Jammu, Mar15:Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah, delivered a compelling address at the India Today Conclave today, tackling a range of pressing issues and outlining the BharatiyaJanata Party’s (BJP) vision for the nation’s future.
On contentious issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Shah reiterated the government’s stance, asserting, “CAA has no provision for NRC. No one will lose citizenship because of CAA.” He urged Muslim citizens not to heed opposition rhetoric, characterizing it as political maneuvering.
Shah emphasized that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part of India, stressing that both Hindus and Muslims residing there are also Indian citizens. He made these remarks while addressing questions related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its recent implementation rules.
He criticized opposition parties for allegedly misleading the Muslim community regarding the CAA, clarifying that the law does not revoke citizenship but grants it to eligible individuals, particularly those from minority communities facing persecution in neighbouring countries.
“It was unfortunate that the country witnessed a religion-based partition in 1947.At the time of independence, there were 23 per cent Hindus in Pakistan. Today, there are 2.7 per cent. Where did they go? What happened to them?” he asked.
Noting that there had been religious conversions in the neighbouring country, he said some families whose women faced injustice and who suffered atrocities also took refuge in India.
“Why should we not give them citizenship?” he asked.
Shah defended the CAA, asserting that it aims to provide refuge and citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament in December 2019.
On the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Shah stated that its implementation timeline will be decided by Parliament.
Addressing concerns over the Electoral Bond system, Shah defended its introduction as a measure to combat the influence of black money in politics. He emphasized its transparency, stating, “Bond is deposited in the bank accounts and no one can misuse it,” refuting allegations of impropriety.
Responding to accusations of the BJP benefiting disproportionately from electoral bonds, Shah highlighted fund allocations across various political entities. He stated, “What is the ruckus about? I can say that once the accounts are taken they will not be able to face you all,” underscoring the need for accountability.
Shah also addressed alliance dynamics and electoral projections, expressing confidence in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He stated, “We have a track record of 10 years and a vision for 25 years which is why we have said that we will win more than 370 seats,” projecting a resounding victory in the upcoming elections.
Highlighting Prime Minister NarendraModi’s transformative policies, Shah emphasized the government’s monumental strides in poverty alleviation and economic growth. He stated, “In the last 10 years ModiJi uplifted 60 crore people from poverty through welfare policies and made India the fifth largest economy from 11th,” expressing confidence in India’s trajectory towards becoming the third-largest economy under Modi’s leadership.
Shah reiterated the BJP’s track record of delivering on its promises, stating, “We had always promised to end 370, build Ram Temple, end Triple Talaq, we promised to bring UCC, we promised to bring CAA and we met all of the promises.”
Refuting allegations of dismissing Chandrababu Naidu from the NDA, Shah clarified, “We never chucked out Chandrababu Naidu; rather, he left himself,” shedding light on the departure amid rumors of contentious statements. He further remarked, “I do not know if he dubbed ModiJi a Hardcore terrorist,” indicating the BJP’s readiness to move beyond past controversies.
Shah elucidated on the distinction between political support and alliance ties, asserting, “Support for a bill by a political party does not mean a tie-up,” underlining the BJP’s strategic approach towards coalition partnerships.
Anticipating significant gains in both LokSabha and VidhanSabha in Odisha, Shah expressed confidence in the BJP’s growing influence in the region, signaling a shift in political dynamics.
Asserting his unwavering commitment to the BJP, Shah declared, “I am not a professional political manager. I was born politically in the BJP and I will die in the BJP,” reaffirming his allegiance to the party’s ethos and ideology.
Quoting Prime Minister NarendraModi’s endorsement of KhattarSahab, Shah emphasized the veteran leader’s utility at both the central and state levels, highlighting his strategic importance within the party framework.
Dispelling rumours of bitterness with the JJP, Shah clarified, “We have not separated from the JJP because of any bitterness,” attributing the divergence to seat allocation disagreements.
Touching upon regional politics, Shah addressed controversies surrounding alliances and defections in states like Bihar and Maharashtra. He affirmed the BJP’s commitment to coalition harmony, stating, “The differences among the NDA allies in Bihar are only on the surface,” assuring resolution in due time.
In a candid critique of opposition leaders and their narratives, Shah highlighted instances of alleged hypocrisy and challenged their assertions. He asserted, “ArvindKejriwal speaks without knowing anything,” criticizing the Delhi Chief Minister’s stance on the CAA.
Addressing recent controversies, Shah criticized the opposition’s stance on constitutional amendments, stating, “The Congress party did not alienate itself when one of its leaders said that India should be broken into two. But we alienated ourselves when someone said that the constitution will be changed.” This remark highlights the BJP’s steadfast adherence to constitutional principles and national unity.
Shah also targeted Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the government’s social inclusivity, highlighting the representation of OBCs in the cabinet. He challenged the Congress’s historical record on OBC representation, questioning their commitment to inclusive governance.
