History Made: India Now Natural Home For Persecuted Hindus As Rajya Sabha Passes Citizenship Amendment Bill

In a historic moment, the Rajya Sabha passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill on Wednesday evening (11 December) after 125 MPs voted in its favour while 105 opposed it. The total votes cast were 230 with the majority mark being 116.

Backed by allies like AIADMK, SAD, JDU and other parties like BJD, TDP and YSRCP, it became a relatively easy battle for the BJP. It was also sort of helped by the Shiv Sena which staged a walkout.

The bill was already passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday (9 December) and after President Kovind’s ascent would turn into a law.

This bill will be a boon for persecuted minorities belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Parsi community who have fled from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to seek refuge in India. It will now become easier for them to avail Indian citizenship.

Many have pointed out that this bill would be a big step towards ensuring that India eventually becomes a natural home for all Hindus.

The CAB was one of the electoral promises of the BJP and was vehemently opposed by the opposition and section of journalists, some of whom decided to indulge in fearmongering and fake news.

The next major step by the Narendra Modi led government is expected to be rolling out of a nationwide NRC.