Yes, BJP govt is considering to introduce NRC in Karnataka: Home Minister

Bengaluru, Oct 3: In a move that may create chaos across the state, chief minister B S Yediyurappa led BJP government is considering to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Karnataka.

Home minister Basavaraj Bommai said today stated that the state government was collecting information on immigrants in the state and will proceed on working toward Assam-like NRC after a discussion with the central government. 

Mr Bommai told reporters: “There is a talk on the implementation of NRC across India. We are one of the states where people across the border have come and settled down. We are collecting information and will discuss with Union home ministry and go ahead.”

“Especially in Bengaluru and other cities, people have come from other states and countries in large numbers. Some of them have even been involved in criminal activities, this has come to our notice. We will soon take a decision on this, we will take a decision this week,” he said. 

The development comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the law will be implemented across India to identify illegal immigrants who will be deported. Mr Shah had stated: “I today want to assure Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist &Christian refugees, you will not be forced to leave India by the Centre. Don't believe rumours. Before NRC, we will bring Citizenship Amendment Bill, which will ensure these people get Indian citizenship.” He had apparently omitted Muslims.

The final NRC for Assam, published on August 31, had excluded 1.9 million of the 33 million applicants. Many political parties and groups have denounced the list saying it has included names of illegal immigrants while indigenous people have been left out.