India’s government has announced plans to implement the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has drawn criticism for its perceived anti-Muslim bias. The law, passed in 2019, aims to provide citizenship to non-Muslim religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who are facing persecution. This move has sparked protests that resulted in casualties and arrests.
According to the country’s home affairs minister Amit Shah, the rules for the CAA have now been finalized, and eligible individuals can apply for Indian citizenship online. The implementation of the CAA has been a key promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming elections.
Critics argue that the law is exclusionary and violates secular principles outlined in India’s constitution, as it does not extend to refugees from non-Muslim majority countries. There are also concerns that the CAA, along with a proposed national register of citizens, could be used to target Muslims in India.
Opposition parties have criticized the timing of the law’s implementation, suggesting that it is politically motivated as PM Modi seeks re-election for a third time. Protests have already begun in states like Assam and Kerala, with some leaders vowing not to enforce the law in their regions.
The contentious nature of the CAA reflects the complex historical and political landscape of India, highlighting divisions over citizenship and religion. As the country prepares for elections, the debate over the law is likely to intensify, underscoring the deep-rooted challenges of identity and inclusion in the world’s largest democracy.
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