RJD criticises HM Amit Shah’s push for faster CAA implementation; BJP, JD-U defend

New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) RJD on Tuesday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his statement that the implementation of the CAA would be expedited. The party alleged that the BJP raises such issues to polarise voters and spread hatred on religious lines.

This comes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Kolkata on Monday that the process of granting citizenship under the CAA will be expedited and completed in West Bengal, and that the central government will make every effort to weed out every infiltrator from the country. Shah laid the foundation stone for a 125-ft statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Eco Park in New Town, Kolkata, on the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the remarks while laying the foundation stone for a 125-foot statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Eco Park in New Town, Kolkata, on the occasion of Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary.

Reacting to the Home Minister’s statement, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari told IANS, “Amit Shah focuses on such issues because they help polarise votes and spread hatred among people on religious lines. This country will function according to its laws, rules, and the Constitution, not according to anyone’s personal wishes.”

RJD National General Secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui also commented on the issue, saying, “That is the government’s responsibility. If people from outside wish to come to India and seek Indian citizenship, and the government wants to grant it, what can we say? It is for the government to decide.”

Defending the Centre’s stand, BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi said, “The law provides for granting Indian citizenship to Hindus, Buddhists, and members of other minority communities who came to India from neighbouring countries and sought refuge before 2014. The law was enacted for this purpose and is now being implemented. Wherever applications are received in accordance with the law, the Government of India is granting citizenship.”

JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak said that citizenship should be granted strictly under the legal framework and not on religious or caste considerations. “Refugees who come to the country are dealt with under the existing legal framework. Those seeking citizenship must apply, and the government examines each application before taking a decision. If the Home Minister has made such a statement, it is welcome, but decisions should always be taken in the national interest rather than on religious grounds,” he said.

–IANS

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