New Delhi: The Congress criticized the Modi government's decision to notify the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) rules, suggesting that the move just ahead of Lok Sabha election dates is aimed at polarizing elections, particularly in West Bengal and Assam.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the delay in notifying CAA rules and questioned the timing, stating that it appears designed to influence the elections.
The CAA, aiming to grant citizenship to certain religious groups, has been a contentious issue since its passage in December 2019.
The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955, offering Indian citizenship to migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities. The Act's exclusion of Muslims sparked widespread protests in 2019, with critics accusing the government of undermining secular principles.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the fulfillment of another commitment with the implementation of CAA, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it BJP's election publicity. She expressed readiness to fight against the rules if they deprive people of their rights.
The opposition accused the government of playing a political game, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav terming it a distraction tactic.