By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 05, 2026
Agartala, July 5 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is rooted in the vision of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, asserting that the late nationalist leader was the first to advocate the principles that eventually shaped the legislation. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has translated those ideals into reality through the implementation of the CAA.
The Chief Minister was addressing a student conference at the Agartala Town Hall, organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) as part of the nationwide 'Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Commemoration Fortnight', being observed from June 23 to July 6 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder.
The programme was attended by State BJP President and MLA Abhishek Debroy, BJYM State President and MLA Sushanta Deb, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Deepak Majumder, and other senior BJP leaders and party functionaries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Saha said several eminent personalities had made immense sacrifices for India's freedom and nation-building but did not receive due recognition for many decades. He alleged that previous education systems disproportionately focused on the history of the Mughal Empire while overlooking the contributions of nationalist leaders such as Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
"The Prime Minister has urged the younger generation to study the true history of the nation and understand the lives and ideals of great personalities who dedicated themselves to India's progress. Our youth should embrace this call and become aware of the country's rich nationalist heritage," he said.
Highlighting Dr. Mukherjee's political career, the Chief Minister recalled that he had served in the cabinet of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, but resigned in protest against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. According to Dr. Saha, Dr. Mukherjee strongly opposed any compromise on the protection of Hindus in East Pakistan.
"He was the first leader to articulate the concept that later evolved into the Citizenship Amendment Act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled that vision by enacting the CAA to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minority communities who sought refuge in the country," the Chief Minister said.
Addressing the gathering, State BJP President Abhishek Debroy spoke about Dr. Mukherjee's contributions to preserving India's unity and territorial integrity, describing him as a visionary nationalist leader whose ideals continue to inspire the nation.
BJYM State President Sushanta Deb also appealed to students and young people to study Dr. Mukherjee's life and values, urging them to actively participate in nation-building and contribute to the country's development through dedicated public service. FD JK