Now, Rajasthan Assembly passes resolution against CAA

Bhopal: The Rajasthan Assembly on Saturday passed a resolution urging the Centre to repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), amid Opposition by the BJP which accused the ruling Congress of pursuing appeasement politics.

The resolution was moved in the state Assembly's budget session by the ruling Congress demanding the scrapping of the new law. Rajasthan is the third state to pass such resolution in its assembly. Kerala and Punjab, which are also ruled by non-BJP governments, have already passed resolutions seeking the withdrawal of the CAA.

Deputy CM Sachin Pilot said the Centre should listen to the people protesting against the CAA across the country and asserted that democracy weakens if there is no dialogue. "We are requesting the central government to reconsider the Act.

The Constitution has given the right to protest but if someone does it, they are attacked and called anti-nationals," the Pradesh Congress Committee chief said.

"The Rajasthan Assembly will pass a resolution against the CAA in this session," he told reporters after reviewing preparations ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's rally in Jaipur on January 28.Sachin Pilot said the legality of the CAA will be decided by the Supreme Court.

People have the right to express their disagreement in a peaceful manner and within the boundary of the law, he said, adding, "We do not support those who take law in hand".

He claimed that besides party workers, Rahul Gandhi's 'Aakrosh Rally' will be attended by youths and students in large numbers. "There is unrest among youths in the country today. The educated are unemployed and the economy is in a poor state and Rahul Gandhi wants to focus on it. The message from the rally will go across the country," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi will raise issues concerning people. After Rajasthan, he will hold rallies in other states also. In view of the Union Budget, the Congress wants the central government to focus on the issues which help the economy run," Pilot added.

The BJP slammed the government for calling the Assembly session on a short notice. Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Gulabchand Kataria, said a 21-day prior notice was required to be served but the rule was not followed by the government.