Citizenship Bill HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi Hails Passage Of Bill, Sonia Gandhi Calls It Dark Day In History
The Rajya Sabha passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 (CAB) on Wednesday with 125 members voting for and 105 against the Bill. Earlier the demand for referring the Bill to the Select Committee was negated. The CAB paves the way for citizenship to lakhs of illegal immigrants living in various parts of the country, even if they lacked any document to prove their residency.
The cut-off date for being eligible for the Indian nationality is December 31, 2014, which means those applying for citizenship should have entered India on or before this date. The citizenship would be granted with retrospective effect.
Replying to a six-and-a-half-hour debate on the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said the legislation seeks to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities in the three countries and not take away citizenship of anyone.
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ওয়েব ডেস্ক, এবিপি আনন্দ
Last Updated:
11 Dec 2019 11:13 PM
Happy that Sena didn't vote for CAB: Chidambaram
Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday appreciated the party's alliance partner in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, for not participating in the voting on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking to media outside Parliament, Chidambaram said, 'We got 105 votes and it is wonderful, 105 is a good number'.
When asked about the party's alliance partner in Maharashtra, which is a part of the 'Maha Vikas Aghadi,' the Congress leader said, 'We are certainly happy that Shiv Sena did not vote for the Bill.' Pressed further, he said, 'They did not vote as they walked out.'
Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday appreciated the party's alliance partner in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, for not participating in the voting on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking to media outside Parliament, Chidambaram said, 'We got 105 votes and it is wonderful, 105 is a good number'.
When asked about the party's alliance partner in Maharashtra, which is a part of the 'Maha Vikas Aghadi,' the Congress leader said, 'We are certainly happy that Shiv Sena did not vote for the Bill.' Pressed further, he said, 'They did not vote as they walked out.'
This government only makes big promises but all their promises fail. Mamata Di has stated clearly that NRC and CAB will not be implemented in West Bengal: Derek O'Brien, TMC on passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
PM Narendra Modi hails passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
Soon after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 125 votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and hailed the decision and said today to be a landmark day for India and its ethos of compassion and brotherhood.
A landmark day for India & our nation’s ethos of compassion & brotherhood! Glad that CAB 2019 has been passed in Rajya Sabha. Gratitude to all MPs who voted in favour of Bill. It'll alleviate suffering of many who faced persecution for years: PM Modi tweeted
Soon after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 125 votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and hailed the decision and said today to be a landmark day for India and its ethos of compassion and brotherhood.
A landmark day for India & our nation’s ethos of compassion & brotherhood! Glad that CAB 2019 has been passed in Rajya Sabha. Gratitude to all MPs who voted in favour of Bill. It'll alleviate suffering of many who faced persecution for years: PM Modi tweeted
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena on his party boycotting voting, in Rajya Sabha
My party and I felt that when answers are not given properly then it is not right to either support or oppose the Bill.
We didn't say that the refugees shouldn't be granted citizenship, they should be given. But we said that if it's a conspiracy for vote bank politics & allegations are being levelled against you then they should not be granted voting rights for 25 years.
Secondly, if you look at the population and resources of India, how many people can you take in? They also did not clear the stand on Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka. There are so many things.
ANI
My party and I felt that when answers are not given properly then it is not right to either support or oppose the Bill.
We didn't say that the refugees shouldn't be granted citizenship, they should be given. But we said that if it's a conspiracy for vote bank politics & allegations are being levelled against you then they should not be granted voting rights for 25 years.
Secondly, if you look at the population and resources of India, how many people can you take in? They also did not clear the stand on Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka. There are so many things.
ANI
The Joint Movement against Citizenship Amendment Bill (JMACAB) has withdrawn its indefinite strike called against implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019: Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb
Soon after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha with 125 votes, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi said that today would be marked as a 'black day' in Indian history. 'Passage of CAB marks victory of narrow minded and bigoted forces over India's pluralism', she said.
BREAKING | Rajya Sabha Passes Citizenship Amendment Bill With 125 Votes; 105 votes were cast against the bill. The Bill will now be send to the President of India for final approval.
