After ten years in self-imposed exile from Bangladesh, writer Taslima Nasreen [Images] on Thursday sought Indian citizenship saying she "dreams of living in West Bengal, where I feel at home".

Taslima, who was in New Delhi, said she had faxed a letter to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil regarding the issue.

"I have not asked for any political asylum. I have just asked for residential permit or citizenship," the author said.

Asked why she wanted to live in West Bengal, she said, "I dream of living in Bengal, either East or West.

"East has already closed the door for me. It would be wonderful if I am allowed to stay in Kolkata or anywhere in West Bengal."

The writer was issued a death threat by fundamentalist outfits in Bangladesh in 1994 for her alleged blasphemous writings. She also faced a court case on charges of hurting religious sentiments.

Her novel Lajja, published in 1993 and depicting the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh soon after Babri Masjid demolition, was banned in Bangladesh.

Other books by Taslima, including Amar Meyebela, Utal Hawa and Nirbachita Column, also earned the wrath of the fundamentalists.