India Grants Citizenship to First Batch of 14 People Under Controversial Law
India has granted citizenship to the first batch of 14 people under the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has been criticized for discriminating against Muslims. The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians who fled to India from Muslim-majority countries due to religious persecution. Implemented in 2019, the law faced strong protests and violence, delaying its enforcement until March of this year.
Critics argue that the CAA is anti-Muslim, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintain that it aims to provide a dignified life to non-Muslim refugees. As India continues its general elections, religious divisions have taken center stage, with accusations against the government of targeting minorities.
The issue of citizenship has become a significant campaign point, with Modi accusing the opposition Congress party of being pro-Muslim. Analysts believe this strategy is intended to energize the BJP’s Hindu nationalist base following concerns about voter turnout in the early phases of the election.
Despite the controversies, the BJP remains confident in securing a third consecutive term. Votes will be counted on June 4, determining the future of India’s political landscape.
[source: Dawn, May 16th, 2024]
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