New Delhi, December 11 (IANS): Prime MInister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha as a landmark day for India and said that the Bill will alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years.
"A landmark day for India and our nation's ethos of compassion and brotherhood! Glad that the CAB 2019 has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. Gratitude to all the MPs who voted in favour of the Bill. This Bill will alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years," Modi said in a tweet.
His remarks came soon after the controversial CAB, 2019 that seeks to give Indian nationality to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan was passed in the Rajya Sabha though it was vehemently opposed by major opposition parties objecting its nature and describing it "against Muslim community", which the government rejected saying it does not affect the community residing in the country.
The Bill was tabled for discussion in the Upper House by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CAB was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
BJP hails Parliament's nod
PTI adds: The BJP on Wednesday reacted with joy as Parliament gave nod to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, with its top leaders hailing the proposed law as a "historic" legislation that has made the dreams of crores of deprived and victimised people come "true".
Party president Amit Shah, who as home minister successfully piloted the bill in both Houses of Parliament, tweeted soon after the Rajya Sabha passed the bill, "Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for his resolve to ensure dignity and safety for these affected people. I thank everyone for their support."
"As the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 passes in the Parliament, the dreams of crores of deprived & victimised people has come true today," he added.
BJP working president J P Nadda called it a historic legislation which will do justice to the minorities of the neighbouring countries who faced religious persecution.
It will provide the minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan facing religious persecution an opportunity to lead a dignified life in India, he said.
"These minorities of the neighbouring country were displaced, and have been facing the brunt of injustice for a long time. They got justice today through the efforts of the Modi government," he said.
