BDF Alleges CAA Exploited for Votes as 2024 Elections Loom

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, has seen over four years without significant action, leading the Barak Democratic Front (BDF) to question the government’s commitment. The BDF alleges that the ruling party, which promised assistance to Bengali Hindu immigrants in obtaining Indian citizenship through the CAA, has done nothing, raising suspicions about the act being exploited for votes.

In a recent press release, the BDF posed several questions regarding the government’s ability to implement and clarify the rules of the CAA. They emphasised that, despite the passage of time, the act has failed to assist any individuals. The BDF expressed scepticism about the sudden resurgence of discussions around the CAA just before the 2024 elections, hinting at political motives.

Joydeep Bhattacharya from the BDF Media Cell condemned the ruling party’s handling of the CAA, viewing it as a tool for divisive politics. He criticised the casual treatment of the act, stating that even if it is a political strategy, the lack of progress is unacceptable. Bhattacharya questioned the timing of the renewed focus on the CAA, suggesting that it is merely a ploy to garner votes and portraying Bengali Hindus as mere political assets.

He raised concerns about the repeated reemergence of the CAA as an election issue, asserting that the primary objective seems to be securing votes rather than addressing the needs of the Bengali Hindu community. Bhattacharya considered this behaviour insulting to Bengali Hindus.

Referring to an alleged statement by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma about not having plans to proceed with the CAA, particularly in front of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Bhattacharya questioned why the RSS Chief seemingly accepted this statement. He questioned whether the RSS considered Bengali Hindus as part of the Hindu community.

In contrast, Central Minister Shantanu Thakur of the BJP allegedly declared that the CAA would be implemented within a week. Bhattacharya highlighted these contradictory statements as evidence of political manoeuvring for votes.

Summing up these concerns, Joydeep Bhattacharya and the BDF called on every Bengali Hindu to protest against the ruling party’s treatment. They urged the community to unite and send a message to the government that such insults are unacceptable, emphasising the need to refrain from voting for the BJP in the upcoming election.