BJP is politicizing the citizenship issue, will lead the fight in Bengal: Mamata

In a recent address at Deganga in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's stern commitment to implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the citizenship issue for political gains, Banerjee asserted that the BJP is attempting to politicize a matter of national importance. She emphasized that her party, the Trinamool Congress, will spearhead the battle against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. Banerjee also leveled allegations against the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Congress, claiming their collaboration with the BJP.

 Banerjee, addressing party workers, stated that the BJP is unfairly branding opposition leaders as thieves and lamented the perceived erosion of democracy with central agencies wielding disproportionate influence. She alleged that an alliance has been formed between the CPI(M), BJP, and Congress in West Bengal, actively campaigning against the Trinamool Congress. Banerjee announced that the opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDI), will confront the BJP on a national scale, while the Trinamool will lead the fight against the BJP specifically in West Bengal.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of manipulating the citizenship issue, asserting that the party is misleading the public for its political agenda. Banerjee highlighted concerns over the disenfranchisement of citizens, stating that the powers related to citizenship matters have been centralized, impacting the ability of people to access government schemes and services. The Chief Minister's remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent declaration that the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is inevitable, accusing Banerjee of misleading the public on the issue.