Parliament LATEST updates: The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lower House at midnight on Tuesday with 311 votes in favour of the proposed legislation. 80 MPs voted against the bill in the division of votes.
In the prolonged debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, among the Opposition MPs who objected to the bill, was Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party. He said that he was opposing the proposed law because Sikkim had not found a mention in Home Minister Amit Shah's speech when he spoke about exempting the North Eastern states from the CAB.
Mizoram MP S Lalrosanga said that the state had undergone "mental torture because of the CAB and it was weighing heavily" on the people and leaders of state, "cutting across party lines".
"I express gratitude to the prime minister and home minister for exempting Mizoram. I have one apprehension — when we pass a bill that will grant shelter to those facing religious persecution in three other countries, i want to ask authorities in the state and central governments to ensure that there is no religious persecution in our country. We must put down any sign of religious persecution in our own country," Lalrosanga said.
He added, "The home minister should please fulfill promises made to the North East on the floor of the House in the past, and bring them to reality. Because of our gratitude, we will be supporting this bill."
Citizenship bill will enable a new partition, said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha on Monday. "When the Constitution's preamble was being made, it was not initiated in the name of God. Look at the difference from then and now. Now we are bringing a law," he said.
"CAB and NRC connected, to make Muslims stateless," Owaisi added,"One third area of India has been taken over by China, we have given up Aksai Chin, why is the government scared of China?"
"This law is worse than Hitler's law also," he said.
NCP MP Supriya Sule, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, said, "Home Minister Amit Shah said the Bill, which lapsed in the previous Lok Sabha, was discussed by a Joint Parliamentary Country and question regarding religion were discussed. But checking with the JPC report, we did not approve the current model of the Bill."
She also said that the "average Muslim" today was scared and worried. She also asked how the bill addresses atheists, who don't follow any religion.
She added, "Why is Nepal left out? People in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar also suffering atrocities. Please do not make anyone stateless in your own country."
She also said that the bill will be struck down in Supreme Court. "What is point of discussion?" she asked.
YSRCP MP Midhun Reddy, extending support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh believes in "religious harmony and in transparent governance". However, he said, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party had concerns regarding the exclusion of Muslims in the bill.
"Bill will bring relief to those suffering, but excludes Muslims. Even in Pakistan, some Muslim sects like Ahmadias, suffer," he said.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee referred to the ideology of Swami Vivekananda and said that "had he been alive, he would have been appaled that we are having this discussion on this bill."
He also said that the bill goes against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel definition of unity. "It would be distasterous if we do not uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel, Vivekananda. It is causing me great anguish and pain. Our India is all about peace. But your idea of India is all about lynchings. Our India is inclusive, your India is divisive," he said.
"Why limit this to only three countries. Sri Lanka is there, Myanmar was part of British India. Why don't you consider them? Because they don't serve your political hunger. NRC was a disaster. It failed in one state and now you want to do it all over India," he added.
He also listed examples of the bill's failure in Assam, and asked who would be responsible for the deaths. "The CAB is anti-India, anti-Bengali also," he said.
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Monday in the Lok Sabha said that the proposed law moved by Home Minister Amit Shah was "half-hearted" because Sri Lankan Tamils had not found a mention in the bill. "The government is preoccupied with its hatred for Muslims," he said.
He added that he comes from a state where the right-wing party was not voted to power, The Hindu reported. "The north and the south think differently when it comes to the Bill," he added.
"You have not done anything so far to win support of minorities or to give them comfort. Are you the Home Minister only for North India or all of India? There was no mention of Christians in the CAB in the BJP's election manifesto, so I want to ask why the party is seeking to divide the minorities in the country.
"You say that Kashmir is part of India, will you give citizenship to Muslims who fleeing from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to India? No, because you have one stand — we dont want Muslims," he said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari was the first of the Opposition to speak in the debate over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 moved in the Lower House by Home Minister Amit Shah. Strongly opposing the bill that has been termed as "communal" by most of the Opposition, Tewari said, "This is against Article 14, 15, 21, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution. This bill is unconstitutional and against basic right of equality. This bill is also a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution as established in the Keshvananda Bharati case."
"If you can't discriminate against a citizen because of Article 15, can the government discriminate while providing the citizenship? Government must answer this. Additionally, according to international law, any refugee that comes seeking asylum to India, regardless of the religion, they must be given assisstance." he added.
We have addressed the concerns of the North East residents in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, kickstarting the debate on the contentious proposed legislation in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
"In 1947, all refugees who came to India were accepted by the Indian Constitution, there was hardly any region of the country where refugees from West and East Pakistan didn't settle. From Manmohan Singh ji to LK Advani ji, all belong to this category," Shah said, while making his case.
He then proceeded to elaborate on the provisions in the bill.
Home Minister Amit Shah began the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Monday. Earlier, he moved to introduce the bill in the Lok Sabha.
The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.
Addressing the Opposition's concerns over "religion-based" law, Shah said, "There are talks of a 'political agenda', of singling out a community, but I want to assure the House that there will be no injustice. There will only be justice, that too for those who have been waiting for justice for 70 years.
"When it comes to political agenda, I want to say: All parties contest elections, and all prepare a manifesto. If the party wins, those promises are followed through. That is what the BJP is doing. The election should be fought not only on a neta's personality, but on the party's ideology and its manifesto," he added.
"Minorities are the priority of the Opposition. I have often heard them say that minorities should get special treatment. So shouldn't Pakistan's, Bangladesh's, and Afghanistan's minorities be given special treatment? Am I the one being partial or are they?"
In the discussion over the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, while Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena MP questioned whether there was information about those with gun licenses having being convicted of "serious" crimes, NDA ally JD(U) said that the law was not enough, reports said.
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha after 293 MPs voted in its favour after a division was ordered. It is likely to be taken up for discussion from 3.30 pm, CNN-News18 reported.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday introduced in the Lok Sabha the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there. "This is a regressive, targeted legislation. It targets the minority," says Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board asked for inclusion of community in Citizenship Amendment Bill, even as shutdown and protests were conducted in Delhi and Assam. Congress and IUML also protested the contentious Bill.
Lok Sabha MPs from the BJP also demanded an apology from and the suspension of two Congress lawmakers who had charged towards Smriti irani on 6 December when she was talking about the Unnao rape case.
In the Rajya Sabha, MPs discussed the Delhi Anaj Mandi fire on Sunday, which claimed 43 lives.
