a separate card so that nobody is deprived of any of our social welfare schemes," Banerjee said. 

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "We will give a separate card to those whose names are being struck off... We will not let any poor person go wrong. We have prepared a portal named 'Aadhaar Grievance Portal of West Bengal Government'. Those whose Aadhaar card has… pic.twitter.com/qf2pkvbJ1x

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

In a letter addressed to PM Modi, Banerjee indicated that she believes the deactivation is connected to the preparation of the National Register of Citizens, alleging that those affected are predominantly from the Matua and SC/ST communities. She vowed not to permit the implementation of the NRC and detention camps in Bengal.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Narendra Modi

"I vehemently condemn the reckless deactivation of Aadhaar cards, particularly targeting SC, ST and OBC communities in West Bengal... We are all citizens of India. Every resident can avail West Bengal Government's… pic.twitter.com/tKQeFzrVsd

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

Accusing the BJP of engaging in a "fascist conspiracy," Banerjee claimed that the party's actions aim to strip people of their rights without consent. She announced plans to send a team to the Election Commission of India to address the issue.

"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. We are ready to give our blood but we are not going to exclude any person from West Bengal," Banerjee said. 

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "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... We are… pic.twitter.com/qDbpiLK77t

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

In response to Banerjee's remarks, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur assured that those facing Aadhaar deactivation would have their cards reinstated. He attributed the deactivation to technical faults and urged affected individuals to submit their details for resolution.

"The Union Home Ministry has already clarified that the deactivation process has been halted, and those whose cards have already been deactivated will receive them back. I have been given the responsibility of accepting applications from those individuals. Simply write your name, phone number, and Aadhaar number, along with the message that it has been deactivated. I'll submit it to the home ministry, and the problem will be solved. I have already stated that it was due to a technical error," Thakur said, reported by Indian Express. 

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari dismissed Banerjee's claims, stating that Aadhaar cards would be reactivated within 24 hours. He appreciated the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and MOS Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.

UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has issued clarification that no Aadhar Card has been cancelled.

I urge everyone not to believe any gossip or misinformation.
The Chief Minister is unnecessarily trying to create panic. No one should be worried:- pic.twitter.com/ynVnkOEmK8

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) February 19, 2024

Meanwhile, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) clarified that no Aadhaar numbers had been cancelled, countering Banerjee's assertions. The UIDAI's statement aims to dispel concerns and misinformation, urging the public not to be alarmed by the Chief Minister's announcements.