Less than 5 lakh may get CAA benefit: Himanta Sarma

Guwahati: J.P. Nadda, working president of BJP, here on Saturday said that his government would ensure that the clause 6 of the Assam Accord which promises constitutional safeguard to indigenous people is implemented in true sense.

Addressing a huge workers convention here on Saturday, Nadda reiterated, “I myself come from hill areas. I know what culture, heritage and language is. I understand the sentiments associated with language and culture. It is our responsibility to protect the culture and heritage of Assam and we will do it.”

Justifying the necessity of the Citizenship Amendment Act, he said, “Millions of people have had to shift overnight to protect themselves and their families from religious persecution. There were about 50,000 Sikh families in Afghanistan, Today, only 2,000 families are left in Afghanistan. Where did the others go? The situation was similar in Pakistan.”

Coming down heavily on Opposition Congress, Nadda said, “I dare Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 sentence on CAA. He will not be able to explain the stand of his party and exact reasons form opposing the Act.”

Nadda referring to the massive turn out in the meeting said that it also reflects that the people of Assam have full faith and confidence in the Sarbananda Sonowal government.

Earlier addressing the rally, Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma created a fresh controversy that due to CAA less than five lakh people would be benefited and getting settlement.

“Let the process start I will quit politics if proven wrong. I am telling you that not more than 3.5 lakh people would apply for citizenship…say maximum four lakh. Chief Minister said that number of people getting citizenship would be very less. I am saying it will be less than five lakh.”

The minister who targeted the protesters for using abusive language and targeting the BJP workers physically said that some people are trying to equate the ongoing movement with Assam agitation but they are wrong. “In Assam agitation no body went to extort businessmen or resorted to any violence,” said Sarma claiming that due to ongoing agitation most of businessmen have been compelled to switch off mobile obviously to avoid extortion calls which has flooded the fancy bazar.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam BJP president Ranjeet Dass were among others who also addressed the rally of party workers which was aimed at to show of strength.

Assam BJP had organised the workers convention a day before the BJP is going to launch the mass contact movement across the country from January 5.