Kolkata, March 19: Veteran BJP leader Tathagata Roy finds himself at the center of a political storm following his controversial remarks suggesting that circumcision should be a determinant factor in ascertaining the religious identity of individuals seeking citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Roy’s comments, made via social media, have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) condemning his remarks as a “vulgar jibe” and questioning the narrative being propagated by the BJP.
In a post on his social media handle, Roy asserted that the religious identity of male applicants under the CAA should be determined by whether they have been circumcised or not. This suggestion has ignited widespread outrage, with many accusing Roy of perpetuating religious discrimination and promoting divisive narratives.
Reacting to Roy’s comments, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh condemned them as “lowly and vulgar jibes” and accused Roy of promoting religious discrimination. Senior TMC leader Mamata Bala Thakur called upon the people to unite in protest against Roy’s remarks, emphasizing the need to reject such divisive rhetoric.
Despite the backlash, Roy remained unapologetic, comparing his suggestion to medical examinations required for job applications. He reiterated that his intention was not to shame individuals but to propose a method for verifying their religious identity.
Roy’s remarks have reignited the debate surrounding the contentious CAA and as tensions escalate, the fallout from Roy’s comments is likely to continue dominating political discourse in the coming days.
