The National Register of Citizens (NRC) has been left without a guardian after State Coordinator Prateek Hajela was transferred following the Supreme Court order. Though the Assam government has appointed Hitesh Dev Sarma as the successor of Hajela, his appointment drew criticism from different sections of society.

The orderregarding appointment of Hitesh Dev Sarma was passed on November 9 and thegovernment asked him to take charge of the NRC within two days, but he had notjoined the office of NRC as the Assam government itself did not provide him therequired clearance certificate from his previous department.

It may be mentioned here that HD Sarma's social media posts have gone viral across all political spectrums and bureaucracy and questions were raised about his impartiality in the NRC process. Later, various political leaders and organisation asked CM Sarbananda Sonowal to appoint an impartial person to replace Hajela. According to sources, CM Sarbananda Sonowal asked Hitesh Dev Sarma to lay low following the controversy erupted over his series of social media outburst against Prateek Hajela.

Meanwhile,Sarma reportedly took leave on one-month from November 15 to December 15, andthe NRC has been left without a guardian.