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First Indian Citizenship in Goa Granted Under CAA to Christian Senior Citizen from Pakistan

August 28, 2024, 2:26 pm

A Christian senior citizen from Pakistan, now living in Goa, received an Indian citizenship certificate on Wednesday under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The certificate was presented by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Joseph Francis A. Pereira, currently residing in Cansaulim, South Goa, is the first person in the state to obtain Indian citizenship through the CAA. In an interview with ANI, Joseph expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for enacting the CAA.

“CAA was applied and within one month, the approval has come. I am very grateful to the CAA that was brought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” he said.

Joseph Pereira was the only applicant for citizenship, as his wife was already an Indian citizen. He explained, “I went to Pakistan in 1960 for my education and later worked in Bahrain for 37 years. After retiring in 2013, I came to Goa and have been living here with my family since then. There are many Goans in Pakistan, but I haven’t visited there since 1979. It was tough during my school years in Pakistan due to the lack of job opportunities.”

His wife, Martha Pereira, also spoke to ANI, mentioning that they had been trying to obtain citizenship since their marriage but faced many obstacles. “Since we got married, we have been applying, but nothing was working out. We applied through the CAA in June this year. Without the CAA, there would have been many hurdles,” she said. “I am thankful for whatever is happening in our case,” she added.

On this occasion, Goa CM Pramod Sawant stated that granting citizenship under the CAA is a matter of pride. “I thank the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Those who were in Pakistan or elsewhere have been seeking citizenship for nearly 60 years. Now, after the law has been passed, we are able to provide it, and it is a matter of pride for us,” he said.

The Citizenship Amendment Act allows Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Parsis, and Buddhists from neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) who entered India before December 31, 2014, to apply for citizenship after proper verification.

‘Congress, SP spreading lies on CAA’ Says PM Modi in Azamgarh Rally

May 16, 2024, 1:42 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Opposition on Thursday, accusing them of attempting to incite riots by spreading falsehoods about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

“The Prime Minister said that granting Indian citizenship to refugees has already started under CAA and that although those in the INDIA bloc claim they will remove it nobody can ‘end the CAA,'” the source said.

He said that the Congress had mistreated refugees for decades during an Azamgarh rally, citing the CAA as the most recent illustration of his administration’s devotion.

“Under the CAA, the process of granting refugees Indian citizenship has already begun… They are individuals who have to endure hardships as a result of the country’s religious division; they have all lived in our nation for a considerable amount of time,” Prime Minister Modi said.

He criticized the Congress, stating, “These (Congress) people climb the stairs of power taking the name of Mahatma Gandhi, but they don’t remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi.”

PM Modi emphasized that the CAA aims to grant citizenship to victims of partition, which has already commenced, and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation to incite violence.

“It’s Modi who has unmasked you. You are hypocrite, communal. You left this nation to burn in the communal fire for 60 years. I am saying it clearly, it’s Modi’s guarantee: ‘desh-videsh kahin se bhi, jo bhi taakat ikatthi karni hai kar lo’… You can’t end CAA. We are working of giving citizenship to those who are victims of partition, which has already started under CAA,” he added.

He highlighted the global recognition of India’s democracy and dismissed any possibility of reversing the decisions regarding Article 370 and the CAA.

“Desh mein koi maai ka laal paida hua hai jo CAA hata sake? (Has anyone been born in this country who can repeal the CAA?). Nobody can remove the CAA,” PM Modi emphasized.

On Wednesday, the central government issued the first set of citizenship certificates, two months after announcing the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The Union Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted the key features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014.

First Batch Of Citizenship Certificates Issued Under CAA, 14 Individuals Granted Indian Citizenship

May 15, 2024, 5:39 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday the issuance of the first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). A total of 14 individuals have been granted CAA certificates, according to official sources. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla personally presented citizenship certificates to select applicants in New Delhi today, as stated by the government in an official release.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-media-max-width=”560″><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. Home Secretary congratulated the applicants… <a href=”https://t.co/RBTYSreN9O”>pic.twitter.com/RBTYSreN9O</a></p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1790698031030972711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>May 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

In a related development, Home Minister Amit Shah accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation about CAA, affirming that “Matuas will get citizenship” and asserting that the implementation of CAA cannot be halted by the West Bengal CM.

Chidambaram pledges CAA repeal with INDIA bloc win

April 21, 2024, 12:50 pm

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government, accusing it of transforming into a cult that worships Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Against the dangers of such a trend, equating it with dictatorial tendencies and emphasizing the Speaking on Sunday, Chidambaram highlighted what he sees as a “grave erosion” of freedom of speech and expression during the ten-year rule of Modi.

