Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur's symbolic announcement of his intention to apply for citizenship in India through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has sparked a contentious debate, particularly with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) questioning the necessity of such an appeal given his ministerial position.
Thakur's statement, made on Saturday, highlighted the accessibility of citizenship under the CAA framework, emphasizing the ease with which one can obtain citizenship documentation through established processes. He clarified that his assertion was primarily symbolic, aimed at dispelling misconceptions surrounding the implementation of the CAA and establishing a precedent.
In response, TMC leaders Bratya Basu and Chandrima Bhattacharya raised concerns regarding the rationale behind Thakur's citizenship appeal, given his existing ministerial role and presumed citizenship status over the past five years. Basu questioned the need for Thakur to seek citizenship again, while Bhattacharya suggested that Thakur's ministerial position might be jeopardized upon reapplication for citizenship.
Thakur, whose lineage traces back to Bangladesh, expressed his intent to apply for citizenship through the provisions outlined in the recently enacted CAA, citing concerns over perceived misinformation propagated by TMC and a desire to test the practical implications of his citizenship application.
Additionally, Thakur accused the TMC of fearmongering and creating unwarranted apprehension among the public regarding the CAA, underscoring the need for clarity and understanding of the legislation's objectives.
The CAA, enacted by the central government on March 11, aims to expedite citizenship for migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan belonging to specific religious minorities, excluding Muslims. This selective approach has drawn criticism from opposition parties, labeling the law as discriminatory for its exclusionary provisions.
