India's government is going ahead with the implementation of a citizenship law - weeks before the general election. The law makes it easier for religious minorities from neighbouring countries to become Indian citizens, but excludes Muslims.

Delhi

India's government has initiated the implementation of a contentious citizenship law. The legislation, set to be enacted weeks before the general election, is designed to simplify the process for religious minorities from neighboring countries to obtain Indian citizenship. However, it notably excludes Muslims from its provisions, raising concerns and criticisms regarding its intentions and implications.

The law specifically aims to streamline citizenship for non-Muslim minorities, implying a significant shift in policy that could potentially affect the demographic and social fabric of the country. As the general election approaches, the timing of this law's activation may also reflect broader political strategies and motivations within the current administration's agenda. 



India implements ‘anti-Muslim’ 2019 citizenship law

Singing and dancing, but also accompanied by protests. The Narendra Modi government is implementing a controversial citizenship law, weeks before general elections, as the Prime Minister bids for a third term. The Citizenship Amendment Act offers refuge to minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, but excludes Muslims. Several scholars say excluding a religious group violates India's secular constitution. This was a long-standing demand. I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Party President Jagat Prakash Nader for providing assistance to our brothers who have come from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Although passed in 2019, rules for the law were not drawn up for years in the aftermath of nationwide protests. In 2020, dozens of people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the capital New Delhi during days of writing. And rights groups say the law, coupled with a proposed National Register of Citizens, could target Muslims in border states. Opposition politicians are accusing the government of pursuing a polarising Hindu nationalist agenda. Now, on the eve of elections, why suddenly this government declares it has decided to implement CAA, the rules are being framed, nothing but to divide the people, create tension among the people at the time of elections. But authorities insist it's about aiding the persecuted. We are really happy and we thank the Modi government and the citizens of this country. We have been here 14 years, some have been here for 12, 11 or 15 years, our prayers have been answered after 15 years. Since Narendra Modi was elected Prime Minister in 2014, attacks and hate speech against Muslims have gone up. With elections coming up, the opposition says the implementation of the citizenship law is a strategic manoeuvre by the governing BJP to consolidate votes. Niha Talabiri, Al Jazeera.

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