Suvendu Adhikari Expedites CAA Process and Enacts Anti-Goonda Law

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that hearings for citizenship applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will conclude soon. Of 230,000 applicants in the state, 23,000 have received certificates, leaving 207,000 cases pending. Adhikari welcomed a Union Home Ministry order from August 19 that empowers District Collectors to directly process applications and grant certificates, a move he stated will allow Hindu refugees to receive documentation immediately and be added to voter lists.

Simultaneously, Adhikari announced the implementation of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, following approval from Governor R.N. Ravi. The legislation, referred to as the anti-goonda law, enables the arrest of individuals who attack police and allows the state to recover three times the cost of damaged public property plus interest. While rules for damage recovery are now in effect, preventive detention provisions still await the President's assent.

In separate remarks, Adhikari defended the Annapurna Yojana against allegations from former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who claimed women were being deprived of benefits. Adhikari countered that financial assistance has reached over 14.6 million eligible women, including 1.9 million Muslim families, without religious or political discrimination.