Puducherry becomes sixth state to pass anti-CAA resolution

The Puducherry Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (February 12) passed a resolution against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), making it the sixth assembly to protest against the enactment of the law.

A special session of the assembly was convened on Wednesday for the territorial government to bring in an anti-CAA resolution. Earlier, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy’s government had sought to repeal the act that excludes Muslims from its ambit.

Similar resolutions have been adopted by the legislative assemblies of West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

“Resolution urging the Centre to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act has been passed in Puducherry Legislative Assembly,” Narayanasamy said, while speaking to reporters.

Addressing after the passing resolution in #Puducherry Legislative Assembly Session today urging Centre to repeal the #CAA pic.twitter.com/L4c21RjAlo

— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) February 12, 2020

“There are already 147 cases pending against the citizenship law. If need be I too will file a case,” Narayanasamy tweeted.

The House had 30 elected legislators (including the Speaker) and three nominated members for the session.

The nominated members belonging to the BJP had already submitted a petition to the Speaker in protest against the government’s move to pass an anti-CAA resolution.

Related news: After Kerala & Punjab, Rajasthan assembly passes resolution against CAA

They had also submitted a memorandum to Lt Governor Kiran Bedi seeking her intervention into the matter. After receiving the memorandum, Bedi shot off a letter to Narayanasamy, saying the Act passed by Parliament was applicable to the union territory and “cannot be questioned or deliberated in any manner.”

The chief minister declined to respond to reporters queries on Bedi’s letter. He contended that as per the conventions he would not say anything when the House has been convened to meet Wednesday.