West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised strong objections to a survey being conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Kalyani, alleging that the exercise—ostensibly on mental health—was in fact aimed at collecting data for a future National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Speaking at a press conference in Nabanna on Monday following a state cabinet meeting, Ms Banerjee warned citizens against sharing personal information with surveyors. “I have learnt that AIIMS Kalyani, for which we had given land, is carrying out a survey in the name of mental health, but the real purpose is NRC,” she told reporters.

The Chief Minister further stressed that the state government had no involvement in the survey. “If the state conducts such an exercise, people will be informed beforehand. But this direct involvement in political work is not acceptable. I urge AIIMS not to play this game,” she said, cautioning residents to “stay alert and not provide details to anyone.”

According to sources, Ms Banerjee also flagged the matter during the cabinet meeting, reiterating that health was a subject under the state list and accusing a central institution of overstepping its mandate.

AIIMS Kalyani has since issued a statement clarifying its position, although details of the clarification remain limited.

The controversy touches a raw nerve in West Bengal, where the NRC—implemented in Assam in 2019—remains a politically charged issue.