Shah is also slated to move The Arms (Amendment)Bill, 2019 for further discussions. This bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Shah on 29 November. The Bill seeks to amend the Arms Act, 1959, to decrease the number of licensed firearms allowed per person and increase penalties for certain offences under the Act. It also introduces new categories of offences
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will move two major amendments against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in both Houses of the Parliament today. CPI(M) demands to delete references to the mentioned countries in the bill and replace them with "all neighbouring countries". CPI(M) also wants all references to religions to be removed.
Parliament of India. PTI
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will move two major amendments against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in both Houses of the Parliament today. CPI(M) demands to delete references to the mentioned countries in the bill and replace them with "all neighbouring countries". CPI(M) also wants all references to religions to be removed.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill has triggered widespread protests in northeastern states with a large section of people and organisations opposing the Bill, saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed 24 March, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.
The influential North East Students' Organisation (NESO) calling an 11-hour bandh on 10 December in the region.
Members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, till 31 December, 2014, facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship, according to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019.
According to the proposed legislation, the amendment will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and in the areas covered under The Inner Line, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The ILP regime is applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram.
The Bill also proposes to incorporate a sub-section (d) to Section 7, providing for cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration where the OCI card-holder has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other law in force.
However, the cancellation order shall not be passed unless the OCI card-holder has been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. This amendment was also proposed in the 2016.
The Bill was an election promise of the BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
The BJP-led NDA government had introduced the Bill in its previous tenure and got the Lok Sabha's approval. But it did not introduce it in the Rajya Sabha, apparently due to vehement protests in the Northeast.
That Bill lapsed following the dissolution of the last Lok Sabha.
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Updated Date: Dec 10, 2019 00:12:20 IST
Highlights
Lok Sabha passes Citizenship Amendment Bill
The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lower House at midnight on Tuesday with 311 votes in favour of the proposed legislation. 80 MPs voted against the bill in the division of votes.
Voting on CAB underway in Lok Sabha
Arunacahal Pardesh, Mizoram, Nagaland protected by Inner Line Permit, says Amit Shah
"Whole of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP), they have nothing to worry about. All of Nagaland, except a small part of Dimapur is also protected by Inner Line Permit, they too have nothing to worry about," said Amit Shah.
Wil never touch Article 371, assures Amit Shah in LS
Responding to a question raised by Supriya Sule, Amit Shah said: " There is a difference between Article 370 and 371."
He asssured that the governemnt will never touch Article 371. He also said that no Sikkim law would be affected by the CAB as the rules would have to be ratified by the state's legislative party.
Division of country on religious lines created need for CAB, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah targets Congress, says, "Had India not been divided on religious lines, there was no need for Citizenship (Amendment) Bill."
Will not discriminate on basis of religion, says Amit Shah
Muslim population in India has increased in last 7 decades; will not discriminate against anyone on basis of religion, says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.
CAB doesn't violate Constitution, says Amit Shah
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not in violation of constitutional provisions, will give relief to people living a painful life after facing persecution in neighbouring countries, says Amit Shah in response to debate on the BIll.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Sikkim MP opposes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya MPs extend support
In the prolonged debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, among the Opposition MPs who objected to the bill, was Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party. He said that he was opposing the proposed law because Sikkim had not found a mention in Home Minister Amit Shah's speech when he spoke about exempting the North Eastern states from the CAB.
Mizoram MP S Lalrosanga said that the state had undergone "mental torture because of the CAB and it was weighing heavily" on the people and leaders of state, "cutting across party lines".
"I express gratitude to the prime minister and home minister for exempting Mizoram. I have one apprehension — when we pass a bill that will grant shelter to those facing religious persecution in three other countries, i want to ask authorities in the state and central governments to ensure that there is no religious persecution in our country. We must put down any sign of religious persecution in our own country," Lalrosanga said.
He added, "The home minister should please fulfill promises made to the North East on the floor of the House in the past, and bring them to reality. Because of our gratitude, we will be supporting this bill."
Lok Sabha latest updates
Why don't we add Muslims to Citizenship Bill: Sukhbir Singh Badal
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and MP Sukhbir Singh said Sikhs who continue to live in Pakistan express that they "feel suffocated" there. "We need to protect secular fabric of country. Why dont we add 'Muslims' in the Citizenship )Amendment) Bill? There are Muslims in Pakistan like Ahmadiyas who are also persecuted, since Bill based on religious persecution. It will also help shut the opposition," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Asaduddin Owaisi tears copy of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill after speech
Citizenship bill will enable a new partition, said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha on Monday. "When the Constitution's preamble was being made, it was not initiated in the name of God. Look at the difference from then and now. Now we are bringing a law," he said.
"CAB and NRC connected, to make Muslims stateless," Owaisi added,"One third area of India has been taken over by China, we have given up Aksai Chin, why is the government scared of China?"
"This law is worse than Hitler's law also," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Migration without persecution is called silent invasion: Meenakshi Lekhi
BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi speaks: "Migration without persecution is called silent invasion." She referred to some reports to support the claim that minorities are facing oppression in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
"She recalled the story of Jogendra Nath Mandal, a former minister in Pakistan who migrated to India after partition after witnessing persecution of minorities in Pakistan," The Hindu reported.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Chirag Paswan extends support to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
LJSP MP Chirag Paswan said, "The bill has nothing to do with minorities in India, there is some misunderstanding. What Shias and Ahmadiyas suffer in Pakistan is not religious persecution."
Lok Sabha latest updates
TRS, SP, BSP, IUML, CPM oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
TRS MP Nama Nageswara Rao said, "We oppose this bill." He asked the government to amend the Bill to include the minority Muslims as well. Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan also said that the party opposes the bill.
IUML MP PK Kunhalikutty said that the party "vehementally opposes the Bill."
"Today you divide the nation in the name of religion, tomorrow it will be on language, all this in the name of (Sardar) Patel. This is a communal agenda, against the Constitution. I am sure this will not stand in the Supreme Court," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Supriya Sule says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill not approved by JPC
NCP MP Supriya Sule, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, said, "Home Minister Amit Shah said the Bill, which lapsed in the previous Lok Sabha, was discussed by a Joint Parliamentary Country and question regarding religion were discussed. But checking with the JPC report, we did not approve the current model of the Bill."
She also said that the "average Muslim" today was scared and worried. She also asked how the bill addresses atheists, who don't follow any religion.
She added, "Why is Nepal left out? People in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar also suffering atrocities. Please do not make anyone stateless in your own country."
