February 25, 2016
Kalyan Banerjee speaks on Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016
The historic land boundary agreement was passed as a consequential result of the Constitutional 119th Amendment Bill of 2013. Sir, after long years or long decades this Bill was passed in 2015. Sir, at that point of time the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs and Minster of Overseas Indian Affairs, in the most unequivocal term really appreciated the role of our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for this entire exercise.
Sir, today also, we welcome this Bill. This chain which had started earlier will be completed the moment the Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and assent is given by the Hon’ble President of India. Sir, the persons who have opted to acquire or retain Indian citizenship will get their most cherished and fundamental right to be a voter and to cast their votes and elect their Government. As a citizen of the country there cannot be a more valuable right than being appreciated and accepted as a voter of the country who has a fundamental right.
Sir, West Bengal election is knocking at the door and the notification will be made very soon. We have confidence on the Election Commission of India that within a few days they will take expeditious steps so that these people can be voters in the ensuing elections in 2016 and cast their vote. We will welcome and all cooperation will be extended on behalf of the All India Trinamool Congress.
I would like to point out only one thing to the Hon’ble Law Minister, since the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister is not here. Through you, Sir, I would like to pass on the message that assurance was given by the Central Government to the state of West Bengal, that for the purpose of rehabilitation of these persons, financial assistance would be given to the state of West Bengal, an amount was also assured. But unfortunately, the entire amount for the rehabilitation has not yet reached. Rehabilitation is also necessary. When we are thinking that they should be the voter of our country, they should cast their vote, at the same time we should also expect that they should have a dignified life in our country which is protected under Article 21 of our Constitution.
Therefore Sir, I am just concluding by saying that we appreciate this entire exercise and we will be appreciating the Election Commission’s exercise if they take immediate steps. And we will appreciate it more if the Hon’ble Law Minister immediately takes steps in releasing the balance financial assistance to the state of West Bengal so that these persons can be helped.
Thank you, Sir.
