In a significant political statement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the commitment of the government to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at the ET Now-Global Business summit, Shah emphasized that the CAA is not aimed at stripping anyone of their citizenship but rather at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, which was passed by the Parliament in December 2019, seeks to provide Indian nationality to persecuted minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians — from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. The Act excludes Muslims from its purview, which has sparked debates and controversies since its introduction.
Shah clarified that the CAA fulfills a promise made by the Congress government during the partition era to provide refuge and citizenship to minorities facing persecution in neighboring countries. He criticized the Congress for backtracking on its commitment and creating confusion regarding the implementation of the CAA.
Addressing concerns about the Act’s implications for Indian Muslims, Shah reiterated that the CAA does not pose any threat to their citizenship. He emphasized that the Act is solely focused on granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from specific neighboring countries and does not have provisions for revoking anyone’s citizenship.
The Home Minister expressed concern over attempts to provoke minorities in India, particularly Muslims, regarding the CAA. He underscored the humanitarian aspect of the Act, highlighting its intention to provide shelter and support to persecuted communities seeking refuge in India.
Shah’s remarks come amid ongoing debates and protests over the CAA across the country. Critics argue that the Act discriminates against Muslims and undermines the secular fabric of India’s citizenship laws. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that the Act is a humanitarian gesture aimed at providing relief to persecuted religious minorities.
Apart from discussing the CAA, Shah also delved into the political landscape leading up to the Lok Sabha elections. He expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), predicting a landslide victory. Shah asserted that the BJP is poised to secure 370 seats, while the NDA as a whole is expected to cross the 400-seat mark in the upcoming polls.
Shah framed the electoral contest as a battle between development and empty rhetoric, signaling the BJP’s emphasis on its track record of governance and developmental initiatives. He highlighted the government’s commitment to various socio-economic reforms and infrastructure projects aimed at fostering growth and prosperity.
Touching upon the sensitive issue of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shah underscored the longstanding demand of the people for the construction of the temple at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. He lamented the delays caused by political considerations and legal hurdles, attributing them to the politics of appeasement.
Overall, Shah’s statements reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act and addressing concerns regarding its implications. They also provide insight into the BJP’s electoral strategy and its focus on development and cultural issues ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.