Amid objections raised by opposition leaders, the Lok Sabha cleared the Citizenship Amendment Bill on Monday , with 311 voting in support and 80 against the Legislation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who introduced the bill, had earlier rejected the opposition's claim that it violates the constitution's core principles of equality by saying that it was not even "0.001% against India's minorities".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Lok Sabha minutes after the legislation was passed. "Delighted that the Lok Sabha has passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019, after a rich and extensive debate. I thank the various MPs and parties that supported the bill. This bill is in line with India's centuries-old ethos of assimilation and belief in humanitarian values," he tweeted.
An 11-hour shutdown began in the Northeast today against the legislation. The shutdown which began at 5 am will continue till 4 pm.
Here are the updates, reactions to the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Dec 10, 2019 15:13 (IST)
BJP Leader Attacks Asaduddin Owaisi Over Citizenship Bill
BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao on Tuesday said that AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi should stop spreading falsehoods about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as it has nothing to do with the existing citizens of the country. "Mr Owaisi's citizenship is not going to go as he is an Indian Muslim. He should stop spreading falsehoods about the bill in the country. All Indian Muslims or any Indian citizen will not be affected by this bill. It is only for the refugees who have faced religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and their relief," Mr Rao told news agency ANI.
Dec 10, 2019 12:35 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi's Sharp Attack On Centre Over Citizenship Amendment Bill
"The #CAB is an attack on the Indian constitution. Anyone who supports it is attacking and attempting to destroy the foundation of our nation," tweets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.