Violates fundamental rights: Congress’ Tewari on immigration bill
The Centre’s Immigration and Foreigners Bill, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, has come under severe criticism from Congress MP Manish Tewari. Tewari, a vocal critic of the bill, has termed it as a violation of fundamental rights and has raised serious concerns about its implications.
In a statement, Tewari said, “This bill violates the fundamental tenets or fundamental rights going across the spectrum. There are serious problems with this bill.” He added, “I had said that either the government should withdraw this bill, which they didn’t, or it should be referred to a committee.”
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, also known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, aims to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan who have been living in India for six years or more. The bill has been a contentious issue, with many opposing it on the grounds that it discriminates against Muslims and violates the principles of equality and secularism.
Tewari’s criticism of the bill is not new. In the past, he has expressed his concerns about the bill, saying that it is a threat to India’s secular fabric and will create a divide between different communities. He has also argued that the bill is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental rights of Indian citizens.
The Congress MP has also raised concerns about the bill’s provisions, which he believes will lead to the erosion of India’s sovereignty and the creation of a “Bharatiya Jan Sangh” (Indian People’s Congress) within the country. He has also said that the bill will lead to the influx of non-Muslim migrants into India, which will put a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure.
Tewari’s criticism of the bill has been echoed by other opposition parties, including the Left and the Trinamool Congress. The Left parties have said that the bill is a “dangerous” and “anti-secular” move that will divide the country and undermine national security. The Trinamool Congress has also opposed the bill, saying that it is a “BJP’s divisive” move that will create a rift between different communities.
On the other hand, the ruling BJP has defended the bill, saying that it is a necessary step to provide relief to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. The party has also claimed that the bill is not discriminatory and will not lead to the influx of non-Muslim migrants into India.
The controversy surrounding the bill has also led to protests and demonstrations across the country, with many opposing the bill on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The protests have been led by various organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.
In conclusion, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill has been a contentious issue, with many opposing it on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and discriminatory. Congress MP Manish Tewari’s criticism of the bill has been echoed by other opposition parties, who have raised serious concerns about the bill’s implications. The bill’s passage will have far-reaching consequences for India’s secular fabric and national security, and it is essential that the government takes a closer look at the bill’s provisions and considers the concerns raised by opposition parties.
