The Trinamool chief views the new law as yet “another ploy to sow division in Bengal”. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reiterated her stance against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the National Register of Citizens, and the Uniform Civil Code during an Eid prayer gathering on Thursday. She stressed in the importance of unity among all religions and warned against potential efforts to instigate riots during elections.
“Eid Mubarak. It is the Eid of happiness. It is the Eid of giving strength. It is a big thing to observe this Eid by fasting for a month… We are ready to shed blood for the country but will not tolerate torture for the country. A uniform civil code is not acceptable. I want harmony in all religions. Your safety, your life…,” Mamata Banerjee was quoted as saying at the Eid prayer in Kolkata.
“We will not accept the CAA, NRC, Uniform Civil Code… During elections, some people will try to engineer riots. Don’t fall prey to the plot,” Banerjee said.
“If we live unitedly, nobody will be able to harm us. If anyone comes to riot, you should keep quiet, keep your head cool…If there is a blast, they (BJP) send the NIA to arrest everyone. By arresting everyone, your country will become desolate…We want a beautiful sky for which everyone must stay together…, ” she said.
Last month, the Centre notified The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, implementing the law across the country under which non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can seek Indian citizenship. Persons from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities from these countries, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, can seek citizenship under the law.
The Trinamool chief views the new law as yet “another ploy to sow division in Bengal”.
She has also expressed concerns over the potential establishment of detention camps in Bengal like “those in Assam” and labeled the CAA as a mere “political gimmick” ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. She has firmly opposed implementing the CAA in West Bengal, cautioning that applying for citizenship under it could label individuals as foreigners. She advised against such applications.
Her statements followed a criticism from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who accused her of misleading people on the CAA and allegedly facilitating infiltration for political gain. Shah urged refugees to apply for citizenship without fear, saying that they wouldn’t face legal repercussions.
Addressing an election rally in Balurghat in Bengal on Wednesday, Shah slammed the Bengal government “for trying to save the culprits in the Bhupatinagar bomb blast case” and for filing cases against NIA officials.
“Mamata didi is misleading people about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Why is she against refugees obtaining citizenship? I request refugees not to be afraid, please apply for citizenship, there will be absolutely no problem. No police case will be filed against you. Granting citizenship to refugees is our commitment,” Shah said.