The Union Home Ministry is reportedly set to issue a notification tonight to enforce the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a law passed in December 2019 amidst widespread protests and opposition. The CAA introduces religion as a criterion for citizenship for the first time and aims to grant Indian nationality to non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before 2015.

The government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has assured the implementation of the CAA ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the CAA is intended to provide citizenship to those who faced persecution in neighboring countries and not to strip anyone of their citizenship. Despite assurances from the government, opposition leaders, particularly from non-BJP states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, have vehemently opposed the law's implementation, labeling it as a political move to gain votes.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin have declared their refusal to implement the CAA in their respective states, citing concerns about communal harmony and the law's discriminatory nature. Several other states, including Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, have also expressed opposition to the CAA and passed resolutions against it.

Critics argue that the CAA discriminates against Muslims and violates the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Despite the government's assertion that the law aims to protect persecuted minorities, it has faced widespread condemnation for allegedly marginalizing Muslim communities.

In addition to the CAA, concerns have been raised about the potential integration of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), another controversial initiative, with the CAA, leading to fears of further discrimination against minority groups.

Overall, the impending enforcement of the CAA has reignited political tensions and sparked protests across the country, with opposition leaders and state governments standing firm against its implementation.

The Union Home Ministry is reportedly set to issue a notification tonight to enforce the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a law passed in December 2019 amidst widespread protests and opposition. The CAA introduces religion as a criterion for citizenship for the first time and aims to grant Indian nationality to non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before 2015.

The government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has assured the implementation of the CAA ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the CAA is intended to provide citizenship to those who faced persecution in neighboring countries and not to strip anyone of their citizenship. Despite assurances from the government, opposition leaders, particularly from non-BJP states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, have vehemently opposed the law's implementation, labeling it as a political move to gain votes.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin have declared their refusal to implement the CAA in their respective states, citing concerns about communal harmony and the law's discriminatory nature. Several other states, including Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, have also expressed opposition to the CAA and passed resolutions against it.

Critics argue that the CAA discriminates against Muslims and violates the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Despite the government's assertion that the law aims to protect persecuted minorities, it has faced widespread condemnation for allegedly marginalizing Muslim communities.

In addition to the CAA, concerns have been raised about the potential integration of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), another controversial initiative, with the CAA, leading to fears of further discrimination against minority groups.

Overall, the impending enforcement of the CAA has reignited political tensions and sparked protests across the country, with opposition leaders and state governments standing firm against its implementation.