Are Congress, Its Allies Ready To Accord Indian Citizenship To All Pakistanis: PM Modi

Launching a scathing attack against Congress and its alliance for spreading rumours over Citizenship Amendment Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dared the grand all party to publicly declare that they are prepared to accord Indian citizenship to all Pakistanis. While addressing a public rally in Jharkhand, PM Modi also accused the Congress party for peddling lies over the Citizenship Act and creating an atmosphere of fear among Muslims. “The Congress is spreading lies, creating an atmosphere of fear for Muslims over the Citizenship Act. I give my assurances no citizen in the country will be affected by the law,” he stated.

On the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act and the clashes occurred after it got Parliament’s nod, PM Modi said, “I want to know how the new citizenship law encroaches upon rights of Muslims or any Indian citizen.”

He also urged the college and university students protesting against the amended Citizenship Act to bring forth issues for debate and discussion in a “democratic” manner. “I urge the students from universities and colleges to understand their importance, the importance of the place they are studying in. Debate and discuss the decisions and policies of the government and if you find anything wrong, protest in a democratic manner, make your voice reach the government. This government listens to and understands everyone’s voice, emotion,” said Modi.

He further said that “urban naxals” were trying to instigate youth in the country to create trouble. The prime minister had earlier said that those protesting against Citizenship Act can be identified from their clothes. The comment was widely criticised as many believed it was targetted at Muslims.

On Monday, in a series of tweets, PM Modi expressed anguish over the latest developments. “Violent protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act are unfortunate and deeply distressing. Debate, discussion and dissent are essential parts of democracy but, never has damage to public property and disturbance of normal life been a part of our ethos,” PM Modi said in his first tweet on the issue. In another tweet, the Prime Minister stressed on the massive political support that the Citizenship Act has got in both Houses of Parliament. “The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 was passed by both Houses of Parliament with overwhelming support. Large number of political parties and MPs supported its passage. This Act illustrates India’s centuries old culture of acceptance, harmony, compassion and brotherhood,” the Prime Minister tweeted.