No CAA for Trinamool supporters: BJP’s Shantanu Thakur
Union Minister of State and BJP’s Bongaon Lok Sabha candidate, Shantanu Thakur sparked a fresh controversy during a campaign rally, declaring that no Trinamool Congress worker would be granted citizenship as part of the process mandated by the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
Thakur made this statement at a street-corner rally at Panchpota near Sutia in Gaighata block, just two weeks before the Lok Sabha polls.
Following Thakur’s remarks, the Trinamool Congress vehemently criticised his statement, with several party leaders speaking out against the Union minister.
In the widely circulated video clip on social media, Thakur was heard saying, “Do not heed Trinamool’s words. You need only make a self-declaration and during document verification, approach us for guidance. None of you will lose your jobs or property. However, refrain from associating with Trinamool members. We will not grant citizenship to a single Trinamool Congress supporter. Let Mamata Banerjee protect you.”
When questioned about his statement on Thursday, April 4, Thakur affirmed that he had expressed his genuine beliefs. “They are the ones opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). They have stated they do not require citizenship and are thus opposing it. Therefore, why should we grant it to them? They should approach Mamata Banerjee for citizenship under the 1971 law or based on their existing voter ID card.”