Chidambaram’s remarks were part of a broader critique of the BJP’s governance style, which he characterized as moving away from traditional politics towards a cult of personality centered around Modi. He warned need to “restore democracy.”

“If Modi is voted back to power for the third time, he may amend the constitution…We have to restore democracy,” Chidambaram said.

One of the focal points of Chidambaram’s criticism was the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). While acknowledging that the CAA was not explicitly mentioned in the Congress manifesto, he pledged that it would be repealed once the INDIA bloc, which he represents, comes to power.

During his address, Chidambaram also expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the INDIA bloc, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. He criticized the BJP’s manifesto, which he claimed was hastily put together and labeled as “Modi’s guarantee,” suggesting a departure from traditional political processes.

“The BJP constituted the manifesto in 14 days which is not titled manifesto. They called it Modi’s guarantee. The BJP is no longer a political party. It has become a cult and the cult worships Narendra Modi,” Chidambaram said.

“That cult worship in India has started gaining strength and will lead to dictatorship,” he said.

Chidambaram’s comments come amid a charged political atmosphere leading up to elections, with discussions centered on governance, democracy, and fundamental rights. He highlighted unemployment as a significant challenge facing the country and emphasized the Congress manifesto’s focus on job creation and wealth generation, contrasting it with the CPI(M)’s silence on these issues.

The promise to repeal the CAA in the first parliamentary session under an INDIA bloc government adds a specific policy stance to Chidambaram’s critique, framing it within broader electoral promises and political agendas.

“CAA will be repealed in the first session of the Parliament when the INDIA bloc comes to power,” Chidambaram added.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Chidambaram’s remarks serve to ignite discussions on governance, democratic principles, and the role of political parties in shaping India’s future.

Owaisi Criticizes CAA, Confident in AIMIM Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls

April 13, 2024, 3:22 pm

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has criticized the BJP-led central government for the enforcement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), labeling the legislation as “unconstitutional.”

“BJP has made unconstitutional law – CAA. It has been made based on religion, which goes against the right to equality, therefore I tore a copy of the Citizenship (Amendment) bill in the Parliament, We were, are and continue to be against this,” stated the AIMIM leader to the press.

He conveyed his confidence in the party candidates’ performance in the Lok Sabha elections. “We are not in alliance with anyone in Telangana. In Uttar Pradesh, we formed PDM (pichda, Dalit, Mulsim). In Telangana, we have not allied with any party. We have full clarity, we have faith in our hard work. I am optimistic that our candidates will be victorious,” he stated.

In response to the allegation of bogus votes made by BJP leader and Hyderabad constituency candidate Madhavi Latha, the AIMIM chief accused them of abusing the Election Commission. “Every year in January, the inclusion of names happens and then lists come out. A final voter comes out before the elections…This means that they are abusing the Election Commission,” he stated.

Asaduddin Owaisi, the incumbent MP from Hyderabad, conducted door-to-door canvassing in the Falaknuma area of the city, encouraging residents to vote for AIMIM. The Lok Sabha elections for the 17 parliamentary constituencies in Telangana are scheduled for May 17. In the 2019 general elections, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) secured nine seats, the BJP four, Congress three, and AIMIM one seat.

BJP MP Arvind Dharmapuri Challenges Telangana Minister’s CAA-NRC Stand

April 3, 2024, 10:22 pm

After Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy’s statement asserting that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) won’t be enforced in the state, BJP MP Arvind Dharmapuri remarked that merely sporting a beard doesn’t equate to being secular, suggesting that individuals holding such views should be excluded from the political arena.

“Uttam Reddy is saying that CAA-NRC will not be implemented in the state. By growing beard one doesn’t become a secular. There is only one secular party in the country. How is giving refuge to Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas being secular? Such people should be thrown out of the political system. Only the CM can give clarification on this,” he said.

“It is being implemented in the country and is the law here, If you don’t want to implement then resign and go home. This is very dangerous. Such people should be thrown out of Country’s political system,” he added.

During an Iftar gathering in Kodad, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the Congress government in Telangana would refrain from implementing both CAA and NRC.

At the same time, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre regarding applications requesting a suspension of the Citizen Amendment Rules 2024, which were introduced to enforce the CAA, 2019.

A panel comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justice JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has directed the Centre to submit its response within three weeks and scheduled the hearing for April 9, 2024.

