In a recent address at a social media warriors’ meet in Hyderabad’s Secunderabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party for its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, attributing it to what he described as “appeasement and vote-bank politics.” Shah’s remarks followed the implementation of the CAA by the Centre, marking over four years since its passage in Parliament.
“We had said we will bring CAA. The Congress party opposed the CAA. Since Independence, it was a promise of the Congress and makers of our Constitution that citizenship would be granted to those persecuted on religious grounds in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, who come (to India). But, due to appeasement and vote-bank politics, the Congress party opposed the CAA,” Shah asserted.
The CAA, introduced by the PM Modi-led government, aims to confer Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India till December 31, 2014, due to “religious persecution or fear of religious persecution.”
Shah emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s intention to honor refugees through the CAA, highlighting the plight of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities who fled persecution. He underscored the significance of granting citizenship to these individuals, citing instances where they felt “insulted” in their own countries due to the lack of recognition.
The implementation of the CAA drew swift criticism from opposition parties, with the Congress questioning the timing of the move. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh denounced the delay in notifying the rules, labeling it as another instance of the Prime Minister’s “blatant lies,” particularly in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In Assam, where protests against the CAA have been particularly fervent, Congress workers led by Debabrata Saikia staged a protest, expressing their discontent with the law. Similar sentiments reverberated across the nation, with several other opposition leaders condemning the CAA’s implementation.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the notified rules as “unconstitutional and discriminatory,” urging caution among citizens considering applying for citizenship under the law. She raised concerns over the legal validity of the rules and asserted that the CAA and its associated regulations contravene Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin dismissed the CAA as “divisive and bereft of any use,” declaring his intention not to implement it in his state. Stalin emphasized that the law fosters divisions among Indian citizens and called for its repeal.
The CAA’s introduction in Parliament in December 2019 sparked widespread protests across the country, particularly in Assam and other northeastern states. Critics argue that the law undermines India’s secular fabric by privileging citizenship based on religious identity. They express concerns over the exclusion of Muslim migrants from neighboring countries facing persecution, thus fueling accusations of discrimination.
In conclusion, the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act has reignited debates over India’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity. While proponents argue that the law offers refuge to persecuted minorities, opponents decry it as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The ongoing discourse surrounding the CAA underscores the complex interplay between religion, politics, and citizenship rights in India.