BREAKING | The Rajya Sabha has voted NOT to send the Citizenship Amendment Bill to a select panel. 113 MPs voted against the proposal while 92 voted for the proposal. Now, 206 MPs are in the House when voting was held, which means that the majority mark to clear a proposal is 105.
BREAKING | Proposal to send the Citizenship Amendment Bill to select committee has been rejected in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill will go for final test today. Shiv Sena has staged a walkout from the Upper House
BREAKING | Voting in Rajya Sabha on sending Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 to select panel begins.
Neither Citizenship Amendment Bill is anti-Muslim, nor abrogation of Article 370 is anti-Muslim, Triple Talaq Bill is not anti-Muslim either. Triple Talaq is the Bill to give rights to crores of Muslim women in the country: Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
BREAKING | Speaking to news agency PTI, Assam Police ADG (Law and Order) Mukesh Agrawal said that curfew in Guwahati extended till indefinite period amid violent protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
Home Minister Amit Shah on CAB in Rajya Sabha:
Law made in past to address problems of Tamils coming from Sri Lanka; now law being made to address problem from three other nations. Present laws have provision for giving citizenship to persecuted Muslims; 566 Muslims given Indian citizenship.
Muslims not included for giving citizenship because proposed law is for persecuted minorities in Pak, Bangladesh, Afghanistan. Equality guaranteed in Article 14 does not prohibit law based on reasonable classification.
13,000 Hindus, Sikhs migrants from Pakistan given relief and citizenship during Congress rule. Citizenship bill not to snatch anyone's Indian citizenship; Muslims have no need to fear or worry.
This bill is to give citizenship, not to take away citizenship; Citizenship of Indian Muslims not being taken away.
Law made in past to address problems of Tamils coming from Sri Lanka; now law being made to address problem from three other nations. Present laws have provision for giving citizenship to persecuted Muslims; 566 Muslims given Indian citizenship.
Muslims not included for giving citizenship because proposed law is for persecuted minorities in Pak, Bangladesh, Afghanistan. Equality guaranteed in Article 14 does not prohibit law based on reasonable classification.
13,000 Hindus, Sikhs migrants from Pakistan given relief and citizenship during Congress rule. Citizenship bill not to snatch anyone's Indian citizenship; Muslims have no need to fear or worry.
This bill is to give citizenship, not to take away citizenship; Citizenship of Indian Muslims not being taken away.
Home Minister Amit Shah, in Rajya Sabha, on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019: Shiv Sena supported the Bill yesterday. They should tell the people of Maharashtra as to what happened within the span of a night that they changed their stand today.
During UPA govt, the then Rajasthan govt wrote to then HM P Chidambaram stating outstanding issue of large no. of Pak refugees from Hindu and Sikh communities. 13000 people from two religions only were benefited. Whereas, we have included refugees from 6 religions: Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
The spirit of Liaquat–Nehru Pact, was not followed by the neighbouring country. It is the duty of every government to follow it in letter and spirit: Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha over Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019
Responding to Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's objections over the Bill, Amit Shah said the Citizenship Amendment Bill is not aimed at diverting the nation's attention from the real issues and the bill was tabled by the government in 2015.
Equality guaranteed in Article 14 does not prohibit law based on reasonable classification, says Home Minister defending Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha. The Bill will go for voting post Shah's speech.
There is no appreciation of the fact people from 6 religions have been included. But, the focus is only on why Muslims are not included: Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha replying on Citizenship Amendment Bill
Home Minister Amit Shah begins his reply on debate on CAB. 'If partition had not taken place, then there would have been no need to bring Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 today,' he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to conclude the debate on Citizenship Amendment bill in Rajya Sabha at 7 pm. Voting for the approval of the Bill will take place post Shah's closing remarks.
