"A sinister plot before the Lok Sabha Elections": Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi over the deactivation of Aadhar Cards in Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged "reckless deactivation" of Aadhar Cards by the Central government, particularly of those belonging to the SC, ST and OBC communities in the state. Earlier in the day, Banerjee had announced the formation of an "Aadhaar Grievance Portal of West Bengal Government" for those whose Aadhaar Cards have been deactivated.

Taking to social media platform "X", Banerjee "vehemently condemned" the Center's alleged "unilateral decision" in the deactivation of Aadhar cards of individuals across Bengal. "The Centre's unilateral decision to deactivate Aadhaar cards without any prior investigation or consultation with the State Govt. is a sinister plot to deprive eligible beneficiaries of welfare schemes, conveniently timed before the Lok Sabha Elections," posted Mamata Banerjee. The West Bengal Chief Minister further added that all residents of the state can avail the state government's welfare schemes irrespective of whether they have Aadhaar cards or not.

"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, wrote Mamata Banerjee in her letter addressed to PM Modi. She also said that the state government was not given any prior information about these deactivation drives and stated how such acts stand as a "gross violation" of Regulation 29(1) of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations 2016.

"I would like to know from you about the causes for such sudden action of de-activation of Aadhaar Cards without assigning reasons is it just for the sake of depriving the eligible beneficiaries of the benefit or to create a panic situation among the people at large just before the ensuing Lok Sabha Elections?" wrote Mamata questioning the "suddenness" of the action.

The West Bengal Chief Minister added that the action of alleged deactivation of Aadhar Cards "against the interest of" Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes is "really shocking."

During a press conference on Monday, Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the BJP-led Union Government for "playing with the Aadhaar cards and trying to deprive people of their rights", she asserted that the people of the country will oust such forces from power. "We will issue a separate card that will help in protecting the rights of the people. We will launch an Aadhaar Grievance Portal from the State Government. Those whose Aadhaar card has been deactivated should inform us as soon as possible," said Banerjee chalking out an alternative for the "deprived" people.

The Trinamool Congress Supremo said that the people of Bengal will continue to enjoy the benefits of all of the state government's welfare schemes with or without an Aadhaar Card. "We will not put up with such forces. I will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I will make sure that NRC is not implemented in Bengal. This is not Assam, Rajasthan, or Madhya Pradesh," said Mamata Banerjee adding that alternative cards have been created for the people and would be distributed over the next of days.

West Bengal leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari hit back at Mamata Banerjee for her claims, stating that the deactivation of the Aadhar Cards of some people in the state was a consequence of a technical glitch in the regional Aadhaar processing office in Ranchi. “I urge everyone not to believe any gossip or misinformation. The Chief Minister is unnecessarily trying to create panic... No one should be worried. I have spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Both have assured that whatever complications that have surfaced will be resolved within 24 hours,” said the BJP leader.