She also said that the bill will be struck down in Supreme Court. "What is point of discussion?" she asked.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Shiv Sena says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill should include Sri Lanka
Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, who spoke in the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, without specifying whether he opposed or supported the bill, questioned the government over how many people had come to India from teh countries included under the bill: Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. He also sought to understand the "relevance" of Afghanistan's inclusion, and said that if Afghanistan had been added, Sri Lanka should also be included.
Stating that the country is already short of resources, he said that since refugees can't be resettled in the North East, where is the government seeking to resettle them. "Article 370 was taken away, but Kashmiri Pandits haven't been resettled yet. What's the policy in that?" he added.
"Though NE has been excluded, but people still afraid, that there land will be taken away," he added.
Raut further said, "Delete Afghanistan or else include Sri Lanka also. And if these people are being given citizenship, that is fine, but dont give them voting rights for 25 years."
Lok Sabha latest updates
JD(U) extends support to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh extended support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday. He said that the bill "should not be linked to secularism". "Bill meant to provide citizenship to those originally from here, no need to combine it with other countries," he added.
Lok Sabha latest updates
YSRCP supports Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, asks for modifications
YSRCP MP Midhun Reddy, extending support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh believes in "religious harmony and in transparent governance". However, he said, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party had concerns regarding the exclusion of Muslims in the bill.
"Bill will bring relief to those suffering, but excludes Muslims. Even in Pakistan, some Muslim sects like Ahmadias, suffer," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
TMC says Swami Vivekananda would have been 'appalled' with discussion on CAB
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee referred to the ideology of Swami Vivekananda and said that "had he been alive, he would have been appaled that we are having this discussion on this bill."
He also said that the bill goes against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel definition of unity. "It would be distasterous if we do not uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel, Vivekananda. It is causing me great anguish and pain. Our India is all about peace. But your idea of India is all about lynchings. Our India is inclusive, your India is divisive," he said.
"Why limit this to only three countries. Sri Lanka is there, Myanmar was part of British India. Why don't you consider them? Because they don't serve your political hunger. NRC was a disaster. It failed in one state and now you want to do it all over India," he added.
He also listed examples of the bill's failure in Assam, and asked who would be responsible for the deaths. "The CAB is anti-India, anti-Bengali also," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is half-hearted: DMK
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Monday in the Lok Sabha said that the proposed law moved by Home Minister Amit Shah was "half-hearted" because Sri Lankan Tamils had not found a mention in the bill. "The government is preoccupied with its hatred for Muslims," he said.
He added that he comes from a state where the right-wing party was not voted to power, The Hindu reported. "The north and the south think differently when it comes to the Bill," he added.
"You have not done anything so far to win support of minorities or to give them comfort. Are you the Home Minister only for North India or all of India? There was no mention of Christians in the CAB in the BJP's election manifesto, so I want to ask why the party is seeking to divide the minorities in the country.
"You say that Kashmir is part of India, will you give citizenship to Muslims who fleeing from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to India? No, because you have one stand — we dont want Muslims," he said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
BJP says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will protect rights of those affected by Partition
BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill "will protect the rights" of those who did not get citizenship after partition. He questioned the definition of 'refugee' and asked whether someone with the "intent to harm" can be considered a refugee.
"There needs to be differentiation between refugees and infiltrators." he said. He also accused the Opposition of "selective sensitivity" and said that the Congress party had "misconstrued secularism to connote being anti-Hindutva". He added, "The time for vote-bank politics is over."
Lok Sabha latest updates
Congress cites inclusion of Parsis to oppose Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
Congress MP Manish Tewari said that "reasonable classification means that equals cant be treated as unequals." He added that when a refugee comes to India, the decision be made on how to treat them on the basis of religion.
He described the circumstances under which the Parsi community was given refuge in India, and said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is against India's tradition. "Parsis had come seeking refuge in India and we gave, didn't see religion," he said.
He also said, "During the debate on Citizenship bill today, some members of the ruling party were saying that the Congress party was responsible for the partition of the country on the basis of religion. I want to remind them that the idea of partition on the religious basis was first floated in 1935 by Hindu Mahasabha... by Savarkar."
Lok Sabha latest updates
Congress says CAB violates Article 14, 15, and 21
Congress MP Manish Tewari was the first of the Opposition to speak in the debate over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 moved in the Lower House by Home Minister Amit Shah. Strongly opposing the bill that has been termed as "communal" by most of the Opposition, Tewari said, "This is against Article 14, 15, 21, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution. This bill is unconstitutional and against basic right of equality. This bill is also a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution as established in the Keshvananda Bharati case."
"If you can't discriminate against a citizen because of Article 15, can the government discriminate while providing the citizenship? Government must answer this. Additionally, according to international law, any refugee that comes seeking asylum to India, regardless of the religion, they must be given assisstance." he added.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Refugees living under poor conditions in India: Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah made a case for the protection of Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Parsi, and Sikh refugees from Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
He said, "Those who fled their countries, had to flee because they suffered oppression. They are living in poor conditions in India, no right to education, government jobs, or to vote etc. Tolerance is our virtue, we accept change and assimilate it in our 'sanskruti'. We accept the secular values of the country."
Lok Sabha latest updates
Have addressed concerns of North East residents: Amit Shah
We have addressed the concerns of the North East residents in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, kickstarting the debate on the contentious proposed legislation in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
"In 1947, all refugees who came to India were accepted by the Indian Constitution, there was hardly any region of the country where refugees from West and East Pakistan didn't settle. From Manmohan Singh ji to LK Advani ji, all belong to this category," Shah said, while making his case.
He then proceeded to elaborate on the provisions in the bill.
Shah also said that Manipur will be brought under the Inner Line Permit, which "has been a long-standing demand" of the state. Other than Manipur, Arunachal, Nagaland, and Mizoram, all states under the ILP, will not have CAB implemented there.
"Tripura and Meghalaya are covered under the Sixth Schedule," he added.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Amit Shah begins debate on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Home Minister Amit Shah began the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Monday. Earlier, he moved to introduce the bill in the Lok Sabha.
The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.
Addressing the Opposition's concerns over "religion-based" law, Shah said, "There are talks of a 'political agenda', of singling out a community, but I want to assure the House that there will be no injustice. There will only be justice, that too for those who have been waiting for justice for 70 years.
"When it comes to political agenda, I want to say: All parties contest elections, and all prepare a manifesto. If the party wins, those promises are followed through. That is what the BJP is doing. The election should be fought not only on a neta's personality, but on the party's ideology and its manifesto," he added.
