New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Terming the Citizenship Amendment Bill , introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, as against the fundamental values of Independent India, the Congress on Monday charged the Government of bringing this Bill to divert attention from its failure over the NRC in Assam and its failure to tackle the downturn in the economy.

Talking to reporters here, AICC spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi said the Congress would continue to oppose the Bill in both Houses of Parliament and inside as well as outside Parliament.

‘’The Bill is against the fundamental values of Independent India. It is violative of several articles of the Constitution. Bringing the Bill is an attempt by the Narendra Modi Government to divert attention from its failure on the NRC in Assam and also its failure to tackle the downturn in the Indian economy,’’ Mr Gogoi said.

He said that the Bill also seeks to reopen the wounds of the people of the North East, which had achieved a situation of stability after several years of turmoil.

‘’It seeks to reopen the wounds of the people of the North East ,’’he said adding that the BJP was digging a grave for its allies by bring this Bill in Parliament.

He appealed to MPs from the North East parties to vote on the Bill in Parliament according to their conscience.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill was introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha on Monday amid vehement opposition by the Congress and other opposition parties .

UNI AR ADG 1735