In a bold statement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor affirmed that if the INDIA alliance assumes power, they will unequivocally repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), labeling it both morally and constitutionally flawed. Tharoor’s remarks came as the opposition gears up to challenge the act’s enforcement in the Supreme Court, denouncing it as unconstitutional.
Presenting historical context, Tharoor highlighted the essence of India’s independence struggle, emphasizing that the founding fathers, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and Dr. Ambedkar, rejected the idea of religion as the basis of nationhood. He underscored that India’s constitution and nationhood are inclusive of all, regardless of religious affiliation.
Tharoor criticized the timing of the CAA’s implementation, suggesting political motives behind its enactment four years after its passage. He expressed full support for the Indian Union Muslim League’s decision to challenge the act in the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Tharoor asserted that repealing the CAA would be a cornerstone of the INDIA alliance’s manifesto if they come to power. He reiterated the Congress party’s stance against introducing religion into citizenship laws, affirming their commitment to a secular and inclusive nation.
In contrast, Delhi Haj Committee Chairman Kausar Jahan welcomed the act, portraying it as a means to provide citizenship rather than taking it away. She emphasized the plight of non-Muslims in neighboring countries and urged for a respectful life for persecuted minorities.
Meanwhile, UDF Chairman and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan announced plans for widespread agitation against the CAA’s implementation nationwide. He vowed to resist efforts by right-wing forces to sow division and fear among the people, declaring that the law will not be allowed to be enforced under any circumstances.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed by Parliament in 2019 under the Narendra Modi government, aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
