Union Minister Smriti Irani has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Central government, alleging that the Trinamool Congress supremo is misleading certain communities to safeguard her vote bank.

Irani’s remarks came during her visit to West Bengal’s East Burdwan district on Tuesday for a BJP meeting.

Addressing reporters following the meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the plight of individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who sought refuge in India due to persecution in their native lands.

“These individuals will be granted citizenship, fulfilling a pledge made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today in Purbasthali, you witnessed representatives of the Hindu community expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for implementing the CAA,” she remarked.

Irani asserted that Mamata Banerjee is likely to mislead certain communities to safeguard her political interests. However, she emphasized that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only just and correct but also compassionate.

During a rally, Irani criticized the internal conflicts within West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress, questioning the leadership transition from Mamata Banerjee to her nephew, party MP Abhishek Banerjee.

She accused Mamata Banerjee of allying with opposition leaders who denigrate Sanatana Dharma while conveniently declaring Ram Navami a public holiday just before the festival, hinting at electoral opportunism.

Asserting her stance against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Bengal, Irani assured the protection of every individual’s rights. She rallied support from other states to join in the fight against perceived injustices.

In response, Mamata Banerjee vowed to safeguard the rights of all individuals, even at the cost of her life. She urged other states to unite against the implementation of the CAA, pledging unwavering support to the people of Bengal in resisting any infringement upon their rights.

The CAA, passed in December 2019 and subsequently receiving the President’s assent, triggered widespread anti-CAA protests across the nation, with many labeling the law as discriminatory.