Members supporting Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
BJP -83
JDU - 6
Akali DAL - 3
YSR Congress - 2
LJP- 1
RTI -1
BJD - 7
Independent -3
Nominated - 3
AIDMK - 11
AGP -1
PMK - 1
NPF - 1
Total -123
Members opposing Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
Congress- 46
TMC - 13
SP- 9
BSP - 4
NCP 4
RJD - 4
CPM - 4
CBI - 1
AAP- 3
PDP - 2
Keral Congress - 1
Muslim League -1
DMK - 5
Independent - 1
Nominated -1
TRS - 6
Total - 105
BJP -83
JDU - 6
Akali DAL - 3
YSR Congress - 2
LJP- 1
RTI -1
BJD - 7
Independent -3
Nominated - 3
AIDMK - 11
AGP -1
PMK - 1
NPF - 1
Total -123
Members opposing Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
Congress- 46
TMC - 13
SP- 9
BSP - 4
NCP 4
RJD - 4
CPM - 4
CBI - 1
AAP- 3
PDP - 2
Keral Congress - 1
Muslim League -1
DMK - 5
Independent - 1
Nominated -1
TRS - 6
Total - 105
Indian Railways told news agency ANI that as many as 12 trains have been cancelled and 10 trains partially cancelled, on 12th and 13th December due to indefinite 'Rail Roko' by various organisations and associations, in Tinsukia division and Lumding division in Assam.
CAB protests: Assam CM stuck at Guwahati airport
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was stuck at the airport here for hours as thousands of protesters hit the streets protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Sonowal, who landed in the state capital from Tezpur, was stranded at the VIP lounge of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport, as his convoy could not roll out due to the massive protest.
IANS
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was stuck at the airport here for hours as thousands of protesters hit the streets protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Sonowal, who landed in the state capital from Tezpur, was stranded at the VIP lounge of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport, as his convoy could not roll out due to the massive protest.
IANS
BREAKING | Mobile internet services will be suspended in 10 districts of Assam in the wake of rising protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019.
The internet blackout will take place in Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup districts of Assam for 24 hours from 7 pm today.
The internet blackout will take place in Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup districts of Assam for 24 hours from 7 pm today.
College students along with locals burn tyres during their protest strike against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), in Tinsukia district of Assam. (Image: PTI)
College students along with locals burn tyres during their protest strike against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), in Tinsukia district of Assam. (Image: PTI)
Speaking to news agency PTI, an Army spokesperson said in Shillong that one column each have been deployed in Kanchanpur and Manu in Tripura, while another was asked to be prepared for any eventuality in Bongaigaon and Dibrugarh in Assam.
J&K Congress stages protest against CAB in Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Wednesday staged a demonstration here to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying the controversial bill is divisive, discriminatory and against the spirit of the Constitution.
The demonstration was led by the party's senior vice president and former minister Raman Bhalla outside the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk in the heart of the city and ended peacefully, officials said.
PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Wednesday staged a demonstration here to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying the controversial bill is divisive, discriminatory and against the spirit of the Constitution.
The demonstration was led by the party's senior vice president and former minister Raman Bhalla outside the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk in the heart of the city and ended peacefully, officials said.
PTI
Our country is governed by the Constitution and the Constitution is based on the principle of equality. We expect that Shiv Sena will keep this in mind while voting for Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha: Maharashtra Cabinet minister & Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat
This Bill will be dilution of our secularism policy in this country. I strongly oppose this Bill. I recommend that the Bill be sent to a select committee of Parliament for scrutiny: D Kupendra Reddy, JD(S) on Citizenship Amendment Bill
A statement by Indian Army stated that three Army columns requisitioned by civil Administration so far in Tripura and Assam. Two columns in Tripura are deployed and the third one in Assam is on standby.
I am opposing this Bill as it is against the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. It is against the Preamble of the Constitution. It is against the India of the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh: AAP's Sanjay Singh on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 in Rajya Sabha
If this obnoxious, abominable, undemocratic, unreasonable, unpardonable, unjustifiable, unconstitutional Bill is passed today in this Council of State, it will become a black chapter in the annals of this Upper House: Vaiko, MDMK in Rajya Sabha, on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019
Army deployed in Tripura, kept on standby in Assam
As per last update, Army has been deployed by civil administration in Tripura and Assam in the wake of rising protests against the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Bill by the Central government. Two units of Army has been deployed in Tripura, while the third one has been put on standby in Assam
As per last update, Army has been deployed by civil administration in Tripura and Assam in the wake of rising protests against the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Bill by the Central government. Two units of Army has been deployed in Tripura, while the third one has been put on standby in Assam
Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, Congress senior leader Kabil Sibal said that those who have no idea of India cannot protect the idea of India.
