All states have to implement CAA, says Union Minister

Amid protest by many n-BJP ruled states against Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Centre on Monday said states have to implement legislation as it had been passed by Parliament.

"Under Constitution, y (states) have to implement it (CAA)", Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram

Meghwal told a press conference convened to convey views of Centre as well as BJP on CAA. His statement comes a day after a meeting of various political parties and socio-religious outfits convened by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi VIjayan decided to hold joint protests against controversial Act.

To queries on decision of certain n-BJP ruled state governments, including that of Kerala and of West Bengal, t to implement Act, Minister said,

"If any government says it won't implement it, n it is t as per constitution, be it West Bengal government, Kerala, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh government. It is a Act passed by Parliament. states have to follow. It is in national interest."

Union Minister's statement also assumes significance in view of a special session of State Assembly being convened on Tuesday and it is likely to moot a resolution to express state's concern over CAA. Seeking to reach out to Muslim community people who were protesting against Act, Meghwal said CAA was enacted to provide citizenship to mirities who were subjected to religious persecution in countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and Muslim citizens of India have thing to worry.

"I want to tell Muslim community, t only Kerala, whole country, re's thing to worry", Minister said when his attention was drawn to massive rally planned by Muslim organisations in Kochi on January 1 against CAA.

Accusing Congress of carrying out a misinformation campaign against CAA, Meghwal said that is t good for country.