After being passed by Parliament on December 11, 2019, and receiving the President’s assent the next day, CAA triggered widespread protests throughout the country. The CAA came into effect on Jan 10, 2020.

The BJP is saying “400 paar”, I challenge them to cross the 200 seats benchmark first: Mamata Banerjee

March 31, 2024, 3:17 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ridiculed the BJP’s goal of securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, instead challenging the party to aim for at least 200 constituencies on Sunday.

Ms. Banerjee further declared her firm stance against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.

She cautioned the public, warning that applying for the CAA could potentially classify an applicant as a foreigner, and urged them against submitting applications for it.

“The BJP is saying “400 paar”, I challenge them to cross the 200 seats benchmark first. In 2021 assembly polls, they gave a call of 200 plus seats but had to stop at 77,” she said.

“The CAA is a trap to turn legal citizens into foreigners. We would allow neither CAA nor NRC in West Bengal,” she said while addressing her first rally in the election season after her injury earlier this month.

Ms. Banerjee, the TMC supremo, criticized the opposition bloc INDIA partners, comprising the CPI(M) and Congress– for “joining hands with the BJP” in West Bengal.

“There is no INDIA alliance in West Bengal. The CPI(M) and Congress are working for the BJP in Bengal,” she said while addressing an election rally at Krishnanagar in support of TMC candidate Mahua Moitra.

“Our MP Mahua Moitra was maligned and expelled from the Lok Sabha as she was vocal against the BJP,” she added.

SC refuses to stay CAA; asks Centre to respond to petitions by April 8

March 19, 2024, 3:33 pm

The Supreme Court declined to stay the enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Tuesday afternoon. It granted the government a three-week period, until April 8, to respond to 237 petitions contesting the law, which was notified shortly before the Lok Sabha election.

Petitioners were permitted to approach the court if citizenship was granted to any individual before the given date. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, refrained from making any definitive statement regarding this matter.

Initially, Mr. Mehta had requested four weeks to address the petitions. He emphasized the need for a detailed affidavit to respond to the 237 petitions and numerous pending interim applications.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra presided over the case. The petitioners included the Indian Union Muslim League and opposition leaders such as Jairam Ramesh of the Congress and Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 9. The petitioners, although not opposing the government’s request for additional time, urged the bench led by Chief Justice to impose a stay on the CAA’s implementation, which they deem discriminatory against the Muslim community.

In 2019, after Parliament approved the citizenship bill, numerous challenges were filed. However, the court did not pause implementation as the rules had not been notified. Last week, arguing in this matter, Mr. Sibal noted the difference, highlighting that rules had been notified now.

Mr. Sibal questioned the delay in issuing the rules, suggesting political motives behind the timing, coinciding with the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Indira Jaising advocated for granting the government more time but urged against granting citizenship in the interim.

Mr. Mehta dismissed the relevance of the timing regarding the election. Under the CAA, non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries can seek citizenship if they fled religious persecution before December 31, 2014.

Opposition parties criticized the timing of the law’s implementation, suggesting it was aimed at influencing the elections, particularly in West Bengal and Assam. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed doubts about the law’s legality and alleged a plot to deprive people of citizenship rights.

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the CAA, stating it is not unconstitutional and accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation. He clarified that minorities need not fear as the CAA does not revoke any rights.

US Senator Expresses Deep Concern Over CAA’s Impact on Muslims in India

March 19, 2024, 1:22 pm

An American senator has expressed apprehension regarding the Indian government’s notification of rules for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The senator emphasized that as the relationship between the US and India strengthens, it is crucial for cooperation to be based on shared values that uphold human rights for all individuals, regardless of their religion.

India recently implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which allows for the granting of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

In response to concerns, the Indian government released a press statement clarifying that Indian Muslims need not be concerned, as the CAA will not impact their citizenship. The statement emphasized that the CAA is unrelated to the Muslim community, which enjoys equal rights as Hindus.

“I am deeply concerned by the Indian government’s decision to notify its controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, particularly the law’s potential ramifications on India’s Muslim community. Making matters worse is the fact that it is being pushed during the holy month of Ramadan,” Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

“As the US-India relationship deepens, it is critically important that our cooperation is based on our shared values of protecting the human rights of all persons, regardless of religion,” he said.

Last week, the US State Department expressed its concern regarding the notification of the CAA, emphasizing that fundamental democratic principles include respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities.

India strongly criticized the US State Department for its remarks on the CAA, describing them as “misinformed and unwarranted.” The Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective (HinduPACT) and the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation issued separate statements in support of the CAA.

