February 26, 2015
Saugata Roy opposes the withdrawal of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2014 | Transcript
Saugata Roy opposes the withdrawal of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2014.
Transcript of his speech:
Under Rule 119, I have moved a notice to oppose the motion to withdrawal of the Bill. This withdrawal effort shows the way the Government is functioning.
Madam, I think on 19 Dec 2014 the Government has introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2014. Then, within 15 days, they introduced on 6 January, 2015 a Citizenship (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015. Now when they introduced the Bill, did they not think that it needed changes? And I noticed the Bill and the Ordinances. Now the Government cannot bring a Bill to replace the Ordinance because the former Act is still in the House. So, they have come for withdrawing. So, I want a clarification from the Government as to why they are withdrawing a Bill introduced on 19 December and wanting to move another Bill. The Government has not clarified.
I have noticed very carefully, that the Bill and the Ordinance introduced later, they are almost identical. What is the change for which the same Government, within 15 days removes an Act and introduces an Ordinance? This is not the way a Government should function when it brings a Bill to this august House. It should be clear.
When the Bill was introduced, it was introduced by HS Harbhai Parthabai Chowdhury. Now I find that Mr Kiran Rijiju moving this Withdrawal Motion. We would like a clarification from the Government before they go to withdraw the Bill. This is a new style the Government is having. In 15 days it brings an Ordinance to replace the original Bill.
