In New Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister, expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, implemented by the Bharatiya Janata Party. He asserted that this legislation, which allows for the entry of individuals from Pakistan and Bangladesh, poses significant risks to the nation.
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha Polls, the introduction of the CAA has been characterized as a manipulative tactic by the BJP, aimed at securing votes, a strategy vehemently opposed by citizens nationwide.
Kejriwal, addressing reporters at a press conference, criticized the BJP-led government’s decision, stating it paves the way for a substantial influx of impoverished minority populations from Pakistan and Bangladesh into India.
Pointing to the sizable minority population in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, estimated at 3.5 crore, Kejriwal accused the BJP of redirecting resources intended for Indian citizens towards housing and employment for migrants from neighboring countries.
Furthermore, Kejriwal suggested that the BJP stands to benefit electorally from the migration, as these minority groups settling in India may become a dependable voting bloc for the party. He condemned the BJP’s utilization of the CAA as a tool for partisan gain ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Asserting the public’s demand for the repeal of the CAA, Kejriwal urged citizens to vote against the BJP if the law is not rescinded. The Citizenship Amendment Act aims to confer citizenship upon undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.