According to these organizations, the CAA offers expedited citizenship to persecuted Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi minorities from India’s neighboring countries. They argued that the legislation demonstrates India’s commitment to protecting individuals and families from religious persecution, aligning with global humanitarian principles.

“The CAA does not impact any citizen of India. The characterisation of this law as being non-secular is unfounded. Hindu minority is discriminated against and decimated in India’s neighbourhood. As Americans, we are disappointed that instead of standing for American values and the human rights of the persecuted, our government has chosen to oppose this humanitarian effort,” said Ajay Shah, founder and co-convenor of HinduPACT.

Deepti Mahajan, co-convenor of HinduPACT, expressed surprise at the apparent lack of empathy towards the hardships faced by young girls belonging to Hindu, Sikh, and Christian minority groups in Pakistan.

“According to the UN Human Rights Commission, BBC and APPG reports, on average, 1,000 girls a year, as little as 10 years old, get abducted, converted, and become victims of sex slavery and forced marriages in Pakistan. Instead of calling out the government of Pakistan for its complicity in this ongoing heartbreaking act, the State Department seeks to criticise the Government of India’s effort to help these innocent victims,” she said.

V S Naipaul of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation stated, “The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, focuses on the predicament of minorities enduring brutalities, persecution, forced conversion, murders, rapes, and various other atrocities in our neighboring Islamic nations, where the principles of secularism, peace, and humanity find it difficult to exist.”

Amit Shah Explains: Why Muslims not CAA eligible while Christians, Parsis are?

March 14, 2024, 11:33 am

During the controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a significant query: Why do Parsis and Christians qualify under the CAA while Muslims do not? The CAA’s objective is to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who migrated to India before December 31, 2014.

In an interview with the news agency ANI, Shah explained that the Act includes Parsis and Christians, not native to India, because the areas in question were historically part of a united greater India, and it’s a moral and constitutional obligation to provide refuge to those who faced religious persecution in what was once Akhand Bharat.

Shah highlighted the decline of Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh due to forced conversions and discrimination, emphasizing the need for Parliament and political parties to address this issue. He also raised concerns about the dwindling numbers of Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan, emphasizing their right to live according to their beliefs.

Regarding persecuted communities like Shia, Baloch, and Ahmadiyya Muslims, Shah stated that Muslims can still apply for citizenship under existing constitutional provisions, but the CAA specifically addresses persecuted minorities from three countries who entered India without valid documents. He assured that a solution would be found for those lacking documents, estimating that over 85 percent of them possess the necessary paperwork.

Delhi CM criticises Centre for implementing CAA; says ‘ It’s BJP step ahead of polls to polarise vote’

March 13, 2024, 12:00 pm

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP-led central government for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, accusing it of diverting attention from crucial economic concerns.

Kejriwal, in a video statement, denounced the BJP for allegedly opening India’s doors to Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents through the CAA, warning of potential repercussions, especially for states like Assam.

“The BJP has opened India’s door for Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents. This is dangerous for the country; the northeast states – especially Assam – will have to pay for it. The culture of Assam is in danger because of the illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The BJP wants to provide citizenship to these illegal migrants,” Kejriwal expressed.

He raised concerns about the government allocating funds to settle Pakistani refugees in India under the CAA, suggesting that the legislation could welcome millions of people from minority communities in neighboring countries.

“The government money would be used to settle the Pakistani people in India. In these countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan), there are approximately 2.5 to 3 crores minorities. Once India opens its doors, a lot of people will come to India from these countries,” Kejriwal stated.

Kejriwal questioned the government’s readiness to provide employment opportunities for these refugees and speculated that the move might be a part of vote bank politics.

“Who will provide employment to these refugees? Why is this being done? Some people say it’s just a part of vote bank politics,” he remarked.

Kejriwal criticized the timing of the CAA implementation, suggesting that, after a decade of ruling, the BJP should have focused on showcasing its achievements rather than introducing contentious issues like the citizenship law.

“After ruling for 10 years, they have to talk about CAA. Had they done good work in 10 years, then they would be asking for votes on their work instead of CAA. Today the biggest issues faced by the country are inflation and unemployment… In such a situation, it is disappointing to see the government talking about CAA instead of resolving the issues of unemployment and price rise,” Kejriwal added.

Law will not snatch citizenship, Giriraj Singh said on CAA

March 13, 2024, 11:45 am

Union Minister Giriraj Singh stated that the Citizenship Amendment Act will “grant” citizenship to Indian citizens and “no one should have a problem” with the law.

