Assam: Congress MLA denounces CAA, terms Act as discriminatory and unconstitutional

Assam Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal expressed his opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) notification. 

He stated that the Act has been widely opposed by all political parties, both within and outside the Parliament. He labelled the Act as discriminatory and unconstitutional, stating that the government's attempt to grant citizenship based on religion is not permissible under the provisions of the Indian Constitution. 

The Act has been protested against across the country, including Assam, according to Mandal.

Meanwhile, the Opposition United Forum has denounced the Act with Congress leader Debarata Saikia, hitting out at the central government for what he perceives as a betrayal of Assam's sentiments and a disregard for its integrity.

Addressing the media, Saikia expressed deep concern over the implementation of the CAA, stating, "Today, the central government has shattered the national integrity sentiments of the people of Assam by implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They have dashed the hopes of the Jana Gana in Assam."

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has been rolled out nationwide, including in Assam, has stirred significant controversy since its inception. Saikia criticized the ruling BJP government for allegedly prioritizing political gains over the welfare of the state's inhabitants.

Saikia accused the Centre and the BJP government of reneging on promises made to safeguard Assamese sentiments, unity, culture, and tradition. He asserted, "They have provided opportunities to foreigners staying in Assam after 2014, which is entirely unacceptable and very unfortunate."

Also read: Assam: Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia decries CAA implementation, calls it a blow to state's integrity