All states have to implement CAA, says Union Minister

: Amid protest by many non-BJP ruled states against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), the Centre on Monday said the states have to implement the legislation as it had been passed by Parliament.

"Under the Constitution, they (states) have to implement it (CAA)", Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told a press conference convened here to convey the views of the Centre as well as the BJP on the CAA.

His statement comes a day after a meeting of various political parties and socio-religious outfits convened by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi VIjayan decided to hold joint protests against the controversial Act. To queries on the decision of the certain non-BJP ruled state governments, including that of Kerala and of West Bengal, not to implement the Act, the Minister said, "If any government says it won't implement it, then it is not as per theConstitution, be it the West Bengal government, Kerala, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh government. It is a Act passed by Parliament. The states have to follow. It is in national interest."