“Granting Citizenship Has Gave People an Identity,” BJP’s Shantanu Thakur Declares, Preparing for the Battle of Bangaon

Shantanu Thakur, the Minister of State for Shipping and a descendent of Harichand Thakur, the man who started Matuaism, a Vaishnavite religious reform movement, has been the public face of the BJP’s CAA campaign. Phase 5 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be held in Bangaon, Bengal, where Thakur is a contestant.

Speaking with CNN-News18, Thakur praised the issuance of the first batch of citizenship certificates and expressed confidence in his triumph.

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What is the local response?

There’s been a tremendous reaction. The victory margin will undoubtedly rise.

Is that because of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?

For three or four generations, we have been struggling for our right to citizenship. People are now able to get identities thanks to the Union government’s decision, which met our demand.

The first certificates have been distributed. What are your thoughts?

Certain political groups attempted to demonstrate the falsity of our citizenship pledge. However, it was shown by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Amit Shah, that they meant business.

However, why do so few individuals submit applications to get the certificates?

This procedure takes a while. A day is not enough to complete it. The government would take some time to grant citizenship since more than one crore individuals have requested it.

How does Mamata Banerjee feel about this?

She is now stating that she is in favor of CAA, but only if there is no National Register of Citizens (NRC). Her nephew said that they would back CAA in the absence of NRC. Anyhow, there is no NRC. Her attempt to disseminate a false story was unsuccessful.

What is your proposal to the audience?

Over the last ten years, PM Modi has brought about growth. The state of affairs in India has improved globally. The leader of the world is PM Modi. We hold “Vasudev Kutumbakam” to be true.

Mamata Banerjee said that she would back the India bloc outside. How do you feel about it?

She just has 42 seats; therefore, she won’t make an impression anywhere. In Bengal, she doesn’t have any policies. She’ll lose her vote to her companions.

Is there a problem with corruption?

Corruption is a major problem in West Bengal. How come money is discovered in the houses of their ministers if we [the BJP] are using the ED and CBI, as the opposition claims?

According to PM Modi, he is the last person to use anti-Muslim language. How do you feel?

It is propaganda from the opposition to accuse the prime minister. India is a refuge for “Sanatani.” Here, everyone remains in unison.

The TMC claims that the BJP’s strategy is Sandeshkhali.

The existence of torture at Sandeshkhali is a reality.

Bengal’s BJP will surpass 30 seats, according to Amit Shah. How do you feel?

The circumstances are favorable to adding more seats. We’re putting in a lot of effort, and our margin will rise.