fazTimes media: Kolkata, July 8 – A major political situation has developed that may change the way politics works in the region. A notice from the Assam Foreigners Tribunal has caused a strong argument between political parties after being sent to a long-time resident of Cooch Behar in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the action "unconstitutional" and a harmful move that could hurt poor and vulnerable groups. She urged all opposition parties to come together against what she says is a "divisive and oppressive" plan pushed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The notice was given to Uttam Kumar Brajabasi, a 57-year-old man from the Rajbanshi community who says his family has lived in Dinhata, Cooch Behar, for generations. He is being asked to show he is an Indian citizen by July 15.

“He Is Not a Foreigner”—Mamata Speaks Out

The controversy started when Mamata Banerjee shared a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

She wrote:

“I am shocked and very upset to learn that the Foreigners Tribunal in Assam has sent a notice to Uttam Kumar Brajabasi, a Rajbanshi who has been living in Dinhata, Cooch Behar, for more than 50 years. Even though he has provided proper documents to prove his identity, he is being treated as a ‘foreigner’ or ‘illegal migrant’ just because of suspicion.”

Mamata’s message wasn’t just an expression of anger—it was a strong message to the rest of the political opposition. She called on all parties that are not part of the BJP to come together and fight against what she called the “targeting of communities” in Bengal through the use of Assam’s NRC process.

A Man Caught in Political Crossfire

Brajabasi’s story is very local, and that’s what makes the situation so alarming.

Talking on FaceTime from his simple home in Dinhata, Brajabasi said:

“My family has lived here for five generations. I went to school here, voted here, and worked my whole life in Cooch Behar. I’ve never even been to Assam except once, many years ago, for a wedding. Why am I being treated like a stranger in my country?”

He is worried he might be sent to a detention center, a fear that seems real because of what happened during Assam’s NRC process in 2019. Thousands of people, including old and poor individuals, were labeled “foreigners” even though they had what seemed like proper documents.

What Is the NRC, and Why Does It Matter Now?

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a controversial effort aimed at finding people who are not allowed to live in Assam. Even though it was supposed to only be for Assam, some political groups, especially the BJP, have suggested using it in other states too, like West Bengal.

Al Jazeera reports that more than 1.9 million people were excluded from the final NRC list in Assam in 2019.

9 million people were left out of the final NRC list in Assam in 2019. This has caused a lot of concern about whether the process is accurate, fair, and kind to those affected.

The notice sent to Brajabasi is seen by many as the first sign that the NRC might be spreading to Bengal, even though there is no official order or legal reason to do so.

TMC vs. BJP: A Battle of Words

The situation has turned into a big political fight. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) says the BJP is harassing Bengalis by pretending to act in the name of national security. The BJP has denied these claims.

BJP MLA Sushil Barman spoke to the media:

“This is just another false attack by the TMC. If people in Bengal are having problems, it’s the state government’s job to protect them. They should provide proof instead of just making loud speeches.”

On the other hand, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha (TMC) strongly disagreed with the BJP’s position, saying they are showing bias against Bengalis:

“The BJP is against Bengalis. They are doing this out of revenge because Bengal didn’t support them.”

Opposition Unity or Political Strategy?

Mamata Banerjee's call for unity among opposition parties comes at a strategic moment. With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching and the BJP working hard to gain support in rural and border areas, this event could become a key point for groups opposing the BJP.

As reported by BBC News, Mamata has been worried about the BJP's push for the NRC in Bengal. She has called it a "tool of exclusion" meant to change the makeup of voters.

Political analyst Dr. Ananya Chatterjee from Jadavpur University said:

"This isn't just about one person. It's part of a bigger political plan. Mamata is using this moment to show the BJP as not only authoritarian but also respectful of Bengal's culture. It's a smart and needed move."

Local Communities on Edge

In Dinhata and nearby villages in Cooch Behar, people are worried. Rumors are spreading quickly. Many are now afraid they might be next to get similar notices.

Rohit Das, a local farmer and neighbor of Brajabasi, said:

“If Uttam-da can be called a foreigner, then who is safe? We’ve all lived here for generations. This is causing fear, confusion, and unnecessary division.”

Community leaders from the Rajbanshi community, a Scheduled Tribe with deep roots in North Bengal, are planning to hold rallies. They want the Assam Tribunal to take back the notice and stop targeting people from Bengal.

What Are the Legal Implications?

Experts who study the constitution say that Assam's Foreigners Tribunal doesn't have the legal power to send notices to people living outside the state. If this is correct, the notice might not hold up in court.

Senior lawyer Pratik Sinha:

“It would be very unusual—and maybe even against the law—for a state government body to take action in another state. If this notice is taken to court, it could be ruled unconstitutional.”

He also said that this situation shows how important it is to have clear rules and guidelines for legal work between different states.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Notice

What started as a regular government notice sent to a man in a peaceful part of West Bengal has now turned into a serious political conflict. A notice related to the Assam NRC being sent to a resident of Bengal has created a new division in India's already divided political scene.

This issue is about a man's right to be part of the country, which is unquestionable in a democracy. As Mamata Banerjee increases her political statements and opposition parties think about their next moves, the big question is, is the NRC becoming a tool in the political fight over Bengal?

If that's the case, the effects could go far beyond Cooch Behar.

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