"Minorities are the priority of the Opposition. I have often heard them say that minorities should get special treatment. So shouldn't Pakistan's, Bangladesh's, and Afghanistan's minorities be given special treatment? Am I the one being partial or are they?"
Lok Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed in Lower House
Lok Sabha latest updates
Amit Shah responds to objections in Arms (Amendment) Bill debate
Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the points raised by the MPs in the Lok Sabha over the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and among others, Shah addressed the concerns of some MPs about its effect on sportspersons. He said, "Sportspersons will not be affected by this, we have kept in mind that no sportsperson has any problem during his or her shooting practice."
Lok Sabha latest updates
Asaduddin Owaisi cites NCRB data on unlicensed guns
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday joined the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Opposing the bill, Owaisi said that instead of giving a blanket security cover to MPs and MLAs without threat perception. "This should not be the taxpayer's burden," he was quoted by The Hindu as saying.
"NCRB data shows a large number of unlicensed weapons," he added.
Mala Roy of the Trinamool Congress, raised a concern over steps taken to prevent smuggle of arms and ammunition into the country.
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Opposition raises objections against Recycling of Ships Bill
The BJD's MP Prasanna Acharya, requesting the government for instituting more ports in Odisha, asked why 'other ships' of the government were not included in the Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019. The Hindu also reported that he expressed concern that "if by implementing this law, the government is going to squeeze or expand the opportunity for employment".
Banda Prakash of the TRS and K Somaprasad of the CPM raised concerns about the impact on the environment and workers' safety in the industry. Asserting that the issues have not been addressed adequately in the bill, they said "coastal ecology is also harmed due to the ship-breaking industry. Asbestos is one of the main hazardous wastes and causes risk of cancer among workers engaged in ship-recycling," according to the report.
Lok Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill not enough: JD(U)
In the discussion over the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, while Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena MP questioned whether there was information about those with gun licenses having being convicted of "serious" crimes, NDA ally JD(U) said that the law was not enough, reports said.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
MPs ask Home Ministry to launch inquiry into Delhi's Anaj Mandi fire
JD)U)'s Dinesh Chandra Yadav said that of the 43 people who died in the fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Sunday, 25 people from Bihar died. He pointed out how the security of the workers was ignored and the compensation sanctioned is not enough and should be increased. He also urged the government to bring a strong law to deal with such incidents.
Other members who raised concerns over the accident were Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Suresh Kodukunnil, Sunil Kumar Pintu, who said that negligence results in such incidents. They urged the Home Minister Amit Shah to order an inquiry into the fire.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lok Sabha votes in favour of introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill
After a division was ordered, 293 MPs voted in favour of introducing the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, while 82 MPs voted against.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Speaker Om Birla orders division on introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill
After questions raised regarding the competency of the Parliament to discuss the Citizenship Amendment Bill and Amit Shah's response, Speaker Om Birla ordered a division on the introduction of the Bill in the Lower House.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Amit Shah responds on Citizenship Amendment Bill
Responding to the MPs’ arguments, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Article 14 of the Constitution does not stop the government from making laws based on religion.
“Did the Indira Gandhi government now allow citizenship to those who came from Bangladesh after the 1971 war? Why was Pakistan excluded from that law?” he asked. Recalling how the previous governments have approved citizenship to those who came from Uganda, he said that citizenship is granted on the basis of "reasonable classification."
Certain MPs ask why Nepal and Sri Lanka were not included in the Bill and how Afghanistan is India’s neighbor. “We share 106 km land border with Afghanistan. Maybe the opposition thinks PoK is not part of India,” Shah said.
Shah goes on to say according to their respective Constitutions, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have a state religion — Islam. He recalls how both India and Pakistan assured the minorities, through the Nehru-Liaqat agreement, will be taken care of in their lands, at the time of Partition.
He claims that Muslims will never be ill-treated in Pakistan and Bangladesh. But in all these three countries, Hindu, Christian, Parsis, Buddhists have suffered religious persecution.
As Opposition raises their voice against Shah’s statements and the Bill, he says that the legislation would not have been needed if the Congress had not executed the partition of India on the basis of religion.
Shah says Article 371 is intact and this Bill doesn't violate it. “If some Muslim person applies for citizenship, he will be considered, but not under this law as he has not suffered religious persecution,” he concluded.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Save India from such a law, says Asaduddin Owaisi
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that secularism is a part of the Constitution. He said that the Constitution was violated in the Sarbanand Sonowal and Chakma cases.
“I appeal to you (Speaker), save country from such a law,” he said.
Congress’ Shashi Tharoor stood to oppose the Bill, asking if religion should be a basis of nationhood. “Those who believed in this ideology formed Pakistan,” he said.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Citizenship Amendment Bill is divisive and unconstitutional, says TMC's Saugata Roy
Trinamool Congress' Saugata Ray rises to oppose the Bill, under rule 72(1) of the rules of the House. He says that the Home Minister being new to the House is not aware of the rules of the House. His statement invites an uproar from the Tresury benches.
Speaker reads out the names of all those who have opposed the introduction of the Bill on the basis of Articles 5, 10, 14, 15, 25, 26 of the Constitution.
Ray called the Bill divisive and unconstitutional. He said that Shah had promised one nation, one law while abrogation Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, but the Bill excludes sixth schedule areas and Inner Line Permit areas.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Constitution Amendment Bill passed by Lok Sabha
A bill which seeks to extend by ten years the reservation given to SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies was passed by the Lok Sabha.
A similar reservation for the Anglo-Indian community in Lok Sabha and state assemblies is not being extended. The reservation given to SCs, STs and the Anglo-Indian community for the past 70 years is to end on 25 January, 2020.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Parliament can argue merits of Bill, says Amit Shah in response to Opposition's protests
Even as the Congress said that the amendment violates Article 14 of the Constitution, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Parliament can argue the merits of the Bill later. He added that at the time of introduction, the House can discuss if the Parliament has the competence to deliberate on the legislation.
RSp's NK Premachandran opposed the introduction of the Bill said that religion cannot be made the basis of acquiring a citizenship. He said that the legislation violates Articles 14, 25 and 25 of the Constitution, which deal with prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth and gives citizens the right to practice religion.
As Premachandran argues over the communities named in Bill and one being expressly excluded, Amit Shah claims that Muslims are not mentioned in Bill anywhere and many other communities are also excluded.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Shiv Sena to back Citizenship Amendment Bill
After the fall-out with BJP owing to the political imbroglio in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena voiced support for the Citizenship Amendment Bill, revealing fissures within the Opposition.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that even though the party supports the Bill, it should not give voting rights for 25 years to the migrants who get citizenship under its provisions.
