West Bengal CM Raises Concerns Over Aadhaar Deactivation, Announces Alternative IDs
UIDAI confirmed no Aadhaar numbers were canceled and assured reactivation of any deactivated cards within days.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has raised concerns about the “deactivation” of Aadhaar cards in the state, particularly among the Matua and SC/ST communities. She has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her protest and seeking clarification on the matter. Banerjee has also announced that her government will provide alternative identification cards to those affected by the deactivation.
During a press conference, Banerjee stated that her government would launch an Aadhaar Grievances Portal to address the concerns of individuals whose Aadhaar cards have been deactivated..
Banerjee’s letter to the Prime Minister highlighted the lack of prior intimation or opportunity for the cardholders to be heard before their Aadhaar cards were deactivated. She also expressed concern about the potential impact on the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and the poor sections of society.
The Chief Minister suggested that the deactivation of Aadhaar cards was part of a larger plan to prepare the National Register of Citizens (NRC). She urged the Matua and SC/ST communities to understand the BJP’s intentions and assured them that her government would not allow the NRC or detention camps in Bengal.
Banerjee criticized the BJP-led central government, calling the deactivation of Aadhaar cards a “fascist conspiracy.” She accused the BJP of instigating violence and creating panic among the people. Banerjee also announced that her government would send a team to the Election Commission of India to address the issue.
In response to Banerjee’s concerns, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur assured that the deactivation process had been stopped, and those whose cards had been deactivated would get them back. He explained that the deactivation was due to a technical fault and urged people to submit their applications for reactivation.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also assured that all deactivated cards would be reactivated within 24 hours. He thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw for their intervention in the matter.
Meanwhile, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) clarified that no Aadhaar numbers had been canceled. The UIDAI assured that any deactivated cards would be reactivated in a few days.
Banerjee reaffirmed her dedication to providing assistance to beneficiaries of state-run welfare programs, even if they lack an Aadhaar card. She urged individuals to disregard any false information and assured them that her administration would take appropriate measures to resolve their issues.
By – Kashish Jain
