Kerala CM Says CAA Shreds Constitutional Equality Ahead of Polls

In a fervent address in Kasaragod, Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the BJP-led central government's implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), asserting that it undermines the principle of equality foundational to the Indian Constitution. The speech, delivered at an anti-CAA rally organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on March 23, highlighted Vijayan's concerns over the law's implications on India's secular fabric.

Vijayan accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which he claims influences the BJP's policies, of drawing inspiration from fascist leaders Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. He argued that the RSS's ideology, contrary to embracing India's secular ethos, aims to transform the country into a theocracy, sidelining religious minorities and communists. Citing RSS ideologue M.S. Golwalkar's writings, Vijayan pointed out the organization's historical admiration for Hitler's methods of dealing with internal dissent.

The Chief Minister emphasized India's strength in its diversity, expressing concern over how the CAA specifically targets Muslims, thereby violating constitutional principles. He noted that the global community has also voiced opposition to the Act, underscoring its discord with universally accepted values of equality and secularism.

Furthermore, Vijayan criticized the Congress party for its lack of opposition to the CAA, especially after the recent notification of rules for its implementation. He underscored the importance of continued protests against the CAA, mentioning upcoming rallies in Kannur, Malappuram, and Kollam as part of a broader resistance movement.

The CAA, passed in December 2019 and ratified by the President, has sparked widespread protests across India. It offers citizenship to undocumented migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—excluding Muslims—who entered India before December 31, 2014. Vijayan's speech reflects a deep-seated concern over the law's departure from India's secular traditions and its potential to alter the societal fabric.