In a statement that can spark some serious controversies, West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamta Banerjee called all Bangladeshi in state as Indian. The CM was hitting the central government on the issue of CAA and NRC on Tuesday.
She said that all those who came from Bangladesh and have been casting votes in elections are Indian citizens. She added that all such people would not be require to apply for citizenship afresh.
“Those who have come from Bangladesh are citizens of India…they have got citizenship. You don’t need to apply for citizenship again. You have been casting your votes in elections, electing PM and CM…now they are saying that you are not citizens…don’t believe them,” said the CM in public gathering.
She also slammed PM Narendra Modi for poor handling of the Delhi riots that took the life of over 40 people. She added that she will not allow West Bengal to turn into another Delhi. The CM further said that said no refugee living in the state will be deprived of citizenship.
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The remarks come at a time when the state is due to have assembly elections in less than a years time. States like West Bengal, Punjab and Kerala have been critical of the CAA. The act aims to provide Indian citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, who entered into India on or before the 31st day of December, 2014.
