CAA certificates a 'staged drama' like Sandeshkhali, more like green card: Mamata Banerjee
Times of India | 18 May 2024
KOLKATA/JHARGRAM: In her first reaction to Centre issuing citizenship certificates to over 300 people under Citizenship (Amendment) Rules 2024, CM Mamata Banerjee called the move a "staged drama like Sandeshkhali", adding it was "just like they give a green card if you study or work abroad for many years".
"People will think this to be true but it is merely politics during the elections.Do not believe (PM Narendra) Modi, do not believe his guarantees," the CM said at a rally in Jhargram.
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While green card holders or permanent residents can live and work in the US and enjoy most benefits, they do not have the full rights of a citizen, including, in many cases, the right to vote.
Banerjee also accused the Modi govt of orchestrating a plan to take away the rights of tribals and sow discord among different backward communities. She said Adivasi lands could not be grabbed under any pretext, and added that Kudmis had every right to raise their demands (for ST status).
"BJP tries to fuel fights between Adivasis and Kudmis. BJP may want to drive out Adivasis, Kudmis and other backward castes through the NRC and engineer fights among them by introducing the Uniform Civil Code. But I vow to protect them till my last breath. I have brought a law where Adivasi land cannot be taken away. You will live with pride and dignity. I love all people from all religion, and castes. The Kudmis can definitely put forward their demands. We will carry out a survey. But we will not let the Adivasis be insulted, this is our oath," she added.
At a rally in Ghatal, where she canvassed for Trinamool candidate Dev, the CM urged everyone to vote. "This vote is for your future... if they are so confident about CAA, ask Narendra Modi-Amit Shah to apply under CAA," she said, adding that if INDIA bloc formed govt, she would repeal CAA and NRC.
Banerjee promised that the Ghatal Master Plan would be implemented in the next two to three years, once she managed to arrange funds for the Rs 1,000-crore project. "The moment he (Dev) told me, I started the survey. The Ghatal Master Plan will be completed soon," she said.