GUWAHATI: Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K Sangma categorically stated that the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in its “current form and complexity” would not be acceptable to his government.
“Our stand is very clear. CAB in its current form and complexity will not be acceptable. But if there is a situation when consultations are required, then we will see,” Sangma told the media on the sidelines of NPP’s Assam state unit launch on Wednesday evening.
The MDA government led by the Sangma had taken its stand against CAB last year itself and the chief minister has shown clarity in regard to the state’s opposition to the Bill throughout.
In fact, Sangma had played a significant role in championing the cause of the political parties, indigenous groups and organisations of the Northeast by garnering support against the Bill in New Delhi to ensure that the proposed legislation could not be tabled in the recently concluded Budget session of Parliament.
“But of course, I cannot say if there should be any change in the Bill. All stakeholders who have been opposing the Bill must be united and a collective decision taken in regard to any modification, if at all it is required,” the Meghalaya chief minister said.
BJP national president, Amit Shah had in an election rally in Assam announced that if the party came to power at the Centre again, it would bring CAB back.