Abdullah and Mufti Accuse Indian Government of Using CAA Rules to Target Muslims for Political Gains

In a move that has sparked controversy, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir’s political heavyweights, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have criticized the Indian government’s notification of rules for the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Both leaders argue that this action is an attempt to target Muslims and manipulate voters through divisive politics.

Omar Abdullah, the National Conference vice president, expressed his concerns, stating, “The Parliament passed the CAA in December 2019. Notifying rules ahead of the Lok Sabha polls speaks volumes about BJP’s intention towards Muslims living in the country. It’s a religious card ahead to meet nefarious designs.” Abdullah accuses the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of selectively targeting Muslims with the CAA, suggesting that this move is an age-old tactic employed by the BJP to appeal to voters.

Abdullah goes further to claim that the BJP, initially aiming for 400 seats, has been forced to realize the potential backlash from the people. He alleges that the urgency in notifying the CAA rules is a strategic manoeuvre by the BJP to gain support, especially in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party, echoed similar sentiments, condemning the Modi government’s move. She argued, “Seventy-seven years after Partition, BJP is still wedded to the concept of two nation theory. To further their agenda, they have thus implemented CAA to create another partition among our people.” Mufti sees the implementation of the CAA as an attempt to perpetuate the idea of a divided nation.

Mufti criticizes the government’s sudden urgency in implementing the CAA, especially when the matter is still pending in the Supreme Court. She views this as a desperate attempt to divert attention from the government’s failures and engage the public in hate politics. Urging all communities, especially Muslims, not to fall into the trap set by the government, Mufti emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant against divisive tactics.

The statements by Abdullah and Mufti shed light on the political maneuvering surrounding the CAA, portraying it as a tool wielded by the government for potential electoral gains and the perpetuation of divisive ideologies. The situation underscores the complex dynamics in Indian politics, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where issues of identity and religious sensitivity play a significant role.