In a significant move aimed at fostering dialogue and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), under the leadership of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, convened its inaugural symposium on the contentious law. Held on Saturday, the symposium saw active participation from various quarters, with an emphasis on engaging the Muslim community in constructive discussions.
During the symposium themed “CAA and Indian Muslims,” NCP’s national general secretary, Brijmohan Srivastava, reiterated the party’s commitment to secularism and called for an open and inclusive dialogue on the CAA. Srivastava emphasized the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints and announced plans to compile feedback from the Muslim community for further consideration.
Highlighting the need for clarity and informed discussions, NCP member Mumtaz Alam advocated for a comprehensive dialogue on the CAA, emphasizing the importance of addressing concerns without resorting to opposition for the sake of opposition.
Addressing prevailing apprehensions, Syed Jalaluddin, chairman of NCP’s Minority Department, cautioned against panic and misinformation surrounding the CAA. He urged for a nuanced understanding of the law’s implications and stressed the importance of reconciliation over confrontation.
Echoing diverse perspectives, retired Odisha HC Judge IM Quddusi and lawyer ZK Faizan expressed contrasting views on the CAA. While Quddusi opposed the law citing constitutional grounds, Faizan raised concerns regarding the exclusion of Muslims, citing violations of Article 14 of the Constitution.
The symposium also witnessed contributions from Acharya Pramod Krishnam, Kalki Dham Peethadhishwar, advocating for a collective decision-making process based on the potential impact of the law on individuals.
As the NCP gears up to engage with Muslims across the country on the CAA, the symposium stands as a crucial step towards fostering informed dialogue and addressing misconceptions surrounding the contentious legislation.
In conclusion, the symposium organized by the NCP underscores the importance of inclusive discussions and proactive efforts to address concerns related to the CAA, signaling a commitment towards upholding democratic principles and promoting harmony within the diverse fabric of Indian society.
