The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are just a few days away. Earlier on Monday afternoon, the Union Home Ministry introduced the Citizenship Act across the country. As soon as the notification on CAA was announced, the West Bengal’s Matuas started their celebration at Thakurbari in Thakurnagar. In front of the Harichand-Guruchand temple of Thakurbari in Thakurnagar, they expressed their excitement by playing drums and brass.
The Citizenship Bill was passed in 2003 during Congress's rule at the Centre. It said all those who came to the country after July 19, 1948, were infiltrators. Binapani Thakur, the 'Boro Maa' of the Matua community, started opposing this law as a black law. The Matuas started a movement demanding unconditional citizenship under the leadership of Boroma at Thakurbari.
Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Shantanu Thakur, the grandson of Borama, became an MP from the Bongaon Lok Sabha constituency by assuring citizenship to Matuas and refugees. He promised to introduce CAA multiple times. Finally, CAA was introduced by the Centre.
Shantanu Thakur said, "I had said earlier that CAA would be implemented before the elections. The Prime Minister has kept his word.
However, a part of the Matuas has demanded unconditional citizenship. A section of the people expressed that they are apprehensive about what will happen if they do not get citizenship after applying for citizenship afresh despite having voters, Aadhaar cards, and land ownership.
After coming to power in 2019, the Modi government passed the CAA. According to the Act, refugees who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan since December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but will be given Indian citizenship.
