BJPs CAA Pitch a Jumla for Votes, Alleges Maharashtra Congress In-charge Ramesh Chennithala

The Maharashtra Congress has accused the BJP of using the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a jumla or empty promise to influence voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Mumbai, February 11: Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a mere election promise to influence voters ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CAA Implementation Delayed for Political Reasons

Chennithala's criticism comes in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement that the rules for implementing the CAA will be issued before the Lok Sabha polls, and the process of granting Indian nationality to beneficiaries will commence shortly after. Chennithala asserts that the BJP is deliberately stoking discussions about the CAA solely for electoral gains.

BJP's Religious Agenda and Opposition from States

Chennithala further alleges that the BJP is attempting to steer the political discourse towards religious lines. He points out that certain BJP-ruled states, such as West Bengal and Kerala, have expressed opposition to the implementation of the CAA.

Inaction Against Attack on Journalist

Chennithala also criticizes the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, for its alleged inaction against the attack on journalist Nikhil Wagle by BJP activists in Pune. He accuses the government of being propped up by the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation rather than being elected by the people.

Public Discontent and Lack of Accountability

Chennithala expresses concern over the recent incidents of firings in the state, which have left citizens worried. He criticizes Chief Minister Shinde and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their silence and inaction regarding these incidents.

Denial of Disputes within Opposition Alliance

In response to a query, Chennithala denies the existence of any disputes within the opposition INDIA bloc regarding the sharing of seats for the general elections. He assures that the final decision on seat-sharing will be taken soon.

Congress Prepares for Lok Sabha Polls

Chennithala announces that the Congress party will organize a two-day workshop for party workers on February 16-17 in Lonavala, Pune district, in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.