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PM Modi Assures Matua Community Citizenship Under CAA in Bengal Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Malda, West Bengal, countering Trinamool Congress claims that Matua community voters would lose rights. He guaranteed that the Citizenship Amendment Act would protect their interests and grant them citizenship. Modi launched a sharp attack on the TMC, accusing it of encouraging illegal infiltration from Bangladesh which he called the state's biggest challenge. He promised that a BJP government in Bengal would take strong steps against infiltrators and work for the social development of backward communities.

Key Points: PM Modi: CAA Will Protect Matua Voting Rights, Citizenship

  • CAA citizenship guarantee for Matuas
  • BJP vows to protect voting rights
  • Attack on TMC over illegal infiltration
  • Promise of social development for OBCs
2 min read

Matua voters won't lose rights, CAA will ensure citizenship: PM Modi in Bengal

PM Modi guarantees citizenship for Matua community under CAA in West Bengal, attacks TMC over infiltration, vows BJP government will ensure development.

"It is my guarantee that their interests will be protected and citizenship will be granted to them under the Citizenship Amendment Act. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

Kolkata, Jan 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday countered the Trinamool Congress' claims that several voters from the Matua community in West Bengal will lose their voting rights following the Special Intensive Revision exercise in the state, underlining that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not only determined to protect the voting rights of the Matuas and other religious refugees in West Bengal but also ensure their long-term development.

"I request the people from the Matua community, as well as people coming to West Bengal from the neighbouring country because of religious oppression, not to be scared. It is my guarantee that their interests will be protected and citizenship will be granted to them under the Citizenship Amendment Act. If a government led by the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, it will work for the social development of the Matuas as well as people from other backward class communities," the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Malda district of West Bengal on Saturday.

Matuas are people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds from neighbouring Bangladesh who come to West Bengal as refugees and settle in different parts of the eastern state, with a concentration in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts.

Since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has been able to develop a stronghold in the Matua-dominated pockets in West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, he launched a scathing attack against the Trinamool Congress, accusing it of encouraging illegal infiltration from neighbouring Bangladesh.

"The biggest challenge faced by West Bengal is infiltration. The rich countries of the world, where there is no shortage of money, are also expelling infiltrators. Should they not be sent out of West Bengal also? But is it possible by a Trinamool Congress-ruled government, which has been playing the game of infiltrating the voters for so many years? They snatch away the rights of the poor.

"They snatch away the jobs of the youth. They have oppressed our sisters. They are bringing terrorism and violence to the country. The demographic balance is being destroyed. Violence is increasing in many places in Malda and Murshidabad. The alliance of infiltrators and those in power will have to be broken. If the BJP comes to power, there will be big steps against the infiltrators," PM Modi said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a Bengali, I feel this is a very sensitive topic being used for political gains before elections. Both BJP and TMC are playing with people's lives. The focus should be on development, not fear-mongering.
A
Aman W
The issue of illegal infiltration is real and affecting the local population in border districts. Jobs and resources are under pressure. Strong steps are needed, but they must be implemented with compassion for genuine refugees.
P
Priyanka N
My family is from Nadia. The Matuas are hardworking people who contribute to our society. They deserve citizenship and dignity. Hope the promises are kept and the process is made smooth for them.
D
David E
Observing from outside, the CAA seems to create a religious test for citizenship, which is problematic. While helping persecuted communities is noble, the law should be inclusive and not exclude any particular community facing persecution.
K
Karthik V
The PM is right about breaking the infiltrator-power nexus in Bengal. It has ruined the state's demography and security. Strong border management combined with CAA for eligible refugees is the balanced approach needed. Jai Hind!

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