I stand to oppose this Bill. Since this govt has come to power, the way it has brought bills like Triple Talaq and Article 370 - Muslims have been targeted. Yeh sarkaar jab se bani hai yeh musalman ke peeche padi hai. (The day this government was formed, it is after the Muslim community): Mir M Fayaz, J&K PDP in Rajya Sabha
If passed, CAB Will Be A Blow To Secularism Of Country: DMK MP T SIva
T Siva, DMK MP in Rajya Sabha on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019: If this Bill is passed, it will be a blow to our secularism. You (BJP) have a mandate to justify all citizens of the country and not segregate one section and make them feel victimised.
T Siva, DMK MP in Rajya Sabha on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019: If this Bill is passed, it will be a blow to our secularism. You (BJP) have a mandate to justify all citizens of the country and not segregate one section and make them feel victimised.
Biswajit Daimary of Bodoland People's Front, Assam, said in Rajya Sabha that the party supports the Citizenship Amendment Bill
AIADMK Supports Bill
SR Balasubramaniam, AIADMK: We have certain concerns but overall, we are supporting this bill.
SR Balasubramaniam, AIADMK: We have certain concerns but overall, we are supporting this bill.
Bill should be withdrawn: TRS
Dr. K Keshav Rao of Telangana Rashtra Samithi said: ‘This bill challenges the very idea of India and negates every ideal of justice. This bill should be withdrawn.’
Dr. K Keshav Rao of Telangana Rashtra Samithi said: ‘This bill challenges the very idea of India and negates every ideal of justice. This bill should be withdrawn.’
JDU Speaks In Support On The Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
JDU leader RCP Singh said in Rajya Sabha, ‘We support this bill. The bill is very clear, it gives citizenship to persecuted minorities from three of our neigbouring countries, but here debate is being done on our Indian Muslim brothers.’
JDU leader RCP Singh said in Rajya Sabha, ‘We support this bill. The bill is very clear, it gives citizenship to persecuted minorities from three of our neigbouring countries, but here debate is being done on our Indian Muslim brothers.’
Javed Ali Khan,Samajwadi Party, in Rajya Sabha : Our Govt through this Citizenship Amendment Bill and NRC is trying to fulfill the dream of Jinnah. Remember, in 1949 Sardar Patel had said 'we are laying the foundation of a truly secular democracy in India'
Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha : Business Advisory Committee has decided to allocate six hours to discussion on Citizenship Amendment Bill. There are 48 speakers participating in the discussion
‘Following What Manmohan Singh Said’: JP Nadda
JP Nadda,BJP: In 2003,Dr.Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha said to then Deputy PM Advani ji on treatment of refugees&persecution of minorities in countries like Bangladesh,he said we should have more liberal approach in granting citizenship to them. So,we are following what he said.
JP Nadda,BJP: In 2003,Dr.Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha said to then Deputy PM Advani ji on treatment of refugees&persecution of minorities in countries like Bangladesh,he said we should have more liberal approach in granting citizenship to them. So,we are following what he said.
CAB Protest: Police fire tear gas shells at protesters in Guwahati
WATCH | CAB in Rajya Sabha: Required majority number reduced to 119
RSTV briefly stops telecast of Citizenship Bill discussion on instruction from Chair
Rajya Sabha TV on Wednesday briefly stopped the telecast of the live proceedings from the Upper House during the presentation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on the directions of Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu.
The stoppage happened when Home Minister Amit Shah was heckled by opposition members during the introduction of the bill when he stated that the rights of Assamese people will be protected by the BJP government.
Naidu warned the opposition members not to interrupt and said he will name them - a procedure that calls for an MP to withdraw from the proceedings of the House for the day.
As he did that, he also ordered that nothing they say will go on record.
Just then, Rajya Sabha TV stopped its live broadcast.
Sources in RSTV said this happens when the chair presses the red light button, signalling stoppage of telecast.
RSTV resumed telecast of the proceedings soon after and showed the House in complete order and only Shah speaking.
