India not a ‘dharamshala’, says Amit Shah on NRC

Describing illegal immigration as a threat to the country, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said that Indians have the right to the country's resources, and it is not a 'dharamshala' where illegal immigrants can come to settle down.

Speaking at an event organised by the Dainik Jagran media group Shah said, "NRC should not be seen by connecting it with the BJP only. It is a way to solve the country's basic problems. How is it possible that anyone can come and settle down here? The country cannot run like this. Those who are its citizens should stay here only and they only have the right to the resources of this country. This country is not a dharamshala (charitable shelter home) that anyone can come and settle down here."

Shah also said. "They [intruders] should be identified. Delete their names from the electoral roll."

Assam, which faced an influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having a National Register of Citizens (NRC), first prepared in 1951. It is being updated under the monitoring of the Supreme Court.