The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented as soon as Covid-19 cases subside, Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is in Bengal’s Siliguri, said on Thursday.

He made it clear that the controversial citizenship law is back on the Centre’s agenda.

Speaking at a public meeting in Siliguri in North Bengal, Amit Shah accused Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “spreading rumours” that the new citizenship law would not be enforced.

“I have come to North Bengal today. I want to make it clear that the Trinamool Congress is spreading rumours that the CAA will not be implemented. I want to say that as soon as the Covid wave abates we will implement CAA on the ground,” Shah said.

“Mamata didi, did you want the infiltration to continue? But I want to tell you the CAA was a reality and it will remain a reality and the TMC cannot do anything about it,” added the Home Minister.

Banerjee reacted instantly to Amit Shah’s statement.

“This is their plan. Why are they not bringing the bill to Parliament? They are not coming in 2024, I am telling you. We don’t want any citizens rights to suffer. Unity is our strength. He has come after one year. Har baar aate hain ganda baat karte hain (Every time they come here, they talk rubbish),” the Chief Minister said.