Kejriwal Alleges BJP’s Electoral Gain from CAA, Criticizes Diversion from Economic Concerns
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has criticized the BJP-led central government for enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) before the Lok Sabha elections, arguing that it deflects attention from urgent economic issues.
In a recorded statement, Kejriwal denounced the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he perceives as a policy opening India’s borders to residents of Pakistan and Bangladesh under the CAA, branding it as a risky move with potential consequences, particularly for states like Assam.
“The BJP has initiated the opening of India’s doors to residents of Pakistan and Bangladesh. This poses a danger to the country, particularly to states like Assam. The cultural fabric of Assam is under threat due to illegal migration from Bangladesh. The BJP aims to grant citizenship to these illegal migrants,” Kejriwal stated.
He voiced apprehensions about government funds being allocated to settle Pakistani refugees in India under the CAA, suggesting that the legislation would pave the way for millions of people from minority communities in neighboring countries to seek refuge in India.
The CAA expedites citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities who entered India from three neighboring countries on or before December 31, 2014.
Kejriwal questioned the government’s readiness to provide employment opportunities for these refugees upon their arrival in India.
“Who will offer employment to these refugees? What is the purpose behind this? Some argue it’s merely a tactic to secure votes,” the AAP leader remarked.
Amid escalating political controversy over the law, the Union home ministry recently launched an online portal. Kejriwal criticized the timing of the CAA’s implementation, suggesting that after governing for a decade, the BJP should have focused on highlighting its achievements rather than engaging in contentious issues like the citizenship law.
“After governing for 10 years, they are now talking about the CAA. If they had performed well in those 10 years, they would seek votes based on their accomplishments instead of the CAA,” Kejriwal asserted.
He highlighted inflation and unemployment as the country’s foremost challenges, expressing disappointment in the government’s emphasis on the CAA rather than addressing unemployment and inflation.
“Inflation and unemployment are the most pressing issues facing the country today. Household expenses have become burdensome due to soaring inflation. In such circumstances, it’s disheartening to see the government prioritizing the CAA over resolving unemployment and inflation,” Kejriwal concluded.