The statement is a U-turn from an editorial published in party mouthpiece Saamana which questioned whether "selective acceptance" of Hindu illegal immigrants will act as a trigger for a religious war in the country and accused the Centre of apparently doing an "invisible partition" of Hindus and Muslims over the bill.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also said "vote bank politics" under the garb of the bill (CAB) is not in the interest of the country.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Amit Shah introduces Citizenship Amendment Bill
"This is a regressive, targeted legislation. It targets the minority," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says as Treasury Benches ask him to yield.
Amit Shah says that he will answer all questions in the due course of House proceedings, stressing that the Bill is not against any minority. "Don't walk out then," the Home Minister said.
Lok Sabha latest updates
BJP MPs seeks suspension of Congress MPs over Smriti Irani episode
Parliamentayr Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi speaks on a motion to suspend two Congress MPs for unruly behaviour in House while Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani was speaking in the House on Friday. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad demanded an apology from Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
Amit Shah also condemned the leaders for insulting a female minister.
The two Congress leaders face suspension for five days under Rule 374. Irani expressed shock over two Congress MPs charging aggressively towards her in the Lok Sabha and another asking her why she was speaking in the House. The Amethi MP was speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Unnao rape issue when she was interrupted by two Congress MPs who apparently got up from their seats and rushed towards the treasury benches.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
Govt has not learnt from Uphar tragedy, Vijay Goel raises issue of Anaj Mandi fire
Before MP Vijay Goel begins discussion on the fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi that claimed 43 lives, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that the lawmakers will only be allowed to suggest solutions. He asked them to not politicise incident.
Goel saluted the firefighters who carried out rescue operations in the fire on Sunday, butsaid that the government had not learnt anything from the 1997 Uphar Cinema tragedy, in which 59 people died.
AAP's Sanjay Singh urged the DDA, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi government and Centre to come together to avoid such incidents. "Most of those who died migrated to the capital. They were working in poor conditions - no ventilation and no plan to escape," he said.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Congress, IUML leaders oppose Citizenship Amendment Bill
While IUML leaders gave an adjournment notice and staged a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill within the Parliament complex, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha to oppose the Bill at the introduction stage on the grounds that it "violates" the fundamental right to equality.
UP Shia Waqf Board asks for inclusion of community in Citizenship Amendment Bill
Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the minister to include Shia community in the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
The current bill applies to all non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Rajya Sabha Latest Updates
MPs give Zero Hour Notices over changing the name fo West bengal, new Army regiment
BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'demand to set up an Ahir Regiment in the Indian Army'.
TMC MP Santanu Sen has given Zero hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over 'change the name of state of West Bengal to 'Bengal'.
MP Sonal Mansingh has given notice in Rajya Sabha over ‘problem faced by musicians due to damage to instrument in Air India flight to USA'.
BJP confident about passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in both Houses
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill is in the interest of northeast states and the country. "The Bill will get nod from both the Houses of the Parliament," he said.
The Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha after Question Hour.
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Adjournment notice over Citizenship Amendment Bill
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP PK Kunhalikutty has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha opposing the introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2019.
Meanwhile, protests against the bill continued to be held all over the country.
BJP issues whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs
With Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to introduce the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Monday, the ruling BJP has issued whip to all its Lok Sabha members to remain present in the House for three days starting from 9 December, sources in the party said on Sunday.
The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.The whip, asking all BJP MPs to be present in the House, has been issued, a source said.
Citizenship Amendment Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha today
Union Home minister Amit Shah on Monday will introduce in the Lok Sabha the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.
In the afternoon, the home minister will introduce the Bill to amend the six-decade-old Citizenship Act and later in the day, it will be taken up for discussion and passage, according to the Lok Sabha's List of Business for Monday.
The Bill has triggered widespread protests in northeastern states with a large section of people and organisations opposing the Bill, saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed 24 March, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.
LIVE NEWS and UPDATES
00:09 (IST)
Lok Sabha passes Citizenship Amendment Bill
The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lower House at midnight on Tuesday with 311 votes in favour of the proposed legislation. 80 MPs voted against the bill in the division of votes.
23:44 (IST)
Voting on CAB underway in Lok Sabha
23:42 (IST)
CAB debate in Lok Sabha
Amit Shah speaks about minorities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan
Concluding his speech Amit Shah spoke about incidents in which minorities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan suffered torture, oppression. He mentioned that temples, gurudwaras were broken in Afghanistan
Claiming that such refugees dont have place to live, as well as no right to education, health, jobs, he questioned "Why should they suffer?"
23:35 (IST)
CAB debate in Lok Sabha
Home Minister reiterates difference between refugee and infiltrator
"There is a difference between a refugee and an infiltrator. Those who come here due to persecution, to save their religion and to save the honour of the women of their family, they are refugees and those who come here illegally are infiltrators," said Amit Shah.
23:31 (IST)
Arunacahal Pardesh, Mizoram, Nagaland protected by Inner Line Permit, says Amit Shah
"Whole of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP), they have nothing to worry about. All of Nagaland, except a small part of Dimapur is also protected by Inner Line Permit, they too have nothing to worry about," said Amit Shah.
23:28 (IST)
Wil never touch Article 371, assures Amit Shah in LS
Responding to a question raised by Supriya Sule, Amit Shah said: " There is a difference between Article 370 and 371."
He asssured that the governemnt will never touch Article 371. He also said that no Sikkim law would be affected by the CAB as the rules would have to be ratified by the state's legislative party.
23:22 (IST)
Division of country on religious lines created need for CAB, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah targets Congress, says, "Had India not been divided on religious lines, there was no need for Citizenship (Amendment) Bill."
23:20 (IST)
India doesn't need refugee policy, claims Amit Shah
India doesn't need refugee policy, has enough laws for protection of refugees, Amit Shah says while responding to debate on Citizenship Bill.
23:19 (IST)
Will not discriminate on basis of religion, says Amit Shah
Muslim population in India has increased in last 7 decades; will not discriminate against anyone on basis of religion, says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.
23:17 (IST)
CAB doesn't violate Constitution, says Amit Shah
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not in violation of constitutional provisions, will give relief to people living a painful life after facing persecution in neighbouring countries, says Amit Shah in response to debate on the BIll.
21:40 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Sikkim MP opposes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya MPs extend support
In the prolonged debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, among the Opposition MPs who objected to the bill, was Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party. He said that he was opposing the proposed law because Sikkim had not found a mention in Home Minister Amit Shah's speech when he spoke about exempting the North Eastern states from the CAB.
