Dilip Ghosh Slams Mamata, Defends CAA Citizenship Drive in Bengal

Kharagpur, November 2: Minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday responded to remarks made by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, launching a sharp attack on her political position.

Ghosh said Banerjee had earlier tried to establish herself as a national leader, but now had little left to show for it. He claimed she does not hold any elected post today and has been compelled to accept Sonia Gandhi as her leader. According to him, her party has weakened considerably, and she may do whatever she considers appropriate.

On the Citizenship Amendment Act, or CAA, Ghosh addressed the government's announcement that 2.5 lakh people in West Bengal would be granted citizenship by December 31, 2026. He said many people have not yet applied because they lacked information, and the government will soon make the necessary arrangements.

Ghosh also assured that no Hindu refugee who arrived from Bangladesh would be denied citizenship.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier said the process of citizenship applications would be accelerated. He set a target of granting citizenship under the CAA to 2.5 lakh applicants by December 31. He also announced Rs 50 crore for the development of the Matua community and said eligible Scheduled Caste applicants who receive citizenship would be provided SC certificates.