News Analysis India

Tag: Citizenship Amendment Act

  • ‘Muslims Coined Term Bharat Mata Ki Jai’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Challenges RSS Amid CAA Row |

    MALAPPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stirred a debate by claiming that the iconic nationalistic slogans ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind’ were initially coined by Muslims. Speaking at a rally in the Muslim-majority Malappuram district on Monday, Vijayan emphasized the significant role of Muslims in India’s history and independence movement.

    Azimullah Khan: The Originator Of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’

    Vijayan highlighted historical figures to support his claim, citing Azimullah Khan as the individual behind ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Kerala CM’s assertion challenges the mainstream narrative surrounding the origins of the slogan, prompting reflection on the diversity of contributions to India’s nationalist ethos.

    Abid Hasan And The ‘Jai Hind’ Slogan

    In a similar vein, Vijayan credited Abid Hasan, an old diplomat, with the creation of the ‘Jai Hind’ slogan. By acknowledging Hasan’s role, the CM underscored the multicultural fabric of India’s nationalist fervour, transcending religious boundaries.

    Role Of Muslims In India’s Freedom Movement

    The CM further emphasized the integral role played by Muslims in India’s struggle for independence. Drawing attention to their contributions, CM Vijayan aimed to foster inclusivity and recognition of diverse narratives within the national discourse.

    Kerala CM Slams CAA

    Transitioning to contemporary politics, Vijayan criticized the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), alleging discriminatory intent against Muslims. He accused the RSS-led BJP government of marginalizing Muslims through the CAA, sparking resistance from Kerala’s politically aware populace.

    Amidst his criticism, CM Vijayan lambasted the opposition Congress party for purportedly lacking sincerity in opposing the CAA. He cited instances where Congress leaders were absent during protests, contrasting it with the active involvement of Left leaders.

    CM Vijayan didn’t shy away from criticizing the central government and its alleged tacit approval of violence against anti-CAA protestors. He drew parallels between RSS ideology and fascist doctrines, challenging the foundations of the Sangh Parivar’s political ethos.

  • Supreme Court To Hear Muslim League’s Plea Demanding Stay On CAA Rules Today |

    The Supreme Court is set to review several pleas on Tuesday requesting the government to suspend the enforcement of the 2024 Citizenship Amendment Rules. The stay is demanded until the court has resolved the challenges to the constitutionality of the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The bench announced its intention to schedule all applications requesting a suspension of the Rules for a hearing on Tuesday. Additionally, the highest court mentioned that the entire set of 237 petitions will be included in the list alongside the most recent applications.

    The early hearing was warranted after Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) argued that once migrant Hindus are granted Indian citizenship, it cannot be revoked, thus suggesting the need for an expedited hearing. A panel consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra have acknowledged the arguments by Sibal.

    Apart from IUML, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Debabrata Saika, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Abdul Khaleque, a Congress MP from Assam, and various others have also submitted applications requesting a suspension of the Rules.

    ‘Muslim Community Deprived Of CAA Benefits’ 

    One day after the government released the regulations under the CAA, the Kerala-based political party IUML filed a petition in the Supreme Court, requesting a stay to the enforcement of these regulations. The IUML urged for a suspension of the contested law and regulations, arguing that no punitive measures should be taken against members of the Muslim community who have been excluded from the benefits of this legislation, reported ANI. 

    PK Kunhalikutty, a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), expressed solidarity with the Kerala government’s stance of abstaining from enforcing CAA. “Why should they implement a law that has not been welcomed by anyone in India? What is the need? Why are they taking a partisan stand in the matter of citizenship? ” Kunhalikutty told agency. 

    Kerala Government’s Plea Against CAA 

    On March 11, following the Union Home Ministry’s notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that Kerala would not enforce the Act. Vijayan stated, “The LDF government approached the Supreme Court to confirm that Kerala would not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act. Kerala is the first state to move a plea against CAA in the Supreme Court. The state will initiate further legal action soon.”

    Mandate Under CAA 2019  

    The regulations of the CAA, brought by the Central government and ratified by Parliament in 2019, is designed to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted migrants belonging to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians community who fled from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India prior to December 31, 2014.

  • ‘Misplaced, Misinformed And Unwarranted’: MEA Rejects US Remarks On CAA |

    NEW DELHI: The Government of India (GoI) on Friday categorically rejected the remarks made by the US State Department that it will ”closely monitor” the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country. Registering strong objections to the remarks made by the US State Department, the Ministry Of External Affairs called it “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted”.  

    Addressing a press conference on a wide range of issues including the CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The CAA is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights.” Calling the Citizenship Amendment Act an ”internal matter”, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the law is in line with India’s inclusive traditions and long-standing commitment to human rights. 

