Mamata Banerjee Holds Rally Against CAA: Effigies of Modi-Shah Burnt in Assam, CPI(M) Organizes Protest Rally in Kerala

On March 11, the central government implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the country, sparking continuous opposition from opposition parties. Today, in Siliguri, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a rally against the CAA. 

West Bengal Minister Arup Biswas stated that the roadshow in Siliguri will commence from Road Show Maidan and conclude at Venus More, with Mamata Banerjee participating in the procession.

Meanwhile, protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act have also erupted in Kerala. In Assam, 30 indigenous organizations and 16 opposition parties have united in opposition. 

Yesterday, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) called for a 12-hour hunger strike in the state. The fervent opposition against the CAA underscores the widespread discontent and ongoing debates surrounding citizenship rights in India.

Mamata Warns of Discrimination Amid CAA Implementation

West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed concerns over the lack of clarity in the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating that they foster discrimination within society. 

Addressing a gathering in Habra, North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, Mamata remarked that it was due to the CAA that she opposed the National Register of Citizens (NRC). She urged people to apply for citizenship under the law and emphasized the importance of thorough consideration before submitting applications.

Further elaborating, Mamata voiced her apprehension that current citizens might face discrimination as undocumented immigrants are first declared and then granted new citizenship. Her remarks underscore the broader debate surrounding the implications of the CAA and the potential ramifications on social harmony within the country.

CPI(M), LDF, and UDF Organize Rallies in Kerala

In Kerala, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has also voiced its opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In a statement, the party alleged that the rules associated with the CAA are linked in some way to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and expressed concerns that it might target Muslims of Indian origin.

On the other hand, both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) organized rallies on Tuesday to condemn this decision. The BJP’s state president, K Surendran, accused the LDF and the UDF of dividing people amid the CAA controversy. He stated that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is leading the people in the wrong direction.

Protests Erupt in Assam, Effigies of Modi and Shah Burned

Assam witnessed widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with effigies of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah being burnt, alongside demonstrations to expose alleged discrepancies in the implementation of the law. Demonstrators in Assam claim that after the enforcement of the CAA, millions of people will enter the state.

According to sources within the Assam Police, barricades have been erected at various locations in Guwahati to prevent protests from escalating. Many police stations have been fortified with makeshift barricades in anticipation of potential unrest. Political analysts speculate that if the current agitation turns violent, it could impact all 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Home Ministry States: Indian Muslims Need Not Fear CAA

The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not have any impact on the citizenship and rights of Indian Muslims. On Tuesday, March 12, the central government made efforts to clarify the rules of the CAA. The Home Ministry emphasized that Indian Muslims can continue to exercise their rights in the country just like Hindus, without any discrimination.