Mamata Banerjee Criticizes CAA, Calls It a Trap with Legal Ambiguity
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), calling it a lack of legal clarity and a ploy aimed at political gains. In her recent address, Banerjee accused the BJP-led government of hastily implementing the CAA to secure votes in Bengal, especially targeting communities with roots in Bangladesh.
Expressing doubts over the validity of the CAA, Banerjee questioned its adherence to constitutional principles such as equality and right to life. He cautioned against applying for citizenship under the CAA, warning that it could strip individuals of their rights, property and employment opportunities.
Banerjee highlighted the challenges that many people will face in proving their citizenship status, especially in the absence of proper documentation such as birth certificates. He stressed that implementing the CAA with the onset of Ramzan sent a disturbing message and reiterated his commitment to oppose any attempts to set up detention camps.
Additionally, Banerjee criticized the lack of clarity in the CAA regarding caste-based reservations and cautioned against the possible consequences of its linkage with the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He argued that the CAA, coupled with the NRC, could lead to large-scale disenfranchisement and loss of livelihoods.
Union Minister Shantanu Thakur refuted Banerjee’s allegations, saying the purpose of the CAA is to give refugees the right to permanent citizenship, and not to deprive anyone of their rights.
Banerjee’s strong stance against the CAA underlines the ongoing debate over its implementation and its impact on citizenship and communal harmony in India.
