• UGI USER
  • Mar 19, 2024
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CAA TURNS BENGAL VOTERS FOCUS FROM SANDESHKHALI

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • Indian Constitution – Evolution, Features, Amendments and Significant Provisions.
  • Federalism

Focus:

  • The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) emerges as a critical issue influencing voter sentiments in the upcoming Bengal elections.
  • The political discourse in West Bengal shifts from local incidents like Sandeshkhali to larger debates over citizenship and identity.

Background:

  • Shantanu Thakur, a junior minister in the Central Government, announces intention to apply for citizenship under CAA, revealing flaws in the process.
  • West Bengal capitalizes on the confusion within the Matua community to highlight concerns about CAA’s divisive impact.
  • Thakur’s move and West Bengal’s response highlight the shifting electoral dynamics in West Bengal.

Challenges with CAA Implementation:

Thakur’s citizenship application raises questions about the necessity of CAA and exposes flaws in the process:

  • Thakur’s status as a minister applying for citizenship under CAA undermines the credibility of the legislation.
  • The need for a minister to apply for citizenship highlights loopholes in the citizenship process and administrative inefficiencies.
  • Thakur’s move creates confusion among the Matua community regarding their citizenship status and eligibility under CAA.
  • The discrepancy in Thakur’s application and his official position casts doubts on the Central Government’s handling of CAA implementation.
  • Thakur’s action serves as a reminder of the challenges in translating CAA’s provisions into actionable policies.
About Citizenship Amendment Act 2019

Amendment in 2019: 

·   The Citizenship Act, 1955 was amended in 2019 to grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

·   Eligibility Criteria: Migrants entering India before December 31, 2014, who faced “religious persecution or fear of religious persecution” in their country of origin are eligible for accelerated citizenship.

·   Criminal Exemptions: The amendment exempts members of these communities from criminal cases under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and Passport Act, 1920, related to illegal entry and expired visas.

Relaxations Introduced:

·   Residency Requirement: Under the previous Citizenship Act, applicants for naturalization needed to reside in India for 11 of the previous 14 years, including the last 12 months.

·   Relaxation in Residency: The 2019 amendment relaxes this requirement to 6 years for applicants belonging to the specified religions from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Exemptions Under CAA:

·   Exclusions under Sixth Schedule:

CAA does not apply to regions mentioned under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

·   Inner Line Permit areas exempt: 

Areas covered by the Inner Line Permit system (ILP) are also exempt from CAA, which includes certain parts of the North-Eastern region.

·   Protection for tribal communities: 

This exclusion aims to protect the interests of tribal and indigenous communities in the North-Eastern region, ensuring that individuals in these areas cannot seek citizenship under CAA provisions.

Shift in Political Priorities

(Sandeshkhali incident) :

Sandeshkhali incident loses national prominence amidst larger electoral battles in West Bengal:

  • Sandeshkhali incident, once a focal point of national attention, fades into the background of broader electoral narratives.
  • The Central Government and West Bengal strategically utilize the Sandeshkhali incident to advance their respective political agendas.
  • Larger electoral battles overshadow localized incidents like Sandeshkhali, reflecting the evolving political landscape in West Bengal.
  • Sandeshkhali, though significant locally, becomes a minor subplot in the larger drama of West Bengal politics.
  • Sandeshkhali’s diminishing significance underscores the dynamic nature of electoral priorities in West Bengal.
Understanding Sandeshkhali Incident:

·   February 2023: Women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, erupted in protest against a local TMC leader, Shajahan Sheikh.

·   Allegations: The women bravely accused Sheikh and his associates of horrific acts like sexual assault and illegal land acquisition. These accusations shone a spotlight on the vulnerability of women and the alleged abuse of power.

·   Political Firestorm: The incident became a political tinderbox. While the TMC vehemently denied the allegations, the BJP seized the opportunity to attack their rivals. This heightened tensions between the two parties.

·   Arrest and Aftermath: Sheikh was arrested by authorities later in February. The case highlighted social issues like gender violence and land rights in the region. It also served as a reminder of the importance of holding those in power accountable.

This incident sparked national outrage and debate, raising questions about social justice and political accountability in India.

Competing Guarantees: Central Government vs. West Bengal:

The Central Government’s Promises of Development:

  • The Central Government’s electoral promises focus on development, economic growth, and national security.
  • Emphasizes the BJP’s track record and future plans for infrastructure development and job creation.
  • Promises of ‘double-engine’ governance and ‘vikas’ resonate with voters disillusioned with regional parties.
  • BJP aims to position itself as the party of progress and stability against regional parties’ populism.
  • The Central Government’s credibility as a guarantor of development contrasts with Bengal Government’s populist welfare schemes.

Bengal Governments’ Welfare Measures:

  • Bengal Government’s’s electoral guarantees revolve around immediate relief and welfare measures for marginalized communities.
  • Highlights state government’s initiatives such as cash transfers, healthcare benefits, and education subsidies.
  • Appeals to voters’ sense of security and inclusivity through promises of social welfare and minority rights protection.
  • Counters BJP’s narrative of development with focus on social justice and equity.
  • Emphasizes regional parties’ role in filling gaps left by central government’s policies and programs.

Competitive Populism and Deficit Covering:

Regional parties compelled to compensate for deficits left by Central Government’s policies:

  • West Bengal’s administration implements welfare schemes to offset the shortcomings of Central Government programs.
  • West Bengal government’s initiatives target marginalized communities and address gaps in Central welfare schemes.
  • Central Government’s delayed release of funds for national schemes prompts West Bengal to step in with state-level interventions.
  • Competitive populism drives West Bengal to showcase her government’s achievements and responsiveness to citizen needs.
  • Deficit covering by regional parties underscores the importance of subnational governance in addressing local challenges.

Strategic Importance of West Bengal:

  • West Bengal crucial for both Central Government and West Bengal in the 2024 elections:
  • Central Government seeks to expand its electoral footprint in West Bengal to achieve its national targets.
  • West Bengal aims to consolidate her party’s hold on the state and emerge as a formidable national opposition leader.
  • Central Government’s aspirations for a dominant presence in West Bengal underscore the state’s strategic significance.
  • The electoral battle in West Bengal symbolizes the larger struggle for political supremacy between Central Government and regional parties.
  • West Bengal’s diverse demographics and complex socio-political landscape make it a battleground state in Indian politics.

Narrative Challenges and Electoral Reform:

Narrative Fragmentation: 

Political leadership’s failure to articulate a unified narrative on contentious issues undermines public trust and confidence.

Criticism of Proposal: 

One nation, one election proposal faces criticism due to diverse challenges across regions and states.

Local Complexity: 

Complexity of local issues like land grab and administrative corruption requires nuanced policy interventions and governance reforms.

Reform Imperative: 

Electoral reforms must address regional disparities and ensure equitable representation of diverse voices in the political process.

Consensus Building: 

Political parties must engage in constructive dialogue and consensus-building to overcome narrative challenges and strengthen democratic institutions.

Conclusion:

West Bengal emerges as a critical battleground for BJP’s national ambitions and Banerjee’s regional dominance, with far-reaching implications for Indian politics.

Calls for electoral reform to address narrative challenges and promote transparency and accountability in governance.

Source:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2024/Mar/18/caa-turns-bengal-voters-focus-from-sandeshkhali#:~:text=Forced%20to%20demonstrate%20that%20the,citizenship%20under%20the%20new%20rules.

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the implications of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on federalism in India. Analyze how the implementation of the CAA affects the federal structure, state autonomy, and intergovernmental relations, considering both legal and political dimensions.