Tamil Nadu's star actors turned politicians - Kamal Haasan of Makkal Needhi Maiyan (MNM) and Vijay of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), have joined the voices in dissent of the Citizenship Amendment Act, or CAA, which came into effect in India on Monday (March 11, 2024), two weeks ahead of the the impending 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

Four years ago, in December 2019, the CAA was cleared by the Indian Parliament amid protests that it discriminates against the Muslim minority in the country. The promise of CAA's implementation served as a major campaign platform for the BJP before the 2019 election.

The March, 2024 notification of CAA states that the central government can grant citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain, or Christian communities - from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan - who came to India on or before December 31, 2014 to flee from religious persecution. The clear exclusion of Muslims and the announcement of the same a day before the beginning of Ramzan, an auspicious celebration for the Islam community, is what has elicited strong opposition from the liberal left from all over the country.

While Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam called for the CAA implementation to be rejected at Tamil Nadu state level, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiyam came on more strongly against the ruling right - Bharatiya Janata Party aka the BJP. 

The Central government is trying to divide the public and destroy the harmony of India, right before the election. In its desperation to win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP Government has hurriedly notified the Citizenship Amendment Act, at the eve of the elections. The timing of the notification is further more questionable, considering the Supreme Court is determining the constitutional validity of this law.

Makkal Needhi Maiam has unwaveringly opposed the Act, legally and politically. True to its secular credentials and commitment to the constitution of India, Makkal Needhi Maiam was the first political party in Tamil Nadu to challenge this act in Supreme Court.

Unfortunately, this Act, which was hastily tabled and is now being implemented at the eve of a national election, makes plain BJP's nefarious designs. Perhaps, this is a perfect example of the vision of India that BJP intends to create, if voted back to power.

To add insult to injury, after having been ignored and overlooked by the central government, now our Muslim brothers received this tragic news on one of their holiest of days the first day of Ramadan.

If we believe the claims that this Act is meant to provide protection to the oppressed religious minorities, why not include the Sri Lankan Tamils who have faced similar hardships? Tamil Nadu, leading the way among other states, has passed resolutions in the State Legislature against this act.

 

It is reprehensible that the Central Government continues to ignore reality. Let us join together, to give a reality check, to the powers that be. Those who try to divide our citizens on the basis of religion, language and caste will get a reality check in the upcoming elections.

Kamal Haasan,
President,
Makkal Needhi Maiam.

(Translated Version of March 12, 2024 Press Release)

 

Vijay's call for Tamil Nadu to reject CAA implementation echoes Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's stance that his state rejects the CAA. However for a state to prevent a center/union enacted subject, provided by Article 254(2) of Indian Constitution, a two-third majority of all Indian states is required.   

A seasoned politician has said this. Are we missing something?https://t.co/9GQ3QXaYZM

— Babu (@nbaburam) March 12, 2024

A subject can be changed from union to concurrent, if they get 2/3rd majority. To be ratified again by half of the states. In today's situation, no way it is possible.
And to be logical, how can a country citizenship can be in concurrent/state list.
This is used to fool people.

— Ara Ñg Ésh (@Aragsh1) March 12, 2024