India Unveils Rules for Controversial Citizenship Law Ahead of Elections, Excludes Muslims

Months before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term elections, his government has announced the implementation of new rules for the 2019 citizenship law, which has sparked controversy and raised concerns about discrimination against Muslims.

Exclusion of Muslims

The Citizenship Amendment Act, approved in 2019, provides expedited naturalization for various religious groups fleeing religious persecution in neighboring countries. However, the law specifically excludes Muslims, who form a majority in these nations.

Nationwide Protests and Delays

The implementation of the law was delayed due to nationwide protests that erupted following its approval, during which scores of people lost their lives. The protests drew individuals from all faiths who argued that the law undermines India's secular foundation. There were concerns that this law, in conjunction with a proposed national register of citizens, could lead to the marginalization of Muslims.

Proposed National Register of Citizens

In addition to the citizenship law, the government has proposed a national register of citizens to identify and expel individuals deemed to have entered the country illegally. While it has only been implemented in one state so far, there are plans to roll out a similar verification program nationwide.

Controversial Law and Criticisms

Opposition parties have questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting that it is a deliberate attempt to polarize the upcoming elections. Amnesty India has condemned the law as discriminatory and in violation of constitutional values and international human rights law. The organization stated that the law legitimizes religious-based discrimination and is exclusionary in nature.

Concerns for Minority Groups

India is home to a significant Muslim population who have been subjected to attacks since Modi took office in 2014. Critics argue that Modi's silence on anti-Muslim violence has emboldened his extreme supporters and fueled hate speech against Muslims.

Political and Religious Mix

Modi's approach of intertwining religion with politics has resonated with the Hindu majority. His recent inauguration of a Hindu temple at the site of a demolished mosque exemplifies his party’s Hindu nationalist stance.

Upcoming Elections

With Modi's popularity among the Hindu population and most polls predicting a majority win for him in the upcoming general election, the citizenship law and its implications have become a central point of debate and contention in the political landscape of India.