The BJP leader said to ANI, “No one should have a problem with CAA. The law will not snatch citizenship. It is going to give citizenship to citizens of India.”

Replying to a query on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said, “Let us see in the Lok Sabha elections…She is playing appeasement politics in West Bengal and will have to pay for it.”

Regarding the Congress releasing its second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he commented, “It is their own job.”

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Modi government on the CAA notification.

“The Central Government implemented CAA yesterday; I am doubtful of its legality. There is no clarity from the government over this. This is just a gimmick ahead of the elections. In 2019, the names of 13 lakh Hindu Bengalis, out of the total of 19 lakh, were removed from the list in Assam in the name of NRC. Several people died by suicide,” she said on Tuesday.

In reaction to the central government notifying the Rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the inactivity of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the CAA in the last few years and suggested that its implementation is timed with the upcoming elections.

“They (Centre) have implemented CAA as elections are coming up. Why were they quiet till now? I oppose the granting of citizenship based on religion,” Siddaramaiah said speaking to reporters at Chamarajanagar on Tuesday.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days before the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.
The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Congress’ Jairam Ramesh questions the 4-year delay in implementing CAA

March 13, 2024, 10:40 am

The Congress on Wednesday questioned why it took the Centre more than four years to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and one month ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to ANI during the Maharastra leg of the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said that granting citizenship based on religion is against the constitution.

“We are raising the issues of farmers, youth, women & labourers. What are BJP’s issues? What are PM Modi’s issues? He does not talk about the 10 years of injustice…They have only one weapon in this election, & that is polarization…The CAA rule is made after 4 years and 3 months…Now that only a month is left for the elections, they are giving a dose of polarization…”

“He (PM Modi) is showing the dream of Viksit Bharat (developed India) and Amrit Kaal,” the Congress leader said, taking a dig at PM.

Soon after the implementation of the CAA rules, INDIA bloc leaders hit out at the Modi government and expressed opposition.

“Tamil Nadu & West Bengal governments have said (CAA will not be implemented). We were against CAA because giving citizenship based on religion is against the Constitution. This has been challenged in the Supreme Court as well…Why did it take them 4 years and 3 months to implement it?…,” the Congress MP said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Modi government on the CAA notification and alleged that this was just a gimmick ahead of the general elections and as soon as anyone applies for citizenship under CAA the person will fall under the “illegal migrants”.

“Central Government implemented CAA yesterday, I am doubtful of its legality. There is no clarity from the Government over this. This is just a gimmick ahead of the elections. In 2019, names of 13 Lakh Hindu Bengalis, out of the total 19 Lakh, were removed from the list in Assam in the name of NRC. Several people died by suicide,” she said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) only “creates division” and would not be implemented in the southern Indian state.”The BJP government’s divisive agenda has weaponised the Citizenship Act, turning it from a beacon of humanity to a tool of discrimination based on religion and race through the enactment of CAA. By betraying Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils, they sowed seeds of division,” Stalin said in a statement on X.”

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.
The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants–including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians–who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Centre reiterates that Indian Muslims’ rights and opportunities won’t be restricted by CAA

March 13, 2024, 9:38 am

The government has reaffirmed that the recently implemented Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) does not restrict the freedom and opportunities of Indian Muslims. In response to criticism from the opposition, the government emphasized that Indian Muslims are not barred from seeking citizenship, and Muslims from any part of the world can apply for Indian citizenship under Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, which deals with citizenship by naturalization.

The rules for the CAA were notified on Monday, reducing the qualification period for citizenship application from 11 to 5 years for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Amit Shah, clarified that the CAA does not prevent any persecuted Muslim from applying for Indian citizenship under existing laws.

The government assured that the CAA does not impact the citizenship of Indian Muslims and that they have equal rights like their Hindu counterparts. The ministry sought to allay fears among some Muslims by emphasizing that no Indian citizen would be asked to produce any document to prove citizenship.

Protests have erupted in various parts of the country against the implementation of the CAA, with concerns that it could be used to declare individuals illegal immigrants. The government denied these concerns, stating that the law aims to help minorities facing persecution in Muslim-majority nations.

The ministry emphasized that the CAA is not against Muslim minorities and does not deal with the deportation of illegal immigrants. It argued that the law is necessary to customize the citizenship system and control illegal migration.

The government highlighted the humanitarian perspective in providing citizenship to refugees who faced religious persecution in their countries. The CAA, implemented four years after its passage, was delayed due to the pandemic, according to the ruling BJP.

