Centre will implement CAA before Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Amit Shah makes big claim

Digital Desk: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be implemented before the Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. Shah emphasized that the CAA aims to provide citizenship to those facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, not to revoke anyone's Indian citizenship. He expressed concern that misinformation is leading to misconceptions among the Muslim community regarding the CAA.

Shah also addressed the issue of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), describing it as a constitutional agenda initially signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and others. He criticized the Congress for neglecting the UCC due to appeasement. The recent enforcement of the UCC in Uttarakhand was hailed as a social change, with Shah asserting that a secular country should not have religion-based civil codes.

Looking ahead to the Lok Sabha polls, Shah boldly anticipated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 370 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) surpassing 400 seats, paving the way for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He declared that there is no suspense over the election outcome, even suggesting that opposition parties, including Congress, are realizing they might end up in the opposition once again.

Shah touched upon the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He linked this achievement to the BJP's expectation of securing 370 seats in the upcoming polls. Responding to queries about potential alliances, Shah hinted at the possibility of more parties joining the NDA, stating that the BJP believes in family planning but not in politics.

When questioned about talks with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Shah mentioned ongoing discussions without finalization. He stressed that the 2024 polls would not merely be a contest between the NDA and the opposition but a choice between development and empty slogans.

Regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, Shah criticized the Nehru-Gandhi scion, asserting that he had no right to lead such a march, holding the Congress responsible for the country's partition in 1947.

Amit Shah's statements provide a glimpse into the BJP's confidence in the upcoming elections, highlighting key issues such as the CAA, UCC, and alliances, while emphasizing the party's commitment to development over mere slogans.