West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that out of 2.3 lakh CAA applicants, 23,000 have received citizenship certificates, and promised swift issuance for the remaining applicants.

  • 10% of 2.30 lakh CAA applicants have received certificates
  • District magistrates now tasked with issuing certificates
  • CM pledges rapid decision on remaining 90% of applications

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told reporters on Monday that out of the 2.30 lakh people who applied for citizenship under the amended Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 23,000 (10%) have already been issued certificates, and that hearings for the remaining applicants will be concluded soon.

The central government had just days earlier issued guidelines assigning the responsibility of issuing citizenship certificates to district magistrates, a move aimed at accelerating the process for Hindu refugees fleeing religious persecution from Bangladesh.

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Adhikari highlighted that the Hindu refugee community, particularly the Matua sect, has been a key supporter of his government and will receive their certificates without further delay. "The Government of India has entrusted this responsibility to us," he said.

Addressing accusations of bias in the Annapurna cash‑transfer scheme, the CM asserted, "Out of nearly 1.45 crore beneficiaries, 19.2 lakh are Muslim families. We do not discriminate. One lakh eligible women in the hills of Darjeeling have already received assistance."

Commenting on recent clashes at Jadavpur University, he noted, "Normal classes are being held; there is no problem. I will personally visit the campus next Friday and sing ‘Vande Mataram’."

The chief minister also used the platform to criticize the Trinamool Congress, calling the party’s leadership a "corrupt aunt‑nephew duo" and promising the harshest punishment for thieves, while asserting that his government is not fostering discrimination.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the swift issuance of citizenship certificates could reshape the demographic and political landscape of West Bengal, influencing upcoming elections and communal dynamics across the region.

"The rapid processing of CAA applications signals a strategic shift by the state government to consolidate its core voter base," says political analyst Dr. Ramesh Kumar.
Did You Know?: The CAA, enacted in 2019, originally targeted only six neighboring countries, but its implementation has varied widely across Indian states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many people have applied for citizenship under the CAA in West Bengal?
A: Approximately 2.30 lakh applicants.

Q2: Who is now responsible for issuing the citizenship certificates?
A: District magistrates, as per the recent central guidelines.