“India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Sparks New Controversy as Modi’s Government Moves Forward with Implementation”
Image Source:- The Indian Express
In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has officially notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), signaling the commencement of its implementation nationwide. The law, which facilitates Indian citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has been a subject of intense debate and protest since its enactment.
The ministry’s spokesperson announced on X that applications for citizenship under the CAA will be exclusively processed through an online portal, streamlining the procedure. This announcement follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier declaration that the law would be put into effect prior to the Lok Sabha elections.
The CAA, passed in 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from the aforementioned countries who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Despite widespread protests and opposition, Shah reiterated that the implementation of the CAA is inevitable, emphasizing that the law does not jeopardize anyone’s citizenship.
He reaffirmed this stance during an event, asserting that the CAA fulfills a longstanding promise made by the Congress government to provide refuge and citizenship to persecuted minorities.
In contrast, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains staunchly opposed to the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), vowing to prevent their implementation in the state and condemning what she perceives as divisive politics.
BJP hails decision, Opposition slams
On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, expressing gratitude towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their efforts in aiding minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
He described the decision as historic, emphasizing its significance in providing a dignified life for minority communities subjected to religious persecution in these countries. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma echoed similar sentiments, thanking PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for extending assistance to refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, ensuring their pathway to citizenship.
Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar took a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, highlighting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment to implementing the CAA’s rules and regulations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
However, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh raised concerns over the delay in implementing the rules, questioning the government’s motives and accusing the BJP of exploiting religious divides for political gains. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Centre, labeling the notification of CAA rules as a distraction from pressing issues affecting citizens’ livelihoods.
He denounced BJP’s politics of diversion, emphasizing public awareness of such tactics. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan vehemently opposed the CAA, denouncing it as a law that fosters communal division. He reaffirmed Kerala’s stance against implementing the CAA, emphasizing unity in opposition to what he perceived as a discriminatory and divisive legislation.
Author:- Apoorva Arora