(PTI)
Rajya Sabha TV on Wednesday briefly stopped the telecast of the live proceedings from the Upper House during the presentation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on the directions of Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu.
The stoppage happened when Home Minister Amit Shah was heckled by opposition members during the introduction of the bill when he stated that the rights of Assamese people will be protected by the BJP government.
Naidu warned the opposition members not to interrupt and said he will name them - a procedure that calls for an MP to withdraw from the proceedings of the House for the day.
As he did that, he also ordered that nothing they say will go on record.
Just then, Rajya Sabha TV stopped its live broadcast.
Sources in RSTV said this happens when the chair presses the red light button, signalling stoppage of telecast.
RSTV resumed telecast of the proceedings soon after and showed the House in complete order and only Shah speaking.
(PTI)
Protests in Tripura over CAB:
‘If Sardar Patel met PM Modi, he would be upset,’ Says Anand Sharma
‘In our religion, we believe in rebirth, and that we meet our elders. So if Sardar Patel meets Modi ji then he will be very angry with him, Gandhi ji will ofcourse be sad, but Patel will be indeed very angry,’ said Congress’ Anand Sharma
‘In our religion, we believe in rebirth, and that we meet our elders. So if Sardar Patel meets Modi ji then he will be very angry with him, Gandhi ji will ofcourse be sad, but Patel will be indeed very angry,’ said Congress’ Anand Sharma
Update : There will be no lunch break today in Rajya Sabha, as debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill is underway.
‘Bill attacks the foundation of Constitution,’ Says Congress leader Anand Sharma in RS
Expressing his disagreement over the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the opposition of the bill is not based on political grounds, but on the ground that it attacks the very foundation of the Constitution.
‘The bill that you have brought is an assault on the very foundation of the Indian constitution, it is an assault on the Republic of India. It hurts the soul of India. It is against our constitution and democracy. It fails the morality test,’ he said.
‘Not wise to meddle with history. But BJP is trying to rewrite history,' he said.
Expressing his disagreement over the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the opposition of the bill is not based on political grounds, but on the ground that it attacks the very foundation of the Constitution.
‘The bill that you have brought is an assault on the very foundation of the Indian constitution, it is an assault on the Republic of India. It hurts the soul of India. It is against our constitution and democracy. It fails the morality test,’ he said.
‘Not wise to meddle with history. But BJP is trying to rewrite history,' he said.
NDA government Will Protect Rights Of Assam , Says Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, that the NDA government will take care of the rights of Assam.
‘In 1985, Assam accord happened. There is a provision in clause 6 to protect indigenous culture of the state. I want to assure that NDA Government through committee to supervise clause 6 will protect rights of Assam. All Assam Students' Union is part of committee,’ he said.
Home Minister Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, that the NDA government will take care of the rights of Assam.
‘In 1985, Assam accord happened. There is a provision in clause 6 to protect indigenous culture of the state. I want to assure that NDA Government through committee to supervise clause 6 will protect rights of Assam. All Assam Students' Union is part of committee,’ he said.
‘Indian Muslims should not get misled If someone tries to scare them,’ Says Shah
‘No Muslim in India needs to worry due to this Bill. Don't get scared if someone tries to scare you. This is Narendra Modi's Govt working according to Constitution, minorities will get full protection,’ said Union Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
‘No Muslim in India needs to worry due to this Bill. Don't get scared if someone tries to scare you. This is Narendra Modi's Govt working according to Constitution, minorities will get full protection,’ said Union Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha : Misinformation has been spread that this bill is against Muslims of India. I want to ask the people saying this that how is this bill related to Indian Muslims? They are Indian citizens and will always remain,no discrimination against them.
Amit Shah rejects charge of vote bank politics, says BJP declared its intention to bring such legislation in manifesto.
Update : Opposition members move resolution to send controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill to Rajya Sabha select committee.
Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha: There has been an almost 20% decline each in population of religious minorities in both Pakistan and present day Bangladesh. Either they were killed or they fled to India for shelter.
Update : The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, tabled in Rajya Sabha by Home Minister Amit Shah
The majority figure for the passage of bill in Rajya Sabha comes down to 119
Leave requests of 4 Rajya Sabha MPs have been approved, which has brought down the majority figure in Rajya Sabha’s today’s session to 119 .
