BJP Intensifies Citizenship Push for Bengal’s Hindu Refugees Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit
Kolkata,December 19,2025 – As Prime minister narendra Modi prepares to visit West Bengal,the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a concerted effort to encourage Hindu refugees,especially those from Bangladesh and within the Dalit Matua community,to apply for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This move comes amidst concerns over voter registration and accusations of exclusion during recent electoral roll revisions.
The BJP is framing the CAA as the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration for these communities. State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya urged eligible individuals to submit their applications promptly, cautioning against misinformation. He emphasized that the CAA is designed to grant citizenship to every Hindu and matua refugee.
Why the Focus on the Matua Community?
The Matua community holds meaningful political weight in West Bengal. Here’s a breakdown of their importance:
* Past Context: Primarily comprised of refugees who migrated from Bangladesh during the 1947 partition and the 1971 Liberation War.
* Demographic Influence: They influence election outcomes in approximately 74 of Bengal’s 294 assembly seats.
* Key Beneficiaries: The Matua community represents the largest group poised to benefit from the CAA.
* Spiritual Foundation: Founded by Sri Harichand Thakur, they are classified as a Scheduled Caste.
Local MP Jagannath Sarkar, representing Ranaghat Lok Sabha, reinforced this message, stating that Prime Minister Modi is committed to ensuring citizenship for all Matuas. His sentiment, “Modi hain toh mumkin hai (Anything is possible if Modi is ther),” underscores the BJP’s confidence in delivering on its promises.
Concerns over Voter Registration & TMC’s Response
This push for CAA applications coincides with allegations from Matua community members and non-Dalit Hindu refugees that manny were excluded from the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the BJP’s actions, alleging that the Prime Minister’s visit is an attempt at “damage control.” TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar claims millions of Matuas and other Hindu refugees were not enrolled during the SIR process.
The TMC argues that the BJP’s initial framing of the SIR – as a means to identify and deport illegal Muslim infiltrators – has inadvertently harmed Hindu refugees as well.
Understanding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The CAA, enacted in 2025, aims to expedite citizenship for non-Muslims who entered India from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014. This includes:
* Hindus
* Sikhs
* Buddhists
* Jains
* Parsis
* Christians
Crucially, the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) order, 2025, issued in September, allows members of these minority communities who arrived before December 31, 2024, to remain in India even without valid documentation or a passport, provided they can demonstrate religious persecution in their country of origin.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you are a hindu refugee from Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan who entered India before the specified deadlines, here’s what you need to know:
* Apply for Citizenship: The BJP is actively encouraging you to submit your application under the CAA.
* Gather Documentation: While the exemption order offers some flexibility, gathering any available documentation will strengthen your case.
* Be Aware of misinformation: Rely on official sources for accurate information about the CAA process.
* check Your Voter Registration: Ensure your name is on the electoral roll, and address any discrepancies promptly.
This situation highlights the complex interplay of politics, citizenship, and identity in West Bengal. The coming weeks will be crucial as the BJP attempts to solidify its support among refugee communities and the TMC seeks to capitalize on any perceived shortcomings in the implementation of the CAA and the voter registration process.
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on publicly available sources as of December 19, 2025. For the most up-to-date information and specific guidance on the CAA application process, please consult official goverment sources.
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