Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has clarified that the issuance of an NRC (National Register of Citizens) notice to a resident of West Bengal was a judicial move, not an executive one. His statement comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns over the notice issued to Uttam Kumar Brajabasi by Assam’s Foreigners Tribunal.
Brajabasi, a member of the Rajbanshi community, has claimed residence in Dinhata, Cooch Behar (West Bengal), for over five decades. Reacting to his receiving an NRC notice, Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP-led Assam government, calling the act “a systematic assault on democracy” and an “unconstitutional overreach.”
However, CM Sarma stated that the notice stemmed from a legal oversight rather than a state-driven agenda. “The tribunal process is independent, and the state had already recommended withdrawal of the case as the individual belongs to the Post-Rajbanshi community,” he explained.
According to Sarma, the individual’s legal representatives failed to inform the tribunal about the government’s withdrawal recommendation. “Had the advocate conveyed this to the tribunal, the case would have been dropped. Unfortunately, both of his advocates missed this crucial step,” he added.
Sarma further revealed that Brajabasi had previously resided in the Rehabari locality of Guwahati before relocating to Dinhata in West Bengal. The Chief Minister reassured the public that his government is committed to protecting the Koch-Rajbanshi community and has already moved to dismiss similar cases.
Mamata Banerjee, however, continued to criticize the move publicly, stating, “It is proof that the ruling BJP dispensation in Assam is attempting to implement NRC in Bengal, where it holds no power or jurisdiction. A premeditated attempt is being made to intimidate, disenfranchise, and target marginalised communities.”
The issue has triggered fresh tensions between the governments of Assam and West Bengal, with the NRC process once again emerging as a flashpoint in national politics.