BJP’s Anil Baluni, Independent MPs Amar Singh, and Virendra Kumar and NCP MP Majid Menon, are on leave.
BJP and its allies have support of 125 MPs, while opposition has support of 113 MPs.
Shiv Sena has not yet revealed, whether it will vote for or against the bill.
Leave requests of 4 Rajya Sabha MPs have been approved, which has brought down the majority figure in Rajya Sabha’s today’s session to 119 .
BJP’s Anil Baluni, Independent MPs Amar Singh, and Virendra Kumar and NCP MP Majid Menon, are on leave.
BJP and its allies have support of 125 MPs, while opposition has support of 113 MPs.
Shiv Sena has not yet revealed, whether it will vote for or against the bill.
Govt will have to answer our queries on CAB before it can expect support: Raut
Ahead of the tabling of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the dynamics in the Rajya Sabha were different from that of the Lok Sabha and asserted that the government will have to answer their queries on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, before they can expect support from the Maharashtra-based party.
‘Lok Sabha numbers are different, the situation in the Rajya Sabha is different. The government has to reply to our queries. Votebank politics is not right. You are trying to create a Hindu-Muslim divide in the country yet again, leave it,’ he said.
Ahead of the tabling of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the dynamics in the Rajya Sabha were different from that of the Lok Sabha and asserted that the government will have to answer their queries on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, before they can expect support from the Maharashtra-based party.
‘Lok Sabha numbers are different, the situation in the Rajya Sabha is different. The government has to reply to our queries. Votebank politics is not right. You are trying to create a Hindu-Muslim divide in the country yet again, leave it,’ he said.
Fresh anti-CAB protests erupt in Assam
A day after total shutdown in Assam to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, fresh protests erupted in the state on Wednesday when the legislation would be debated in the Rajya Sabha.
To tackle the situation, the police had to fire rubber bullets and resort to lathi charge on the protestors in Dibrugarh district, police said.
A journalist was injured in stone pelting by a mob and the police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them near a polytechnic institute in Dibrugarh town, police said.
Though no organisation has called for a bandh on Wednesday, people have come out in large numbers in Jorhat, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Bongaigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur and several other districts since morning.
Tyres were burnt and logs placed on the roads and rail tracks to stop movement of vehicles and trains across the state, officials said.
A day after total shutdown in Assam to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, fresh protests erupted in the state on Wednesday when the legislation would be debated in the Rajya Sabha.
To tackle the situation, the police had to fire rubber bullets and resort to lathi charge on the protestors in Dibrugarh district, police said.
A journalist was injured in stone pelting by a mob and the police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them near a polytechnic institute in Dibrugarh town, police said.
Though no organisation has called for a bandh on Wednesday, people have come out in large numbers in Jorhat, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Bongaigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur and several other districts since morning.
Tyres were burnt and logs placed on the roads and rail tracks to stop movement of vehicles and trains across the state, officials said.
Those against the Bill:
Opposition ranks have been boosted by the decision of the six-member Telangana Rashtra Samithi, which has often backed the Modi government on its key legislative agenda, is to oppose the bill.
The opposition camp includes Congress, TMC, BSP, Samajwadi Party, DMK, RJD, the Left, NCP and the TRS with 46, 13, four, nine, five, four, six, four and six members respectively, totalling 97.
The support of Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party and some smaller parties may take it near 110.
Some members, like the ailing Amar Singh, may not attend the House for health or other personal reasons.
The Congress has issued a 3-line whip mandating its members in the Rajya Sabha to be present on the day of presentation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).
Opposition ranks have been boosted by the decision of the six-member Telangana Rashtra Samithi, which has often backed the Modi government on its key legislative agenda, is to oppose the bill.
The opposition camp includes Congress, TMC, BSP, Samajwadi Party, DMK, RJD, the Left, NCP and the TRS with 46, 13, four, nine, five, four, six, four and six members respectively, totalling 97.
The support of Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party and some smaller parties may take it near 110.
Some members, like the ailing Amar Singh, may not attend the House for health or other personal reasons.
