Rajya Sabha passes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

As many as 117 legislators voted for the Bill while 92 voted against it after a long debate in the Upper House.

The legislation was tabled in the Rajya Sabha, which had a majority mark of 105, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier in the day

The Shiv Sena staged a walkout bringing down the number of legislators required for the voting process.

The CAB was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday with the support of 311 members while 80 MPs opposed it. 

The Bill now awaits the nod of the President to become a law.

Lauding the passage of the Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "A landmark day for India and our nation’s ethos of compassion and brotherhood! Glad that the #CAB2019 has been passed in the #RajyaSabha. Gratitude to all the MPs who voted in favour of the Bill. This Bill will alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years."

However, many opposition leaders are now stating that they would challenge the bill in the Supreme Court.

Speaking during a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah on Wednesday defended the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and said the Bill does not violate Article 14, which ensures equality to all before the law.

"Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 is not a violation of Article 14. This comes under 'reasonable classification' as there are 6 religious groups that are listed," said Shah while replying to the debate on the Bill in the Upper House.

He accused the Congress party of creating division in the country based on religion.

"The Bill is not against the minorities of the country," he stated.

Amid reports of heavy violence from the North East, the Union Home Minister said: "I want to assure the people of North East that we will never touch Article 371."

Assuring the Muslim Community, he said: "This Bill will not snatch the rights of the Muslims. This Bill is for granting citizenship not taking away citizenship."

"There are attempts to spread misinformation that this Bill is against Muslims. Let me put it on record that it is not. This Bill is only for minority communities of neighbouring countries. It has nothing to do with Muslims in India," Shah said.

"Indian Muslims are safe and shall always remain safe. I appeal to the Indian Muslims that please do get affected by misinformation. Please do not be misguided. Please do not live in fear. Live fearlessly," he added.

After the passage of the Bill, he expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and tweeted: "As the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 passes in the Parliament, the dreams of crores of deprived & victimised people has come true today. Grateful to PM @narendramodiji for his resolve to ensure dignity and safety for these affected people. I thank everyone for their support."

Congress leader Anand Sharma opposed the Bill vehemently and said: "It hurts the very soul of the Constitution of India".

"I am convinced this bill is an assault on the very foundation of the Constitution of India. It hurts the very soul of the Constitution of India. It goes against the very preamble of the constitution," he said.

Meanwhile, violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill continues in Assam’s capital city Guwahati on Wednesday and several protester-police clash incidents were reported from various parts.

Curfew has been imposed in parts of Assam including the capital city. Mobile internet services have also been suspended in Guwahati.