Sonia Gandhi also took a jibe at the central government over passing CAB in the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi
New Delhi: On Wednesday Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi said that the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill marks a “victory of narrow-minded and bigoted forces” over India’s principles. The controversial bill which promises citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants from the neighboring country was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, and on Monday by the Lok Sabha, and will now go to President of India Ram Nath Kovind for his ascent.
Sonia Gandhi called it a “dark day” in the constitutional history of India, she reiterated Congress’s determination to be persistent in its struggle against what she alleges that it is the BJP’s “dangerously divisive and polarising agenda”.
The Congress leader said that the bill fundamentally challenges the idea of India that the ancestors fought for and, in its place, creates a “disturbed, distorted and divided the nation” where religion will become a determinant of nationhood.
Gandhi said the CAB is not just an affront to the endless principles of equality and religious non-discrimination that have been enshrined in India’s constitution but represents a rejection of an India that would be a free country for all people, irrespective of religion, region, caste, creed, language or ethnicity.
“India is a nation that has historically offered refuge and protection to the mistreated people of all nations and of all faiths. We are proud country that has never been broken by the insecurity of a few, for we have always stood firm with the knowledge that free India can only remain free if people are liberated if voices are heard, and if our institutions, our governments, and our political forces dedicate themselves to securing the inalienable rights of the citizens of India,” Gandhi said.
Sonia Gandhi also took a jibe at the central government over passing CAB in the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill will let the government grant citizenship to millions of illegal immigrants who entered India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before 2015 except Muslims.
The bill was passed by 125 votes in the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called “a landmark day for India and our country’s spirit of compassion and brotherhood”.
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