A Correspondent
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Congress leader Dr Mukul Sangma on Monday said he is amused by the UDP narrative that they are the messiah and the protectors of the indigenous people. Mocking the regional parties, Dr Sangma said, “They definitely have been given coaching by the conspirators themselves –the BJP.”
The Opposition leader in the State pointed out that the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sobha by the BJP its allies including the then MP Conrad Sangma on July 19 2016.
Dr Sangma also pointed out that the BJP-led NDA government bulldozed the Bill in the Lok Sobha in spite of strong protests coming from the region even as both the NPP and the UDP continued to remain with the BJP-led NEDA and are still in the government with the BJP.
He pointed out to the fact that the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha led by senior members of Congress and other allies ensured that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was not included in the List of Business of the House even as he alleged that Conrad shamelessly took credit.
Sangma also said that the Chief Minister of the State was quick to take credit for the bill being lapsed only to be slapped in the face as BJP president, Amit Shah reiterated the party’s determination to bring back the bill if voted back to power.
Dr Sangma also pointed out that the Congress has always stood by the vulnerable indigenous and ethnic communities and brought number of laws to protect them.
“The Congress has promised that the issue pertaining to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will be included in the manifesto of the Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.”
“Where it will be indicated, with complete clarity, that the Indian National Congress will stand by the people of the northeastern region and stop further consideration of the CAB,” Dr Sangma said.
Also read: Meghalaya News