Guwahati: In a resolute stand against the section of leaders who want to create an environment of agitation in the state on CAA implementation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that he will step down if any new individuals enter the state under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019. This assertion comes in the wake of the nationwide implementation of the CAA on March 11, as per a gazette notification from the Union Home Ministry.
A Pledge of Commitment to Assam’s Soil
Addressing the media during a Vikash Yatra programme in Sivasagar, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his commitment to Assam, stating, “If a single new person enters Assam, I will resign as the chief minister, as I am also a son of this soil.” This bold statement underscores the Chief Minister’s dedication to preserving the state’s cultural and demographic integrity. He assures that no news entries beyond December 31, 2014 could apply for citizenship, and the numbers in Assam will be very less.
Online Citizenship Applications: Dispelling Street Protests
CM Sarma, while addressing concerns related to the CAA, emphasised that individuals have the right to apply for citizenship online from the comfort of their homes. Discouraging street protests, he challenged opposition claims made during the 2019 protests, demanding proof of the assertion that over 1 crore Hindus from Bangladesh would enter Assam. Assuring transparency, CM Sarma stated that online citizenship data would be available within the next 45 days.
Downplaying Opposition Claims and Ensuring Clarity
Downplaying the number of potential citizenship applicants, CM Sarma predicted minimal numbers, particularly from those left out in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update. He clarified that only those who had been in India before 2014 would be eligible to apply under the CAA, ensuring that no new individuals would enter Assam.
Potential Protest Warning and Transparent Disclosure
Expressing a readiness to join protests if citizenship applicants exceeded 20 lakh, CM Sarma concluded by pledging transparent disclosure of all application-related data within 45 to 60 days. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to openness and accountability in the citizenship application process.