Mizoram MP S Lalrosanga said that the state had undergone "mental torture because of the CAB and it was weighing heavily" on the people and leaders of state, "cutting across party lines".
"I express gratitude to the prime minister and home minister for exempting Mizoram. I have one apprehension — when we pass a bill that will grant shelter to those facing religious persecution in three other countries, i want to ask authorities in the state and central governments to ensure that there is no religious persecution in our country. We must put down any sign of religious persecution in our own country," Lalrosanga said.
He added, "The home minister should please fulfill promises made to the North East on the floor of the House in the past, and bring them to reality. Because of our gratitude, we will be supporting this bill."
21:11 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Why don't we add Muslims to Citizenship Bill: Sukhbir Singh Badal
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and MP Sukhbir Singh said Sikhs who continue to live in Pakistan express that they "feel suffocated" there. "We need to protect secular fabric of country. Why dont we add 'Muslims' in the Citizenship )Amendment) Bill? There are Muslims in Pakistan like Ahmadiyas who are also persecuted, since Bill based on religious persecution. It will also help shut the opposition," he said.
20:33 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Asaduddin Owaisi tears copy of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill after speech
Citizenship bill will enable a new partition, said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha on Monday. "When the Constitution's preamble was being made, it was not initiated in the name of God. Look at the difference from then and now. Now we are bringing a law," he said.
"CAB and NRC connected, to make Muslims stateless," Owaisi added,"One third area of India has been taken over by China, we have given up Aksai Chin, why is the government scared of China?"
"This law is worse than Hitler's law also," he said.
20:20 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Migration without persecution is called silent invasion: Meenakshi Lekhi
BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi speaks: "Migration without persecution is called silent invasion." She referred to some reports to support the claim that minorities are facing oppression in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
"She recalled the story of Jogendra Nath Mandal, a former minister in Pakistan who migrated to India after partition after witnessing persecution of minorities in Pakistan," The Hindu reported.
20:13 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Chirag Paswan extends support to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
LJSP MP Chirag Paswan said, "The bill has nothing to do with minorities in India, there is some misunderstanding. What Shias and Ahmadiyas suffer in Pakistan is not religious persecution."
19:52 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
TRS, SP, BSP, IUML, CPM oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
TRS MP Nama Nageswara Rao said, "We oppose this bill." He asked the government to amend the Bill to include the minority Muslims as well. Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan also said that the party opposes the bill.
IUML MP PK Kunhalikutty said that the party "vehementally opposes the Bill."
"Today you divide the nation in the name of religion, tomorrow it will be on language, all this in the name of (Sardar) Patel. This is a communal agenda, against the Constitution. I am sure this will not stand in the Supreme Court," he said.
19:44 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Supriya Sule says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill not approved by JPC
NCP MP Supriya Sule, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, said, "Home Minister Amit Shah said the Bill, which lapsed in the previous Lok Sabha, was discussed by a Joint Parliamentary Country and question regarding religion were discussed. But checking with the JPC report, we did not approve the current model of the Bill."
She also said that the "average Muslim" today was scared and worried. She also asked how the bill addresses atheists, who don't follow any religion.
She added, "Why is Nepal left out? People in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar also suffering atrocities. Please do not make anyone stateless in your own country."
She also said that the bill will be struck down in Supreme Court. "What is point of discussion?" she asked.
19:35 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Shiv Sena says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill should include Sri Lanka
Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, who spoke in the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, without specifying whether he opposed or supported the bill, questioned the government over how many people had come to India from teh countries included under the bill: Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. He also sought to understand the "relevance" of Afghanistan's inclusion, and said that if Afghanistan had been added, Sri Lanka should also be included.
Stating that the country is already short of resources, he said that since refugees can't be resettled in the North East, where is the government seeking to resettle them. "Article 370 was taken away, but Kashmiri Pandits haven't been resettled yet. What's the policy in that?" he added.
"Though NE has been excluded, but people still afraid, that there land will be taken away," he added.
Raut further said, "Delete Afghanistan or else include Sri Lanka also. And if these people are being given citizenship, that is fine, but dont give them voting rights for 25 years."
19:08 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
JD(U) extends support to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh extended support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday. He said that the bill "should not be linked to secularism". "Bill meant to provide citizenship to those originally from here, no need to combine it with other countries," he added.
18:48 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
YSRCP supports Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, asks for modifications
YSRCP MP Midhun Reddy, extending support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh believes in "religious harmony and in transparent governance". However, he said, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party had concerns regarding the exclusion of Muslims in the bill.
"Bill will bring relief to those suffering, but excludes Muslims. Even in Pakistan, some Muslim sects like Ahmadias, suffer," he said.
18:34 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
TMC says Swami Vivekananda would have been 'appalled' with discussion on CAB
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee referred to the ideology of Swami Vivekananda and said that "had he been alive, he would have been appaled that we are having this discussion on this bill."
He also said that the bill goes against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel definition of unity. "It would be distasterous if we do not uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel, Vivekananda. It is causing me great anguish and pain. Our India is all about peace. But your idea of India is all about lynchings. Our India is inclusive, your India is divisive," he said.
"Why limit this to only three countries. Sri Lanka is there, Myanmar was part of British India. Why don't you consider them? Because they don't serve your political hunger. NRC was a disaster. It failed in one state and now you want to do it all over India," he added.
He also listed examples of the bill's failure in Assam, and asked who would be responsible for the deaths. "The CAB is anti-India, anti-Bengali also," he said.
18:07 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is half-hearted: DMK
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Monday in the Lok Sabha said that the proposed law moved by Home Minister Amit Shah was "half-hearted" because Sri Lankan Tamils had not found a mention in the bill. "The government is preoccupied with its hatred for Muslims," he said.
He added that he comes from a state where the right-wing party was not voted to power, The Hindu reported. "The north and the south think differently when it comes to the Bill," he added.
"You have not done anything so far to win support of minorities or to give them comfort. Are you the Home Minister only for North India or all of India? There was no mention of Christians in the CAB in the BJP's election manifesto, so I want to ask why the party is seeking to divide the minorities in the country.
"You say that Kashmir is part of India, will you give citizenship to Muslims who fleeing from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to India? No, because you have one stand — we dont want Muslims," he said.
17:57 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
BJP says Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will protect rights of those affected by Partition
BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill "will protect the rights" of those who did not get citizenship after partition. He questioned the definition of 'refugee' and asked whether someone with the "intent to harm" can be considered a refugee.
