Bengal CM promises citizenship to 2.5 lakh CAA applicants by Dec 31
Suvendu Adhikari announced a Rs 50 crore development package for the Matua community at a convention in Thakurnagar.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Sunday that his government will fast-track Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) hearings to ensure citizenship for 2.5 lakh applicants in the state by December 31. Speaking at the International Matua Gosai Convention 2026 in Thakurnagar, North 24 Parganas, Adhikari said only around 25,000 people have received citizenship under the CAA in West Bengal so far.
According to reports by The Indian Express, ThePrint and The Tribune, Adhikari also announced a Rs 50 crore package for the development of the Matua community within the current financial year. He promised to restructure the Matua Development Board and stated that Thakurnagar would be turned into a municipality in the next budget.
The Chief Minister said that eligible Scheduled Caste members, particularly Namasudras, who receive citizenship under the CAA will be provided with Scheduled Caste certificates. He added that names would be included in the electoral rolls during a special revision exercise scheduled to begin in January after applicants receive their certificates.
Adhikari credited the Matua community's support for the BJP's electoral success in the state. He accused the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee of opposing the CAA and failing to address the concerns of the Matua community.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the previous government had divided the Matua society and did little for its welfare. He stated that the administration had issued guidelines for the process after consultations with the Union Home Ministry, the state government, and district administrations.