Mamata says Aadhaar deactivation political vendetta; grievance portal activated
On Monday, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her administration would issue substitute identification cards to individuals whose Aadhaar cards have been “deactivated”.
She also mentioned the commencement of an Aadhaar grievance portal, starting Tuesday.
The link to the portal, named ‘Rajyer Aadhaar Samasyar Portal, Govt of West Bengal’ is https://rajyeraadharsamasyar.in/.
“I vehemently condemn the reckless deactivation of Aadhaar cards, particularly targeting SC, ST and OBC communities in West 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.
We are all CITIZENS of India. Every resident can avail GoWB’s welfare benefits, irrespective of whether they have Aadhaar cards or not,” she posted on her X handle, along with a letter to the prime minister.
About the Aadhaar Grievances Portal, Banerjee said during a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna:
“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 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 necessary action. If needed, we will issue a separate card so that nobody is deprived of any of our social welfare schemes.”
Banerjee remarked that the underlying aim of the deactivation of the Aadhaar cards was to facilitate the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Expressing her concern, she urged the Matua and SC/ST communities to recognise the BJP’s agenda.
She pointed out that a considerable portion of those affected by the deactivation belonged to the Matua and SC/ST communities. She pledged to oppose the unilateral withdrawal of rights of the people of Bengal.
