Centre Implements CAA Ahead of Elections; Opposition Raises Criticisms

New Delhi: After four years since the Citizenship (Amendment) Act received approval from the President but was suspended due to widespread protests across the country, the government on Monday announced its intention to implement the law by issuing its guidelines before the Lok Sabha elections.

These guidelines will allow religious minorities facing persecution in Pakistan,  Afghanistan  and Bangladesh to obtain Indian citizenship.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a message on X that individuals applying for citizenship should have entered India on or before December 31, 2014, to qualify.

With this announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled another promise and honored the commitment of the framers of our constitution to Hindus,  Christians,  Parsis, Sikhs,  Jains, and  Buddhists residing in those countries, Shah added.

Citizenship applications must be submitted exclusively online via a specific website. According to the guidelines, an applicant must upload on the website a sworn statement confirming the accuracy of the information provided in the application, along with a statement from an Indian citizen vouching for the applicant’s character.

The applicant also needs to submit a declaration stating that they possess sufficient proficiency in one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The applicant must also affirm that they will give up their citizenship of their original country if their application is approved.

More than 100 individuals died during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or as a result of police interventions in the years 2019-2020.

BJP Swiftly Promotes “Jo Kaha, So Kiya” Message Post-Notification

Immediately after the announcement, the BJP began promoting its message of “Jo Kaha, So Kiya,” meaning they have done what they promised.

They also tried to amplify the “Modi Ki Guarantee,” campaign on the day. The campaign tells people about the achievements including building the Ram Mandir, revoking special status for Jammu and Kashmir, firm action against terrorism, welfare initiatives, and rapid development of infrastructure.

Celebrations Within BJP Over Fulfillment of Electoral Promise

The BJP’s fulfillment of another electoral promise resulted in celebrations within the party, with senior leaders citing the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as proof of their commitment to fulfilling promises. The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act was included in the “Nation First” section of the BJP’s manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Seema Haider and Family Celebrate in Noida Following Announcement of CAA Rules

Seema Haider, a Pakistani citizen who entered India illegally in May of the previous year with the intention to marry Sachin Meena, an Indian citizen she met online, was seen celebrating with her family members in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, after the Indian government announced the rules regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Haider and her family were pictured holding the Indian national flag and posters of Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath.

Yogi Commends Nationwide Implementation of CAA

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the Central government’s choice to enforce the Citizenship (Amendment) Act nationwide, describing it as a significant decision that brings happiness to humanity.

Bhajan Lal Sharma Applauds Implementation of CAA

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his thanks to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act throughout the nation.

Smriti Irani: March 11, 2024, Historic as CAA Becomes Reality Under Modi’s Guarantee

Union Minister Smriti Irani declared on X that March 11, 2024, was a historic day as the Citizenship Amendment Act became a reality under the guarantee of Modi.

Irani mentioned that this day will be remembered in history, emphasizing that the Citizenship Amendment Act, conceptualized by the Modi government, aimed to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains who faced persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh  and Afghanistan, and due to their religion and arrived in our country before December 31, 2014.

Delhi Tightens Security Measures Amidst Citizenship Act Implementation

Heavy police presence was seen around Jamia Millia Islamia on Tuesday morning, accompanied by tightened security measures in Delhi. Paramilitary personnel were engaged in patrols and flag marches following the enactment of the Citizenship Act, 2019 by the Centre.

On Monday evening, a group of Jamia Millia Islamia students protested against the implementation of the CAA on campus, prompting increased security measures and the deployment of paramilitary forces.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was ratified by Parliament on December 11, 2019, sparking nationwide protests, including in Delhi. The city experienced prolonged demonstrations in 2019-2020, with Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh becoming focal points.

In early 2020, communal riots broke out in northeastern Delhi over the CAA, resulting in 53 fatalities and over 500 injuries.

Following the Centre’s implementation of the CAA on Monday, the Delhi Police identified 43 hotspot areas in the northeast district and intensified patrols.

These areas, such as Khajoori Khas, Seemapuri, Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Mustafabad and Bhajanpura were closely monitored by law enforcement personnel.

Opposition Slams Centre Over CAA Rules Announcement Ahead of Elections

Opposition parties criticized the Centre on Monday for announcing the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. They accused the BJP of trying to create divisions and polarization in society before the upcoming general elections.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary  claimed that the announcement was another attempt by the government to divert attention from issues like the Supreme Court’s concerns regarding electoral bonds.

He accused the government of deliberately timing the notification just before the elections to polarize voters, particularly in West Bengal and Assam.

Kerala Chief Minister Rejects CAA, Vows Non-Implementation in the State

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the CAA, stating that it promotes communal division and declared that Kerala would not implement it.

Vijayan emphasized Kerala’s united opposition to the law, considering it divisive and against the principles of humanity and the nation’s traditions.

The CPI(M) leader criticized the idea of granting citizenship based on religion, labeling it as a violation of the Constitution and a challenge to India’s values and people.

Mamata Banerjee Vows to Oppose CAA if Rights of Certain Groups are Compromised

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledged strong opposition to the CAA if it discriminated against certain groups or infringed upon their citizenship rights.

Banerjee questioned the timing of the announcement just before the Lok Sabha polls, expressing concerns about its potential impact.

MK Stalin Condemns Implementation of CAA, Accuses Modi of Political Exploitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday that the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is an “attempt” by Narendra Modi to save his failing government by exploiting religious sentiments for political benefits.

He expressed that the citizens of the country will not forgive the BJP for introducing this divisive Citizenship Amendment Act and condemned the AIADMK, their supporters, for shamelessly backing it. Stalin concluded by saying that the people will give them a fitting punishment for their actions.

Thalapathy Vijay Criticizes Implementation of CAA, Urges Tamil Nadu Government to Prevent Enforcement

Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay criticized the Narendra Modi-led Central government on Monday for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

In a statement posted on the microblogging site X, Vijay expressed his disagreement with the implementation of the CAA.

A rough translation of his statement, originally released in Tamil, suggested that it is “not acceptable” to enforce the CAA, especially in an environment where all citizens of the country live in social harmony.

Vijay also urged the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to prevent the implementation of the law in Tamil Nadu.