West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee didn't hold back as she criticized the Central government's handling of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), denouncing it as a direct assault on India's secular ethos.
Her impassioned response followed the enforcement of the CAA by the BJP-led central government, reigniting nationwide discussions and spurring protests in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Drawing a sharp analogy to the game of Ludo, Banerjee cast doubt on the efficacy of the BJP's decision, suggesting it would ultimately lead to failure. "They may think they've rolled a 'six', but in reality, it's the lowest number. The end result will be zero," she remarked during a public gathering in North 24 Parganas.
Expressing skepticism over the legality of the CAA, Banerjee questioned the unprecedented concept of citizenship based on religion, deeming it an affront to humanity and a grave challenge to India's fundamental principles.
As a longstanding critic of the contentious law, Banerjee emphasized that the CAA represents a direct assault on India's secular foundation, warning of potential social unrest fueled by the BJP's agenda.
Moreover, she raised concerns about the CAA's impact on citizenship rights, particularly highlighting the exclusion of 13 lakh Bengalis in the context of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.
Banerjee cautioned against the repercussions of applying for CAA, cautioning individuals that they risk being labeled 'illegal' and losing their rights, potentially facing detention.
Furthermore, she questioned the timing of the CAA's implementation, suggesting political motives behind its sudden enforcement ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In her fiery condemnation, Banerjee affirmed her commitment to safeguarding India's secular fabric, reaffirming her party's stance against the discriminatory nature of the CAA and its potential ramifications on the nation's social harmony.