“CAA is not against minorities”: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad

March 12, 2024, 1:01 pm

A day after the central government implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the country, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “CAA is not against the minorities of the country.”

Hailing the Centre’s move, Prasad added, “I would like to thank the Government of India, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister Amit Shah. This law aims to help the Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains who are suffering in the neighbouring countries. They come to India and all the facilities will be provided to them.”

Meanwhile, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also hailed the implementation of CAA, saying that “This is a good step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. Those who are living without any citizenship in neighbouring countries can come to India and obtain citizenship.”

Earlier in the day, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act and asserted that it was timed ahead of the general polls to polarise the voters in Assam and West Bengal.

“It took them 4 years and 3 months to bring this rule. The bill was passed in December 2019. The law should have been formed within 3-6 months. The Modi government sought nine extensions from the Supreme Court and took 4 years and 3 months before notifying the rules last night,” Jairam Ramesh said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the timing of notifying the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is “BJP’s desperate attempt at divisive politics” just ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Union Home Ministry announced the notification of rules for implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants–including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians–who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

CAA rules explained: How can refugees apply for Indian citizenship

March 12, 2024, 12:47 pm

With the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government on Monday, the law has reentered public discourse.

The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by Parliament in 2019. Its objective is to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from six communities (Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis) who have arrived from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan following religious persecution. It had sparked protests due to the exclusion of Muslims from the list.

The CAA formed a crucial component of the BJP’s manifesto during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the CAA would be enforced before this year’s Lok Sabha elections.

Here is the government’s consolidated response to all queries raised during the introduction of the CAA:

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?

The law doesn’t strip anyone of citizenship or confer citizenship upon anyone. It simply alters the eligibility criteria for citizenship applications. It achieves this by excluding applicants from being classified as “illegal migrants.” Specifically, it refers to individuals from the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, and have been granted exemptions by the Central Government or the Foreigners Act, under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, or the provisions of 1946 or under any rule.

The legal basis for this exception is outlined in two notifications released by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2015.

Essentially, these notifications apply only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014, out of fear of religious persecution.

What does the citizenship law do?

This legislation doesn’t automatically confer citizenship upon them; it simply renders them eligible to apply for it. They must demonstrate five years of residency in India and provide evidence of their arrival before December 31, 2014. Additionally, they need to substantiate that they fled their countries due to religious persecution, speak languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and meet the criteria outlined in the Third Schedule of the Civil Code 1955. Upon meeting these requirements, they can apply, and the decision to grant citizenship ultimately rests with the Government of India.

The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation.

With this notification PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has…

— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 11, 2024

What kind of visa does India issue to refugees?

Refugees who do not meet the criteria, irrespective of their religion, will still be safeguarded under India’s existing ad-hoc refugee policy. This policy entails issuing long-term stay visas to allow them to reside in India.

As per the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, numerous refugees from nations like Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, etc., are leading comfortable lives in India. The government clarifies that this legislation excludes Muslim refugees because it believes that once conditions in their home countries stabilize, they should return home.

How does India give visas to refugees?

India’s historical policy has consistently been non-inclusive, predating the current government’s tenure. Certain nations are constitutionally Islamic states, with Islam as the official religion, yet some Muslims seek refuge in India, fleeing oppression and tyranny in their home countries. From a policy standpoint, India sees no rationale in excluding them.

What are the problems faced by non-Muslim refugees?

Constitutional issues exist for non-Muslims in neighboring nations, where they often face severe persecution, suggesting they are unworthy of residing there. Hence, providing amnesty to non-Muslims appears reasonable. Muslims are addressed as distinct cases, mirroring the approach taken for Muslims arriving from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

How is the government tackling the Rohingya issue?

Regarding Burma, the Rohingya arrived in India during the era of undivided India, under British rule in Burma. Consequently, Burma does not recognize them as part of its ethnic groups or citizens. This has sparked controversy for India. While Rohingya refugees have been granted protection and long-term visas in India, they won’t qualify for citizenship, as doing so could strain relations with Burma.

Is this law against Muslims?

The government maintains that this law does not target Muslims. Individuals in India due to persecution will eventually be repatriated to their home countries. There should be no presumption of eligibility for citizenship here. Those facing enduring persecution will receive protection. The policy of non-inclusion will persist. However, if refugee conditions do not improve in the next five decades, additional ad hoc constitutional measures may be required to enhance their protection, although this is not current policy.

