New Delhi, In a bold statement to the press, Congress leader Pawan Khera has declared the party’s intention to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 should they come to power. This announcement marks a significant political stance against what has been a contentious piece of legislation since its inception.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Khera’s remarks were made during a press conference where he emphasized the importance of the 1971 cutoff date for Assam, a reference to the Assam Accord that sets March 25, 1971, as the deadline for granting Indian citizenship to individuals entering Assam from Bangladesh. The CAA, introduced by the Modi government, aims to alter this cutoff to December 31, 2014, extending citizenship eligibility to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. “The Congress will repeal the CAA if voted to power,” affirmed Khera, signaling the party’s commitment to undoing the legislative change.
The CAA has been at the center of widespread protests across India, notably in the Northeastern region, since its passage in December 2019 and subsequent presidential approval. Despite these protests, the home ministry has repeatedly sought extensions from the parliamentary committee for the formulation of the act’s rules.
Khera also criticized Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Assam, questioning his avoidance of Manipur and urging him to allocate time to visit the state amidst his itinerary. This critique adds another layer to the Congress’s opposition strategy, highlighting regional concerns alongside national legislative disagreements.