Citizenship Bill: Amit Shah says Indian Muslims have noting to fear

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday rejected the Opposition's charge that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was anti-Muslim, saying it does not take away the citizenship of any Indian Muslim and only seeks to given the same to persecuted minorities of three neighbouring countries.

He was replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha on the Bill, which the Opposition termed as "unconstitutional", "divisive" and "an assault on the democratic and secular fabric of the nation".

Shah rejected the Opposition's charge that the Bill was anti-Muslim.

He repeatedly stressed that the legislation will not take away anyone's citizenship and was only intended to help minority communities facing religious persecution in the three neighbouring countries.

"No provision in citizenship bill touches citizenship of Muslims," he said.

"Indian Muslims are citizens of the country and will remain so.... Citizenship Bill is not to snatch anyone's Indian citizenship. Muslims have no need to fear or worry," he said.

To a reference made by Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan, Shah said "India will never become Muslim-mukt even if you want so."