"There needs to be differentiation between refugees and infiltrators." he said. He also accused the Opposition of "selective sensitivity" and said that the Congress party had "misconstrued secularism to connote being anti-Hindutva". He added, "The time for vote-bank politics is over."
17:51 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Congress cites inclusion of Parsis to oppose Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
Congress MP Manish Tewari said that "reasonable classification means that equals cant be treated as unequals." He added that when a refugee comes to India, the decision be made on how to treat them on the basis of religion.
He described the circumstances under which the Parsi community was given refuge in India, and said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is against India's tradition. "Parsis had come seeking refuge in India and we gave, didn't see religion," he said.
He also said, "During the debate on Citizenship bill today, some members of the ruling party were saying that the Congress party was responsible for the partition of the country on the basis of religion. I want to remind them that the idea of partition on the religious basis was first floated in 1935 by Hindu Mahasabha... by Savarkar."
17:26 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Congress says CAB violates Article 14, 15, and 21
Congress MP Manish Tewari was the first of the Opposition to speak in the debate over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 moved in the Lower House by Home Minister Amit Shah. Strongly opposing the bill that has been termed as "communal" by most of the Opposition, Tewari said, "This is against Article 14, 15, 21, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution. This bill is unconstitutional and against basic right of equality. This bill is also a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution as established in the Keshvananda Bharati case."
"If you can't discriminate against a citizen because of Article 15, can the government discriminate while providing the citizenship? Government must answer this. Additionally, according to international law, any refugee that comes seeking asylum to India, regardless of the religion, they must be given assisstance." he added.
17:04 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Refugees living under poor conditions in India: Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah made a case for the protection of Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Parsi, and Sikh refugees from Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
He said, "Those who fled their countries, had to flee because they suffered oppression. They are living in poor conditions in India, no right to education, government jobs, or to vote etc. Tolerance is our virtue, we accept change and assimilate it in our 'sanskruti'. We accept the secular values of the country."
16:57 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Have addressed concerns of North East residents: Amit Shah
We have addressed the concerns of the North East residents in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, kickstarting the debate on the contentious proposed legislation in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
"In 1947, all refugees who came to India were accepted by the Indian Constitution, there was hardly any region of the country where refugees from West and East Pakistan didn't settle. From Manmohan Singh ji to LK Advani ji, all belong to this category," Shah said, while making his case.
He then proceeded to elaborate on the provisions in the bill.
Shah also said that Manipur will be brought under the Inner Line Permit, which "has been a long-standing demand" of the state. Other than Manipur, Arunachal, Nagaland, and Mizoram, all states under the ILP, will not have CAB implemented there.
"Tripura and Meghalaya are covered under the Sixth Schedule," he added.
16:49 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Amit Shah begins debate on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Home Minister Amit Shah began the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Monday. Earlier, he moved to introduce the bill in the Lok Sabha.
The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.
Addressing the Opposition's concerns over "religion-based" law, Shah said, "There are talks of a 'political agenda', of singling out a community, but I want to assure the House that there will be no injustice. There will only be justice, that too for those who have been waiting for justice for 70 years.
"When it comes to political agenda, I want to say: All parties contest elections, and all prepare a manifesto. If the party wins, those promises are followed through. That is what the BJP is doing. The election should be fought not only on a neta's personality, but on the party's ideology and its manifesto," he added.
"Minorities are the priority of the Opposition. I have often heard them say that minorities should get special treatment. So shouldn't Pakistan's, Bangladesh's, and Afghanistan's minorities be given special treatment? Am I the one being partial or are they?"
16:40 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed in Lower House
16:33 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Amit Shah responds to objections in Arms (Amendment) Bill debate
Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the points raised by the MPs in the Lok Sabha over the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and among others, Shah addressed the concerns of some MPs about its effect on sportspersons. He said, "Sportspersons will not be affected by this, we have kept in mind that no sportsperson has any problem during his or her shooting practice."
16:26 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Asaduddin Owaisi cites NCRB data on unlicensed guns
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday joined the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Opposing the bill, Owaisi said that instead of giving a blanket security cover to MPs and MLAs without threat perception. "This should not be the taxpayer's burden," he was quoted by The Hindu as saying.
"NCRB data shows a large number of unlicensed weapons," he added.
Mala Roy of the Trinamool Congress, raised a concern over steps taken to prevent smuggle of arms and ammunition into the country.
16:08 (IST)
Rajya Sabha latest updates
Opposition raises objections against Recycling of Ships Bill
The BJD's MP Prasanna Acharya, requesting the government for instituting more ports in Odisha, asked why 'other ships' of the government were not included in the Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019. The Hindu also reported that he expressed concern that "if by implementing this law, the government is going to squeeze or expand the opportunity for employment".
Banda Prakash of the TRS and K Somaprasad of the CPM raised concerns about the impact on the environment and workers' safety in the industry. Asserting that the issues have not been addressed adequately in the bill, they said "coastal ecology is also harmed due to the ship-breaking industry. Asbestos is one of the main hazardous wastes and causes risk of cancer among workers engaged in ship-recycling," according to the report.
15:44 (IST)
Lok Sabha latest updates
Arms (Amendment) Bill not enough: JD(U)
In the discussion over the Arms (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, while Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena MP questioned whether there was information about those with gun licenses having being convicted of "serious" crimes, NDA ally JD(U) said that the law was not enough, reports said.
15:20 (IST)
BJP resolve to pass Citizenship Amendment Bill threatens indigenous inhabitants of North East, reminds people of Congress arrogance during party's heyday
In the last three years, the BJP marched into the rough political terrain of North East India by establishing a connect with the masses and winning their trust. Though it may sound counter-intuitive to many, it is true that the path to the EVMs in the region is through the hearts of its people. BJP and the RSS paved this path with sheer grit and hard work.
Carrying the agenda of the Citizenship Amendment Bill forward to the Winter Session of Parliament would only make the efforts to win the trust of the people look like an eyewash. It is not certain whether this would show its impact on the electoral results in the upcoming elections in the region. But ignoring the issue of illegal immigration was certainly a major mistake committed by the Congress earlier when it had undisputed sway in the region.
Read more here...
15:14 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lok Sabha begins discussion on Arms (Amendment) Bill
Congress’ Praneet Kaur said the government has reduced the number of arms that persons are allowed to hold to two. She says it needs to be increased to three firearms as earlier.
While BJP’s Satya Pal Singh spoke in support of the Bill, Shiv Sena’s Arvind Sawant asked if gun owners who have licenses have been convicted of serious crimes.