    ”The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have entered India on or before December 31 2014,” he added.

     

    #WATCH | On CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “As you are well aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India’s inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights. The act grants a safe haven to… pic.twitter.com/cJBiDvI7JU


    — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024

     

    The MEA official further stated, “As regards the US State Department’s statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted,” 

    The response from the MEA came shortly after the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said, “We are concerned… we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented.”  Miller made these remarks when asked how the CAA could affect religious freedom in India. 

    “Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” Miller added.

    The Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 on Monday, reducing the qualification period of application for citizenship from 11 to 5 years for eligible migrants who came to India before December 31, 2014.

    The government also came out with a press statement to say that Indian Muslims need not worry as the CAA will not impact their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community which enjoys equal rights as their Hindu counterparts.

  • Home Ministry To Issue Helpline Numbers To Assist Applicants For Indian Citizenship Under CAA |

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Wednesday that it will soon launch helpline numbers to help people applying for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). Applicants can get information about the CAA-2019 for free by calling these numbers. The service will be available from 8 am to 8 pm. MHA posted about this on X. “Helpline number to assist applicants for Indian citizenship under CAA -2019 will be launched soon. Applicants will be able to get information related to CAA-2019 by calling free of cost from anywhere in India. The service will be available from 8 am to 8 pm,” MHA posted on X.

     

    Helpline Number to assist applicants of Indian citizenship under #CAA -2019 is being started soon. Applicants can make free calls from anywhere in India & get info. related to CAA-2019. Helpline to be available from 8 am to 8 pm.@HMOIndia @PIB_India @ddnewslive @airnewsalert pic.twitter.com/UR54yuTVIp
    — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 13, 2024

     

    New Rules Aim To Aid Refugees

    The MHA recently notified the CAA Rules, 2024, which remove legal barriers for refugees seeking rehabilitation and citizenship under the act. This move aims to provide a better life for refugees who have faced hardship for many years.

    Web Portal And Mobile App To Facilitate Applications

    Previously, the MHA launched a web portal where eligible non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, fleeing religious persecution, could apply for Indian citizenship. Additionally, they will soon introduce a mobile app called ‘CAA-2019’ to make the application process more accessible.

    Who Can Apply?

    Persecuted individuals from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, belonging to six minority communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—can apply for Indian citizenship if they sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014. The application process is entirely online through the “Indian Citizenship Online Portal.”

    Application Process

    Applicants must submit their applications to an Empowered Committee via a District Level Committee headed by a designated officer. All necessary documents and photographs are to be uploaded online, and applications undergo a security check. Additionally, applicants must appear in person to subscribe to the application and take an oath of allegiance.

    Documents Required 

    Applicants must provide various documents, including those issued by government authorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These documents establish the applicant’s identity and their eligibility for citizenship under the CAA.

    Proof of Entry

    Applicants must prove that they entered India before December 31, 2014, to be eligible for citizenship. This initiative aims to streamline the citizenship application process for eligible individuals seeking refuge in India.

  • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tells states to join fight against CAA

    Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Citizenship Amendment Act and related rules were “unconstitutional” and “discriminatory” under Article 14 of the Constitution and there was no clarity or transparency in the rules. She urged all states to get ready to fight against CAA.

    “The Centre notified CAA rules yesterday (Monday). I have doubts if CAA is legal. There is no clarity on the rules. There is an attempt at falsification and a conspiracy to take away citizenship from people,” Banerjee warned people at the Habra rally in North 24 Parganas district.

    “There is no transparency about CAA. Once people apply for it, despite being citizens, their citizenship will be taken away and they will become foreigners or illegal immigrants again. What will happen to your property, children studying in schools and jobs? It is a game plan to take away citizenship. It is connected with NRC. You will be taken to detention camps,” she warned.”We will not accept CAA. We don’t accept NRC and divisiveness,” she asserted. “Think cautiously before applying for this. Otherwise, you will be taken to detention camps,” she warned people. “In the name of NRC in Assam, the names of 13 lakh Bengali Hindus were omitted.”

    “The process of implementation is not clear. This CAA is a political game ahead of the Lok Sabha polls,” Banerjee said. “This is a jumla by the BJP. In my state, I will not allow anyone snatch the rights from the people. We will not allow NRC.” “I have taken legal advice. In the name of CAA, after application, valid citizens after declaration will become illegal immigrants. It is a conspiracy,” Banerjee said.

  • Watch: `Pakistani Bhabhi` Seema Haider Reacts To CAA Rules Notification

    Seema Haider feels that issues of her citizenship will also be resolved soon as CAA rules have come into effect in the country.