In a staunch defense of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the legislation is not aimed at discriminating against Muslims. Shah accused the Opposition of peddling falsehoods and indulging in what he termed as “politics of lies.” “I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen,” said Mr Shah in an ANI interview.
He further emphasized that the CAA is intended to offer citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighbouring countries, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who entered India before December 31, 2014. He clarified that Muslims still have the right to apply for citizenship through existing constitutional provisions.
Brushing aside any possibility of reconsideration, Shah asserted, “Even INDI alliance knows that it will not come to power. CAA has been brought by the BJP, and the Narendra Modi-led government has brought it. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness across the nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place,” in response to queries about potential protests against its implementation.
Taking a direct jab at the Opposition, Shah condemned their criticisms and doubts about the law’s constitutionality. He argued that the CAA does not violate Article 14, asserting that it provides a clear and reasonable classification for those facing religious persecution in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh due to the partition.
The Home Minister also addressed the timing of implementing the law, dismissing accusations of political opportunism. He reiterated that the BJP had declared its intention to bring the CAA in its 2019 manifesto and subsequently passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in both houses of Parliament in 2019. Shah attributed the delay in implementation to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized that the BJP had been transparent about its agenda.
Shah further criticized the Opposition for allegedly engaging in appeasement politics and attempting to consolidate their vote bank. He pointed out their past skepticism towards crucial national decisions, such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the historical context behind the CAA, Shah underscored the plight of minorities who faced persecution and violence during the partition. He accused the Opposition of deviating from their initial stance and resorting to divisive politics for personal gains.
Responding to allegations from Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee regarding the potential disenfranchisement of minorities, Shah challenged her to provide evidence of such provisions within the law. He accused Banerjee of attempting to sow discord between Hindus and Muslims for political advantage.
Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the CAA while accusing the Opposition of spreading misinformation to undermine its objectives. He urged citizens to see through what he termed as “politics of lies” and support the government’s efforts to provide refuge to persecuted minorities.
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