US-based advocacy group welcomes CAA rules’ notification

March 12, 2024, 11:05 am

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a US-based advocacy group, has expressed its contentment with the official notification of India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), considering it a significant triumph for persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. CoHNA clarified that the rules laid out by the CAA wouldn’t affect the existing Indian citizens of any faith but would streamline the citizenship process for religious minorities who fled persecution in the aforementioned countries.

In a statement on X, CoHNA declared, “A big win for HumanRights for the persecuted religious #minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. India finally notifies the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019!” The group specified that the CAA expedites citizenship for religious minorities, approximately 31,000 individuals, without impacting the current Indian citizens. It shed light on the severe conditions in Pakistan, where minor girls from minority communities are abducted, forcibly converted, and married to abductors, prompting families to seek refuge in India.

CoHNA disclosed its efforts in 2020 to counter misinformation surrounding the CAA, urging residents of the US and Canada to educate themselves and others about the regulations. The group underscored the importance of thwarting the spread of misinformation and guided individuals to its comprehensive CAA resources page.

The Ministry of Home Affairs officially communicated the rules under the CAA on Monday, enabling eligible individuals to apply for Indian citizenship. The rules, titled the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, provide an online application platform through a dedicated web portal. The CAA’s objective is to confer Indian citizenship upon persecuted non-Muslim migrants who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Despite notable protests following the CAA’s passage in 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed its implementation, and the rules were officially notified on Monday after a delay. Over the last two years, district magistrates and home secretaries in nine states have been authorized to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from the specified countries under the Citizenship Act of 1955. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ report for 2021-22, 1,414 individuals from non-Muslim minority communities were granted Indian citizenship between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The Citizenship Act of 1955 allows citizenship by registration or naturalization for non-Muslim minorities in specific states. Notably, authorities in Assam and West Bengal have not been granted citizenship-granting powers.

Centre notifies CAA, portal to apply activated

March 11, 2024, 4:56 pm

The Union Home Ministry notified Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules on Monday (11 March 2024) evening. Parliament had on 11 December 2019 passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) which amended the Citizenship Act of 1955.

Under CAA Indian citizenship will be provided via a fast track process to persecuted religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived in India till 2014. The CAA applies to Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Christian, Buddhist and Jain community member who have fled the above-mentioned countries.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had stated many times that CAA rules would be notified ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024 which are likely to be held in April-May.

CAA to be implemented before Lok Sabha polls: Amit Shah

February 10, 2024, 12:54 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Saturday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed by Parliament in December 2019, will be officially notified and put into effect before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at the ET Now-Global Business summit in the national capital, Shah emphasized the certainty of the CAA’s implementation, stating, “CAA is an Act of the country, it will be definitely be notified. It will be notified before the polls. CAA will be implemented by the polls, and there should be no confusion around it.”

Shah criticized the Congress party for backtracking on its promise regarding the CAA, highlighting that the Act aims to fulfill the commitment made to persecuted minorities in neighboring countries. He clarified that the CAA is designed to grant citizenship, not strip anyone of it. Shah reassured that there are no provisions within the Act to revoke citizenship and reiterated that the CAA is intended to provide refuge to persecuted individuals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from specified religious communities who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Its passage in December 2019 and subsequent presidential assent triggered widespread protests across the country.

Regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shah characterized the contest as a battle between corruption and development. He emphasized that the election transcends a mere contest between political alliances, highlighting the fundamental issues of governance, corruption, and national security. Shah underscored the importance of safeguarding national interests and upholding a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and threats to national security.

Centre step-motherly towards Tamil refugees; CAA arbitrary: DMK to SC

November 30, 2022, 1:14 pm

According to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) the Citizenship (amendment) Act of 2019 is “arbitrary” as it only considers religious minorities from three countries while it has kept Sri Lankan Tamils staying in India as refugees.
The central administration “categorically avoided talking about the situation facing the Tamil refugees. Due to Respondent No. 1’s (Centre) stepmotherly treatment of the Tamil refugees, they now live in constant fear of deportation and have no certainty of their future “said the affidavit that DMK submitted. The DMK claimed that the CAA is “arbitrary” because it only applies to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and only six religious communities (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian Communities), specifically excluding Islam.
DMK filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court, it has challenged the CAA in its plea. DMK said that even while considering religious minorities, the Tamils of Indian origin who are presently staying in India after they fled from Sri Lanka due to persecution are considered as refugees by the Centre.
The plea termed the Act ‘against Tamil race’ and keeps out the similarly placed Tamils who are residing in Tamil Nadu from the purview of the Act.
“The impugned Act ignores the reality that for several decades Tamil refugees who have settled in Tamil Nadu are deprived with fundamental rights and other rights due to non-citizenship and due to non-naturalisation and the impugned Act does not provide for any reasons to exclude them,” stated the affidavit filed by organising secretary RS Bharati, the governing party of Tamil Nadu.
It further added, “Being stateless, they have been denied of employment in the government services or in organised private sectors, the right to hold property, right to vote, enjoyment of government benefits received by the citizens and others despite there being an agreement for the same.”
Due to such an ambiguity, they are forced to stay in camps where they are often exploited having no prospects of security in future, said the DMK in its affidavit.

