A special camp organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Bagda region of North 24 Parganas district to facilitate applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has vociferously raised alarms, accusing the BJP of engaging in misleading practices and operating a “fake” camp.
Surge in CAA Applications Amidst Electoral Currents
The camp’s establishment coincides with a notable surge in CAA applications within this West Bengal border area. This heightened interest is largely attributed to the ongoing “Special Intensive Revision” process for voter lists in Bihar, which has fueled speculation that West Bengal will undertake a similar exercise starting from August, ahead of the state assembly elections next year. Many residents are reportedly applying under the CAA in anticipation of these electoral changes.
Yudhisthir Mondal, an applicant at the camp, explained his motivation: “We came to India in 1993. We are applying for CAA today with our Bangladeshi and Indian proof of documents.”
BJP Claims Facilitation, TMC Alleges Deception
The camp, set up in Bagdah, under the Koniara II Gram Panchayat, is an initiative of Sourav Goaly, the opposition leader of the Bagda Panchayat Samiti. Early morning saw long queues of hopeful applicants. The BJP claims approximately a hundred villagers submitted their citizenship applications at this particular camp.
Sourav Goaly defended the camp’s purpose, stating, “We are organizing special camps to facilitate common people’s application for CAA. The CAA has now been enacted into law, which is why people are applying. We are assisting everyone. Today, 40 to 50 people will apply.”
However, the Trinamool Congress has swiftly condemned the BJP’s initiative, labeling it a “deceptive maneuver.” The official TMC X (formerly Twitter) handle posted a scathing critique: “In Bagda, an opposition leader from the Panchayat Samiti is operating a fake CAA camp. The Ministry of Home Affairs is solely responsible for processing citizenship applications. What authority do local BJP leaders have in this process? Will the Ministry of Home Affairs clarify this matter?”
Matua Community and Past Controversies Cited
Prasenjit Ghosh, Vice President of the Bongaon Organisational District of TMC, further escalated the critique by referencing incidents in BJP-ruled states where Bengali-speaking individuals, including those with established citizenship, are allegedly being marginalized. Ghosh specifically mentioned cases where individuals with “Matua cards” signed by BJP MP Shantanu Thakur were reportedly “pushed back” and sent to Bangladesh from Maharashtra.
“Their MP, Shantanu Thakur, gave them Matua cards and said that those who have this card will get Indian citizenship and can apply for NRC,” Ghosh stated, adding, “But in Maharashtra, it was found that four people were pushed back and sent to Bangladesh. All of them had the card signed by Shantanu Thakur of Matua Mahasangh, but the administration there accepts it. This is an eyewash. People are being deceived.”
Applicants Divided as Online Process Continues
Despite the swirling controversy, online applications are being processed at Goaly’s camp in Chuatia Bazar. Residents like Yudhisthir Mondal and Bijoy Biswas confirmed submitting their online applications, providing both Bangladeshi and Indian proof of documents.
The differing political stances on the CAA are evident even among applicants. Amananda Brahmachari, another individual applying at the camp, acknowledged the Chief Minister’s stance that CAA applications are not necessary but stated he was proceeding because “the Prime Minister has asked us to apply.”
Goaly, undeterred by the TMC’s allegations, reiterated the camp’s role: “We are arranging special camps to enable common people to apply for the CAA. The Chief Minister has stated her view, but this has become law. Therefore, common people are applying, and we are assisting them.” The political battle over citizenship and its implications continues to unfold in West Bengal.