BJP candidate from Kurseong B.P. Bajgain’s statement that the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam has not affected 1 lakh Gorkhas there has triggered condemnation from the community of the neighbouring state.

Bajgain, at a public meeting at Monteviot in Kurseong on Wednesday, said: “In Assam, the NRC has been implemented, has any Gorkha said that this has caused (them) suffering? They (the Opposition) are saying one lakh Gorkhas have been affected. If (the Opposition) can place even one report about 1 lakh Gorkhas, I will not contest the election.”

Nanda Kirati Dewan of Assam, the president of the apolitical Bharatiya Gorkha Yuwa Parisangh, was among the first to condemn the statement late on Wednesday.

The issue became a talking point on Thursday, but Bajgain said he stood by what he said. “I have said if anyone can provide me a list of 1 lakh Gorkhas (in Assam) who have been affected by the NRC, I won’t contest polls. The figure of the affected Gorkhas is much less,” he said.

Non-BJP politicians were trying to “demonise the NRC”, Bajgain claimed, adding NRC-enlisted Gorkhas would never be doubted on their citizenship in future.

Dewan, over the phone from Guwahati, said Bajgain’s statement was misleading and demanded an apology.

“He clearly said not a single Gorkha was affected,” Dewan said, referring to the first part of Bajgain’s statement where he had asked if any Gorkha complained. “This is a misleading and an irresponsible statement. The process of documentation is difficult.”

Dewan said 23,000 Gorkhas had been earmarked Doubtful (D) voters. “If the head of a family is classified as a D-voter, his family members don’t find their names in the NRC. That’s why Gorkha outfits in Assam are coming to the conclusion that 1 lakh Gorkhas have been affected by the process,” said Dewan.