Correcting the past, a new history in the making! Rajya Sabha passes CAB with 125 ‘Ayes’
New Delhi, December 11: Surpassing all hurdles, correcting the mistake of the past, giving the minorities citizenship in their homeland, the Parliament finally gives a green signal to Citizenship Amendment Bill with 125 ‘Ayes’. Making all efforts to drag the bill under special committee, but in vain, Home Minister Amit Shah gave a befitting reply to those opposing the bill. He highlighted that the Narendra Modi government is not her to just run the government but to bring change and improvement.
Speaking in the Upper House, Shah started his speech by stating, “First of all, some MPs mentioned Article 14. They said that this bill is unconstitutional by citing various Articles of the Constitution. Some MPs also questioned why this Bill was necessary.” Scathing remark at opposition, Shah said, “This Bill wouldn't have been debated if had Partition of India had not happened. This Bill is being brought because of Partition, and to address the situations that arose after the Bill. I want to make it clear that the Narendra Modi government is here not just to run a government but to bring about change and improvement.”
Addressing his reply to those who mention and questioned why Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka were not considered, Shah stated, “What I want to say that in order to deal with the Sri Lankan crisis, laws were made then. That is also true with Uganda.” Adding further he said, “We fight elections on the popularity of our leaders, we don't need to deflect attention from issues. This Bill was originally brought by us in 2015.” Questioning the opposition, he asked, “When I say minority, can someone tell me from the Opposition, in Pakistan, Bangaldesh and Afghanistan, those who are from the Muslim community, can they be called minorities?”
Highlighting the essence of the bill, Shah cited that the bill is to address the issues of religious minorities in Islamic states sharing border with India. There cannot be different laws for addressing different issues. Without seeing that the Bill is giving benefits to people belonging to six religions, critics are highlighting the omission of Islam. He also pointed and erased the confusion by saying that this Bill won't affect minorities in India, particularly the Muslim community here. There is no need for them to worry. Their citizenship won't be affected at all.
Attacking the TMC MP Derek O’Brien for calling the government running parallel to that of Nazi rule, Amit Shah said, “They referenced to Nazi Germany. India is a democratic country, and except Emergency, democratic process was never stopped.” Leaving no stones unturned, Shah also lashed out at Shiv Sena saying that he was surprised how some party’s can change their stand for power. Yesterday Shiv Sena had supported the Bill, what happened during the night that they had to change their stance?, he said.
Shah asserted that CAB is not anti-Muslim and neither are Article 370 and Triple Talaq. Taking reference from PM Modi’s statement, Shah said “Sometimes Pakistan's statements and Congress' statements are very similar. Only yesterday, Pakistan PM Imran Khan's statements were similar to the ones made by Congress leaders. This was also the case during Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes.”
Lastly while ending his speech, Amit Shah said, “In the end I just want to say that this Bill is not to hurt any religious sentiment. Our country hasn't discriminated against any religion, and that will continue. This Bill is to grant citizenship, not to take away citizenship. “