Kolkata/IBNS: In a startling remark, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Kalyani was conducting National Register of Citizens (NRC) surveys on the pretext of a mental health drive.

During a press conference at her office Nabanna, the Chief Minister alleged the central medical university and hospital was collecting data for NRC as per the directives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that rules the Centre.

She has also warned the general public to not provide any details if they are asked for.

Mamata says, "... what they are doing now is under the pretext of mental health, they are conducting NRC surveys. I want to appeal to the general public if any organisation visits your home in the name of conducting surveys, please make inquiries with the state government. If the state government carries out any survey, you will be duly informed. But the state government will not assume responsibility for these acts."

"In the name of mental health, why are houses being visited and surveys conducted to work for a political party? Why not work directly for the party instead of hiding behind various agencies? I would also like to tell AIIMS focus on your duty of treating patients properly. We have supported you tremendously in the past and we will continue to do so in the future but please do not indulge in these games."

Mamata went to the extent to even allege that the various agencies are conducting surveys to remove names from the voter list.

"The state government has its own mental health department. This is the work of the state government, not yours. Yet, various agencies and organisations are visiting households, conducting surveys and seeking to remove names from the voter list. Hence stay aware and vigilant. Do not provide any details to anybody except for the state government officials," she said.

Mamata earlier accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of conducting NRC in the name of Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Though she initially said SIR won't be allowed in West Bengal, the Chief Minister later backtracked and said no genuine voter should be removed from the voters' list.

Reacting to the allegations against AIIMS, Leader of Opposition and BJP strongman Suvendu Adhikari took a dig at Mamata saying she is having "sleepless nights".

"She is having sleepless nights and hallucinating NRC. She is tagging SIR with NRC just like she did earlier during CAA. Her remarks are anti-Constitutional and anti-national. We feel ashamed to have her at the helm of the state."