It is a defeat for Assamese people, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

A CORRESPONDENT

GOALPARA: The convenor of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and Assam Finance Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) despite the failure of the ruling BJP to place it in the Rajya Sabha that was adjourned sine die on Wednesday.

“The BJP is committed to pass the CAB Bill and will fight the Lok Sabha election keeping it in front. We will pass it and give it permanency whenever we attain majority in the Rajya Sabha,” said Sarma.

When asked about the victorious celebration by those who are against it, the Minister said, “Mine and my party’s support is always with the Bill. I think if it is not passed, it is a defeat for the Assamese people.”

He further predicted that “if the Bill is not passed, at least 17 seats of Middle and Lower Assam will be occupied by the Bangladeshi Muslims in the 2021 Assam Assembly elections. Who will save the Assamese race then? Or a day will come when the Assamese civilization and language will be nowhere.”

Replying to a question upon the move to grant the Schedule Tribe status to six communities of Assam, Sarma said that “a modality is under preparation and once completed, it will be submitted to the Central government. The modality is being prepared without harming the interests of the people who are already enjoying the ST status,” he pointed out.

Minister Sarma said this in the presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while participating in the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council on Wednesday at the Dudhnoi public field.

Also read: AGP has no right to oppose Citizenship (Amendment) Bill: Himanta Biswa Sarma