Former three-time Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on September 25^th, 2019, said the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, if passed, will nullify the National Register of Citizens. The senior Congress leader accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of doing conspiracy against the greater Assamese community by implementing the contentious bill. “BJP is trying to implement the bill at any cost. The state is under threat under the saffron party’s rule,” he said.

Besides, talking about the role of the pressure groups on the bill issue, Gogoi said, “It is unfortunate that the All Assam Students’ Union, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and other organisations have not taken any strong steps yet. They have also a responsibility towards the greater Assamese community. They will be responsible if the bill is passed.”  

Gogoi slammed the BJP a day after the state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the party’s plan to reintroduce the bill in the parliament. Sarma on September 24^th, 2019, said that the bill would be moved in the parliament in its forthcoming session with lots of new features. He also stated that December 30^th, 2014, will be the cut of date for implementation of the bill.

The senior Congress leader also accused the Asom Gana Parishad, the premiere regional political party, of for ‘not raising voice for the interest of the indigenous people of the state’. “AGP has also supported the government’s move. Otherwise, how can BJP move in the matter without AGP’s support?” Gogoi questioned.

Photo: Time8