• Source:JND
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In a major announcement, Tamil actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay has expressed his firm disagreement with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) proposed by the Central government. This law seeks to offer Indian citizenship to undocumented migrants from neighboring countries who are not Muslim, stirring up heated discussions and disagreements since its introduction. 

Vijay Thalapathy Stands Firm Against CAA

The ‘Leo’ actor released a statement and said, “It is not acceptable to implement any law like the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) in an environment where all citizens of the country live with social harmony.” He further urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure no implementation of CAA in the Southern state. “The leaders should ensure that this law does not get implemented in Tamil Nadu,” he went on to state.

Kamal Haasan Says 'Centre Is Trying To Divide The Public'

Not only Vijay, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiyam has intensified its opposition towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, commonly known as the BJP. The actor released a statement, which read, “The Central government is trying to divide the public and destroy the harmony of India, right before the election. In its desperation to win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP Government has hurriedly notified the Citizenship Amendment Act, at the eve of the elections. The timing of the notification is further more questionable, considering the Supreme Court is determining the constitutional validity of this law. Makkal Needhi Maiam has unwaveringly opposed the Act, legally and politically. True to its secular credentials and commitment to the constitution of India, Makkal Needhi Maiam was the first political party in Tamil Nadu to challenge this act in Supreme Court.” 

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“If we believe the claims that this Act is meant to provide protection to the oppressed religious minorities, why not include the Sri Lankan Tamils who have faced similar hardships? Tamil Nadu, leading the way among other states, has passed resolutions in the State Legislature against this act,” he further added.

For the unversed, the Centre declared the enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which happened four years after it was approved by Parliament. This law opens the door for granting citizenship to undocumented migrants who are not Muslim and come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Following this decision, the government will begin the process of granting Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants who have faced persecution in these three countries.

General elections are expected to be held in India between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha.