Citizenship Bill against concept of equality: BSP leader

Bahujan Samaj Party MP Kunwar Danish Ali here on Saturday said the Citizenship Amendment Bill violated foundational principles of the Constitution and was against the concept of equality.

The BSP leader said this during a programme held to mark his election to the AMU court -- governing body of the university -- from the parliament quota.

"The proposed Bill violates foundational principles of the Constitution of India and is an attack on the concept of equality as enshrined in its preamble," the leader said, adding that his party would oppose the legislation.

He said his party shared the unanimous view that the Bill was being introduced simply to "divide people of India and divert their attention from real issues".

Addressing the meeting, noted historian Prof Irfan Habib said, "The proposed Bill is an opportunity for opposition parties to join hands and stand up to ongoing attempts to trample democracy in India."