The BJP-led government in Assam faced yet another embarrassment today when Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Hitendra Nath Goswami slammed the Citizenship Bill 2016 and said that the Central government seemed to be in a hurry to pass the Bill.
The BJP government’s alliance partner, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had on Monday quit from the alliance over the contentious constitutional amendment bill. The three AGP ministers of the state are likely to tender their resignations soon.
“I am touched by the incidents that have been taking place in the state in last few days over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016. However, holding a constitutional position, I am duty bound to respect the responsibilities bestowed upon me.
“Legally, I have no scope of expressing my opinion as far as enacting a Bill is concerned. However, I believe that the Central government should take immediate steps to mitigate the ongoing situation in Assam arising out of passing the Bill in Lok Sabha without taking the people of Assam into confidence,” said Goswami in a statement issued today.
“As a neutral citizen, my conscience does not allow me to support any move that will ever go against the integrity and harmony of the indigenous people of Assam,” said Goswami.
“ I sincerely believe that the state and central government will soon take a bold step on the basis of Assam Accord to secure the interests of indigenous people of the state,” he added.