The Citizenship Amendment Bill will affect thousands of people in Jharkhand as well, but the Opposition parties here have maintained silence on the issue over which larges swathes of the country have stood up in protest.
“We often hear allegations about Bangladeshi infiltrators coming over to parts of Santhal Pargana like Rajmahal and Pakur region and the bill when enacted will have impact there,” said B. B. Chaudhary, state unit president of the Samajvadi Jan Parishad who is also associated with the progressive umbrella organisation Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha. “Many poor people in that region, including Muslims, don't have proper documents to prove their citizenship and that may put them in trouble,” he added.
A university professor, who requested anonymity on the grounds of service conduct rules restricting him from making political comments, said: “I have my doubts if this bill will stand the test of law, but the BJP has been harping on the issue for polarising people on religious line and is attempting to draw political mileage from it.”
Given how controversial the bill is, the silence of the Opposition has surprised observers. The JMM said it had issued a statement on the bill on Tuesday but it was not published.
“CAB (the bill) is against the spirit of our Constitution,” JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said when asked what the statement was.
“The bill is aimed at segregating Musilms and is a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution that assures fundamental right to equality to all persons. Our Constitution also describes India is a secular country and this bill doesn't reflect that secularism,” he added.
JVM spokesperson Tauhid Alam admitted: “It’s true we didn't issue a statement because we all are busy with the ongoing election. I surely have my own views but the same of the party must come from our chief, Babulal Marandi, who is contesting the Dhanwar Assembly seat that votes on Thursday.
“No one minds illegal infiltrators being driven out but that should be applicable in case of actual infiltrators only, irrespective of their religion,” Alam said, stating that it was his personal view.
Deosharan Bhagat, general secretary of Ajsu Party, echoed Alam. “We all are now very busy with the election and couldn't issue any statement so far,” Bhagat said.