The Congress has issued a 3-line whip mandating its members in the Rajya Sabha to be present on the day of presentation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).
Uncertainty over JDU, Shiv Sena’s stand:
Longtime BJP ally Shiv Sena, now a partner in the Congress-NCP alliance, also indicated on Tuesday it may not support the bill now after backing it in Lok Sabha. The Maharashtra party with a history of pursuing strident Hindutva agenda has three members in Rajya Sabha.
Longtime BJP ally Shiv Sena, now a partner in the Congress-NCP alliance, also indicated on Tuesday it may not support the bill now after backing it in Lok Sabha. The Maharashtra party with a history of pursuing strident Hindutva agenda has three members in Rajya Sabha.
BJP confident of getting majority support on the bill:
The BJP-led NDA said they were sure of getting near 124-130 votes in the Upper House which has an effective strength of 240 members, news agency PTI quoted sources.
BJP's allies AIADMK, JD(U) and Akali Dal has 11, six and three members respectively in the Upper House, besides regional parties like the BJD with seven MPs, and YSR Congress and the TDP with 2 each are backing the bill. The BJP has 83 members in Rajya Sabha.
Seven independents and nominated members besides a number of regional parties with one member each will back the bill, BJP floor managers said.
The BJP-led NDA said they were sure of getting near 124-130 votes in the Upper House which has an effective strength of 240 members, news agency PTI quoted sources.
BJP's allies AIADMK, JD(U) and Akali Dal has 11, six and three members respectively in the Upper House, besides regional parties like the BJD with seven MPs, and YSR Congress and the TDP with 2 each are backing the bill. The BJP has 83 members in Rajya Sabha.
Seven independents and nominated members besides a number of regional parties with one member each will back the bill, BJP floor managers said.
Bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha at 12pm, Says PM Modi at BJP Parliamentary Party meeting:
Prime Minister Narednrsa Modi while addressing a parliamentary party meeting of the BJP, said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha at 12pm.
Prime Minister Narednrsa Modi while addressing a parliamentary party meeting of the BJP, said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha at 12pm.
প্রেক্ষাপট
Citizenship Amendment Bill HIGHLIGHTS: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday approved the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, completing the legislative procedure for giving Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Replying to a six-and-a-half-hour debate on the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said the legislation seeks to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities in the three countries and not take away citizenship of anyone.
He rejected the Opposition charge that the bill was against Muslims and said they have nothing to fear. The Bill was passed with 125 votes in favour and 105 against it. Besides BJP, its allies such as JD-U and SAD, the legislation was supported by AIADMK, BJD, TDP and YSR-Congress.
Earlier the House rejected motions to send the bill to a select committee of the House with 124 members voting against it as compared to 99 in its favour. The House also rejected several amendments moved by opposition members to the bill, most by voice vote.
The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on Monday. It will now go to the President for his assent.
On why persecuted minorities from countries such as Sri Lanka were not part of the legislation, Shah said Tamils from the island country had been given Indian citizenship in past and the present law is to tackle a specific problem
To repeated questions from opposition of Muslims being left out, he said Muslims from other countries have the right to apply for Indian citizenship as per existing rules. As many as 566 Muslims have been given citizenship, he said.
He attacked opposition the Congress saying statements by the party's leaders match those of Pakistani leaders on not just the citizenship bill but also on scrapping of Article 370.
Asserting that neither the citizenship bill, nor the previously passed legislation making practice of triple talaq punishable and the scrapping Article 370 are anti-Muslim, he said the present legislation is to give citizenship and does not to take away citizenship of anyone.
Indian Muslims are citizens of the country and will remain so, he said. "Citizenship of Indian Muslims is not being taken away."
"Citizenship bill is not to snatch anyone's Indian citizenship. Muslims have no need to fear or worry," he said.
Shah said the bill seeks to correct the wrong done by the partition of the country on religious lines. He went on to attack the Congress for alleged double speak on the issue, saying the party had during its rule given Indian citizenship to 13,000 Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan without raising a word about the same for other communities.
He also said the bill does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution as it does not prohibit laws based on reasonable classification. Muslims have not been included for giving citizenship because the proposed law is for persecuted minorities in the three countries, he said
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