Four million Assam residents stateless?

When the Opposition rejected his contention with protests, he retorted, "Better if you decide what the Government’s role in this was."

Rajnath Singh also said the NRC’s recording of 2.89 crore as Indian citizens was still not final as those left out can make claims and raise objections after August 28. They will get two-three months and then disposal of their representations will take further time.

The disposals will be carried out by a high-level body and the Supreme Court will decide the date for the final publication of NRC, Singh said, noting that those deprived of citizenship would still have the opportunity to move the Foreign Nationals Tribunal.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day after three adjournments. Singh had rushed to the House in the afternoon to respond to the Opposition, but he could not speak because of the ruckus. The Opposition walked out in the Lok Sabha with the government trying to wash its hands of the torment of those becoming "non-citizens."

Congress spokesman Anand Sharma announced that the party was convening a meeting of all opposition parties to take a stand on the issue which has the potential of igniting communal riots not only in Assam but also in other parts of the country.

Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien pressed for discussion on a notice by him on the NRC. He told the Chair: "It is not a political issue sir, but a question of human rights, a humanitarian issue, a national issue and we need to look after Indian citizens."

The Chairman was unmoved and said he would give the opportunity on Tuesday morning at the beginning of the session. However, O'Brien did not relent and the House had to be adjourned for the day.