The Citizenship Amendment Act has polarized Indians since December, with large shares of the population fiercely agreeing or disagreeing with the government decision to pass the act. The change will also introduce a fast track to citizenship option for undocumented immigrants (who have been living in the country) of many religions, but not including Muslims. This has led to many, often violent protests in many parts of the country. Petitions challenging the legality of this exclusion on the basis of religion are being heard at the country’s Supreme Court.
According to the IANS-C Voter snap poll, North Indians tend to agree with the CAA most, with almost 70 percent voicing support.
The Northeast, on the other hand, agrees with the bill the least. This sentiment is especially strong in Assam. Unlike other autonomous regions, a big part of Assam has been included in the CAA, which has led to protests there because many citizens see Hindu immigrants from Bangladesh as a factor diminishing the region’s religious and linguistic diversity in favor of a majority Hindu population.
