"The Ayes have it, the Ayes have it" - Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed in Lok Sabha

The much awaited announcement came at 5:21 pm today when the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the winter session.

Addressing the Lok Sabha on the Bill, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The countries where minorities were subjected to violence have only been able to find safe shelter in India. We regulated their entry, stay in India, but despite these changes, they cannot apply for citizenship as they are considered migrants.”

Introduction of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in the Lok Sabha was vehemently objected to by the opposition.

The Congress said many states have opposed the Bill and it should be sent to a select committee. With Speaker Sumitra Mahajan not heeding to the demand, the Congress staged a walkout.

TMC’s Saugata Roy dubbed the Bill as “divisive” and “insidious” and said it goes against the basic tenets of the Constitution.

The Winter session of Lok Sabha, which began on December 11, is slated to conclude today.