Drop religion from CAA, says Assembly

KCR questions divisive politics, says dissent can’t be termed anti-national

The Telangana State Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and urging the Centre to amend the CAA (1991) to remove references to any religion or foreign country.

The House expressed concern over the proposed implementation of the National Population Register

(NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which could “result in the exclusion of a large number of people”.

The Congress and the AIMIM supported the resolution moved by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

While initiating the discussion, the Chief Minister said that it was not a question of Muslims or Hindus, but one that affected the entire country. “In a civilized society like India, we can’t tolerate

The House expressed concern over the proposed implementation of the NPR and NRC which could “result in the exclusion of a large number of people”.

such nuisance which has led to unrest in several parts of the country amid apprehensions,” he said.

Telangana had strong reasons to oppose the CAA brought in by the BJP-led NDA government, he said, maintaining that the state, being the youngest in the country and contributing to nation-building, had the responsibility to speak on such issues.

“At a time when the world is moving towards breaking down borders, is there a need for such divisive politics?” KCR asked. “This is not to be taken lightly, and there is need to oppose such narrowminded politics. Dissent can’t be seen as antinational, which is what is happening now.”

He pointed out that states like West Bengal, Kerala and Rajasthan had passed similar resolutions.

Condemning slogans like “Goli maro sa….. ko,” raised by some leaders during the Delhi election, the CM asked whether divisive and provocative politics were needed.

While passing the resolution, the assembly urged the Telangana government to take all necessary steps to safeguard the people of Telangana from exercises such as NPR and NRC.

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