Parliament updates live | Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Assam NRC; Only God can save democracy, says Venkaiah Naidu

On Tuesday, the government hopes to discuss and pass four Bills each in both Houses of Parliament. The Assam NRC issue, which led to the adjournment of Rajya Sabha on Monday is likely to echo today too.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon. When it reconvened, the Chair allowed a discussion on the issue of non-inclusion of over 40 lakh names in the draft National Register of Citizens.

Amit Shah (BJP) says the reason for bringing out an NRC must also be adressed. He says the proposal was brought at the time of UPA but they didn’t have courage to implement it. He makes remarks comparing Bangladesh with Assam. Opposition members protest.

Members troop the Well and raise slogans. “Only God can save this democracy,” says M. Venkaiah Naidu. We are House of Elders. We must behave responsibly and in a dignified manner, Mr. Naidu says urging members to get back to the seat.

Jose K. Mani (KC-M) wants to know what will happen to the people who, say, do not have the proper documents? The government should show the road map, he adds.

Swapan Das Gupta (Nominated) says there is a perception that a lot of “foreigners” stay in Assam. Citizenship is different from being on the electoral rolls. The Assam Chief Minister has clarified that no one will be deportated. He appeals that there must be a real and fair scrutiny but let us not deny that there is an issue in Assam.

Sukhendu Shekar Roy raises Point of Order and objects to Biswajit Daimary’s certain remark, and claims it’s unparliamentary. After deliberation, the Chair expunges the remark.

Biswajit Daimary (BPF) says the left out persons include children born after the exercise was started. Even Assamese who have married or living outside the State have been left out. This is because they don’t have proper documents. The issues are being sorted out. No Indian citizen will be harmed, he assures the House.

Tiruchi Siva (DMK) says the issue is not confined to Assam. Forty lakhs is not a small number. Where will they go? We have to imagine the consequence that follow if these people are deprived of citizenship.

Sukhdev Singh Dhinsa (SAD) recalls Punjab faced a similar issue during Partition. He recalls how migrants from Pakistan who came to India seeking refuge are waiting to get citizenship.

Sanjay Singh (AAP) warns the exercise will trigger issues between States. We can’t allow Indians to be refugee in India, he adds.

Vijaysai Reddy (YSRCP) says the legal maxim says hundreds of culprits may go unpunished but an innocent must never be punished.

D. Raja (CPI) says the issue has the potential to impact our relationship with Bangladesh and also disrupt the peace in many eastern and northern states. Government should take Parliament and political parties into confidence while taking a decision, he says.