CAA completely insignificant in Assam, will attract least number of applications: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Thursday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) holds no significance in Assam, predicting the state will see the fewest applications for Indian citizenship. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs launched a portal on Tuesday for eligible individuals to apply for citizenship under the CAA 2019. Sarma, in a press conference, said that Assam will have the least number of applications on the portal. 

The Union government implemented the CAA on Monday, announcing rules to expedite citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014.

Sarma has clarified that the act clearly states the deadline for citizenship application is December 31, 2014. In Assam, following the National Register of Citizens update, only those who applied and did not find their names in the list will apply for CAA. 

The CM further emphasized that the BJP will secure 13 out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam. He also predicted a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Lok Sabha elections.

Also read: Assam CM to inaugurate expanded 6-lane Khanapara-Jalukbari bypass in Guwahati today