Owaisi slams Kejriwal for his silence on Bilkis Bano case, UCC

November 28, 2022, 12:22 pm

Asaduddin Owaisi, a Lok Sabha MP, criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday ahead of the civic elections for the city on a number of issues, including healthcare, garbage management and water supply.

Among other things, Owaisi charged Kejriwal with being mute on the Bilkis Bano case and the Uniform Civil Code. When Bilkis Bano was sexually assaulted during the Gujarat riots in 2002, she was nine months pregnant, and the recent release of the defendants in the case had greatly angered the public.

“I think if there is a competition about who makes bigger false claims – (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi or Kejriwal – they are equals. It was this Delhi CM who made no attempts to stop riots (in the city in 2020). He just sat near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue to protest,” Owaisi claimed, stepping up the attack on Kejriwal. “He even talks about putting Lakshmi-Ganesh photos on notes. Now the younger brother is making an appeal to the elder brother, and the elder brother is happy that the younger one is following in his footsteps,” the Hyderabad MP further said, without naming Arvind Kejriwal and PM Modi.

Arvind Kejriwal had come under fire for his ‘request’ to the Prime Minister for putting the photos of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on currency notes. “India is a country where all religions are respected. Even if a person is an agnostic, he too is respected.”

“When the stir at Shaheen Bagh (against Citizenship Amendment Act) was gaining wide attention, he made remarks such as – ‘I would have finished the protests in half hour if it was in my control’,” Owaisi said.

“When the first Covid wave was on, the Delhi Chief Minister was among those who blamed the Tablighi Jamaat for the surge in case. A special bulletin used to come highlighting the Jamaat cases separately,” the AIMIM chief said.

His remarks were made when he canvassed voters ahead of Sunday’s MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) elections.

The AAP wants to take over the MCD, which is now under the authority of the BJP. Vote tallying will take place on December 7.

SC to hear pleas challenging validity of CAA on December 6

October 31, 2022, 4:20 pm

Hearing of a batch of petitions challenging Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be held on 6th December, the Supreme Court posted on Monday. The Assam and Tripura governments were given two weeks to submit their reply to the petitions by a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, Justices S Ravindra Bhat, and Bela M Trivedi. Additionally, it named two attorneys to serve as nodal counsel in the collection of lawsuits contesting the legality of the Act.

Advocate Pallavi Pratap, advocate for petitioner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and advocate Kanu Agrawal, counsel for the Central government, were nominated as nodal counsel to prepare a compilation of all relevant documents.

At least 220 petitions against the CAA were filed before the top court.

The Parliament passed CAA on December 11, 2019, following which there were protests all across the country.

A Kerala-based political party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Congress leader and former union minister Jairam Ramesh, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, NGOs Rihai Manch and Citizens Against Hate, Assam Advocates Association, and law students among others had filed a plea before the top court challenging the Act.

Kerala government also filed suit in the apex court in 2020. It became the first state to challenge CAA.

The law expedites the citizenship process for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who sought shelter in India on or before December 31, 2014 after being persecuted for their faith in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
The top court had already warned the Centre and declined to grant a temporary order suspending the law without consulting the Centre.

The CAA does not violate any fundamental right, the Centre had said while terming the legislation legal and asserted that there was no question of it violating constitutional morality.

The petitions contended that the Act, which liberalises and fast-tracks the grant of citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, promotes religion-based discrimination.
The amendments have also been challenged on several other grounds, including violation of secularism, Articles 21 (right to life), 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and 19 (right to freedom), as well as provisions on citizenship and constitutional morality.
The plea filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said that the Act is a “brazen attack” on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats “equals as unequal”.

The 2019 Act revised the Citizenship Act, 1955, making illegal immigrants who meet the following criteria eligible for citizenship: (a) they are from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan; or (b) they are members of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities. Only immigrants who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, are included. The Northeast is excluded from the clause, per the modification, in some places.