15:11 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Provision of death penalty in bill curbing sea piracy will affect international relations, says Shashi Tharoor
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar introduced a bill to curb sea piracy. Congress' Shashi Tharoor opposed the Bill saying the death penalty clause in the Bill will make it difficult for India to engage with other countries.
Jaishankar said the death penalty is only in case of murder.
14:54 (IST)
Citizenship Amendment Bill will not be allowed in West Bengal till TMC is in power, says Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave a clarion call to oppose NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and said not a single citizen of the country will be allowed to turn a refugee.
14:52 (IST)
Shashi Tharoor shares open statement against Citizenship Amendment Bill signed by scientists, scholars
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared the link of an open statement signed by nearly 1,000 scientists and scholars to express their concerns over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
In the tweet, Tharoor wrote that the "bigoted" government knows what they are doing by looking at passing this Bill.
14:19 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
MPs ask Home Ministry to launch inquiry into Delhi's Anaj Mandi fire
JD)U)'s Dinesh Chandra Yadav said that of the 43 people who died in the fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Sunday, 25 people from Bihar died. He pointed out how the security of the workers was ignored and the compensation sanctioned is not enough and should be increased. He also urged the government to bring a strong law to deal with such incidents.
Other members who raised concerns over the accident were Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Suresh Kodukunnil, Sunil Kumar Pintu, who said that negligence results in such incidents. They urged the Home Minister Amit Shah to order an inquiry into the fire.
14:13 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lok Sabha likely to resume debate on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill from 3.30 pm
After Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which got 293 votes in its favour during a division demanded in the House, the Lok Sabha will continue discussion on the legislation at 3.30 pm, reported CNN-News18.
14:06 (IST)
Left-leaning organisation calls for Assam bandh on Tuesday
As many as 16 left-leaning organisations have called for a 12-hour Assam bandh on 10 December to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, reported News18.
The North East Students' Organisation (NESO) has already called for an 11-hour North East bandh from 5 am on Tuesday on the same issue.
14:00 (IST)
Protests were staged in Tripura's Agartala against the Citizenship Amendment Bill
13:55 (IST)
Citizenship Amendment Bill will protect non-Muslims from other countries, says BJP's Giriraj Singh
Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill is necessary to protect members of non-Muslim communities from India's neighbouring countries.
"The women of the non-Muslim communities in our neighbouring countries are not safe. For the protection of non-Muslim communities from our neighbouring countries, the Citizenship Amendment Bill is going to be tabled in the Parliament. It is our duty to enact this law in the interest of our brethren across the borders," Singh told reporters.
"In a democracy, everybody has the right to protest. But is it not true, that the country's partition took place on the basis of religion? In India, we accepted the policy of equality of religions. But in Pakistan and Bangladesh the non-Muslims are being exploited," he added.
13:52 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Lok Sabha votes in favour of introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill
After a division was ordered, 293 MPs voted in favour of introducing the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, while 82 MPs voted against.
13:33 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Speaker Om Birla orders division on introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill
After questions raised regarding the competency of the Parliament to discuss the Citizenship Amendment Bill and Amit Shah's response, Speaker Om Birla ordered a division on the introduction of the Bill in the Lower House.
13:30 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Amit Shah responds on Citizenship Amendment Bill
Responding to the MPs’ arguments, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Article 14 of the Constitution does not stop the government from making laws based on religion.
“Did the Indira Gandhi government now allow citizenship to those who came from Bangladesh after the 1971 war? Why was Pakistan excluded from that law?” he asked. Recalling how the previous governments have approved citizenship to those who came from Uganda, he said that citizenship is granted on the basis of "reasonable classification."
Certain MPs ask why Nepal and Sri Lanka were not included in the Bill and how Afghanistan is India’s neighbor. “We share 106 km land border with Afghanistan. Maybe the opposition thinks PoK is not part of India,” Shah said.
Shah goes on to say according to their respective Constitutions, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have a state religion — Islam. He recalls how both India and Pakistan assured the minorities, through the Nehru-Liaqat agreement, will be taken care of in their lands, at the time of Partition.
He claims that Muslims will never be ill-treated in Pakistan and Bangladesh. But in all these three countries, Hindu, Christian, Parsis, Buddhists have suffered religious persecution.
As Opposition raises their voice against Shah’s statements and the Bill, he says that the legislation would not have been needed if the Congress had not executed the partition of India on the basis of religion.
Shah says Article 371 is intact and this Bill doesn't violate it. “If some Muslim person applies for citizenship, he will be considered, but not under this law as he has not suffered religious persecution,” he concluded.
13:24 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Save India from such a law, says Asaduddin Owaisi
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that secularism is a part of the Constitution. He said that the Constitution was violated in the Sarbanand Sonowal and Chakma cases.
“I appeal to you (Speaker), save country from such a law,” he said.
Congress’ Shashi Tharoor stood to oppose the Bill, asking if religion should be a basis of nationhood. “Those who believed in this ideology formed Pakistan,” he said.
13:11 (IST)
Lok Sabha Latest Updates
Citizenship Amendment Bill is divisive and unconstitutional, says TMC's Saugata Roy
Trinamool Congress' Saugata Ray rises to oppose the Bill, under rule 72(1) of the rules of the House. He says that the Home Minister being new to the House is not aware of the rules of the House. His statement invites an uproar from the Tresury benches.
Speaker reads out the names of all those who have opposed the introduction of the Bill on the basis of Articles 5, 10, 14, 15, 25, 26 of the Constitution.
Ray called the Bill divisive and unconstitutional. He said that Shah had promised one nation, one law while abrogation Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, but the Bill excludes sixth schedule areas and Inner Line Permit areas.
13:02 (IST)
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is death sentence for North East, fear parties, student bodies
A meeting between All Assam Students' Union (AASU), Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Manipur People against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and student bodies of Nagaland with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the presence of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal did not fructify into any positivity as the groups were not convinced by the changes introduced in the new bill.
While leaders owing allegiance to the BJP or to the NDA as allies in the North East have expressed strong reservations against the bill, the BJP leaders in Assam, and those of its ally AGP, have completely chickened out in front of the central leadership of the national party. However, a Congress MLA in Assam, Rupjyoti Kurmi, went to the extent of opposing the CAB with a placard written in his own blood in the Assembly.
Read more here...
13:00 (IST)
AIADMK to support Citizenship Amendment Bill, SP, AAP to oppose
Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party will oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill, while AIADMK MPs will support the legislation.