The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented as soon as Covid tapers off, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said today in Bengal, making it clear that the controversial citizenship law is back on the Centre's agenda.
Amit Shah accused Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "spreading rumours" that the new citizenship law would not be enforced.
"I have come to North Bengal today. I want to make it clear that the Trinamool Congress is spreading rumours that the CAA will not be implemented. I want to say that as soon as the Covid wave abates we will implement CAA on the ground," Amit Shah said.
"CAA was a reality and it will remain a reality and the Trinamool cannot do anything about it," added the Home Minister.
The CAA was at the heart of massive protests in parts of the country in late 2019 and early 2020, months before the Covid outbreak spurred lockdowns and other restrictions.
Mamata Banerjee reacted instantly to Amit Shah's statement.
"This is their plan. Why are they not bringing the bill to Parliament? They are not coming in 2024, I am telling you. We don't want any citizens rights to suffer. Unity is our strength. He has come after one year. Har baar aate hain ganda baat karte hain (Every time they come they talk rubbish)," the Chief Minister said.
