West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised strong objections against the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kalyani, alleging that the institute is carrying out a National Register of Citizens (NRC) survey in the guise of a mental health assessment. Speaking at a public meeting, Banerjee claimed that several patients and their families had reported being asked questions unrelated to medical treatment but resembling the information sought in NRC documentation.
According to her, the line of questioning included details about family origins, place of birth, and documentation related to citizenship. Banerjee argued that such practices go beyond the scope of medical assessment and amount to indirect attempts to conduct an NRC exercise. She accused the central government of using institutions to instill fear among people, particularly targeting marginalized communities who already face difficulties in accessing proper documentation.
Banerjee’s allegations come in the backdrop of the larger national debate on NRC and citizenship issues. She has consistently opposed the NRC, maintaining that such initiatives cause anxiety and insecurity among common people, especially those belonging to economically weaker sections. In her remarks, she reiterated that her government would not allow any form of NRC exercise in West Bengal, whether direct or indirect.
The Chief Minister said, “Hospitals are places for treatment and healing, not for conducting surveys that create fear. People visit AIIMS Kalyani for medical care, not to be interrogated about their citizenship status. If such practices are true, then it is highly condemnable.”
The statement has triggered a fresh round of political exchanges between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While TMC leaders have backed Banerjee’s claim, accusing the central government of misusing medical institutions, BJP leaders have dismissed the allegation as an attempt to stir unnecessary controversy. They said the Chief Minister is politicizing healthcare to divert attention from governance challenges in the state.
Healthcare experts have also expressed mixed views. Some pointed out that surveys related to mental health often involve personal and family-related questions, but they acknowledged that such questions must remain strictly within the boundaries of medical relevance. If patients perceive the process as intimidating or unrelated to treatment, it undermines trust in healthcare systems.
The controversy has also raised questions about transparency in medical data collection. Civil society organizations have demanded clarity from AIIMS Kalyani regarding the nature of the survey and whether it had official approval. They argue that while health assessments are necessary, they must not create the impression of surveillance or political interference.
As the issue continues to develop, many observers believe it could become a significant point of contention in state politics. With elections on the horizon, the TMC is expected to use the matter to strengthen its opposition to central government policies, while the BJP is likely to counter by accusing Banerjee of spreading misinformation.
For citizens, the core concern remains the assurance that medical institutions function solely for healthcare purposes. Whether AIIMS Kalyani responds with clarification will determine how this controversy shapes both public opinion and the ongoing political narrative in West Bengal.
