NEW DELHI: Unlike earlier, when adverse numbers in Rajya Sabha thwarted the government, the NDA is confident of getting adequate support for the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), with alliance partners like Janata Dal (United) and some neutral regional parties like YSR Congress set to support the bill. The legislation is likely to be brought to Parliament early next week.
A senior JD(U) leader confirmed that the party would support the bill, having reassessed previous reservations about the proposed legislation in the light of assurances given by the government. The party had earlier said the bill was controversial and its provisions needed to be examined closely.
“We are supporting the bill, which is being revised as per objections we had raised,” the JD(U) leader told TOI. He also pointed out that the party was convinced after consulting parties from the north-east like Asom Gana Parishad, which has decided to support the bill now. The proposed restrictions on residency and exemptions under the Sixth Schedule are likely to bring BJD around too.
JD(U)s changed stance also hints at fresh measures by NDA functionaries to strengthen ties with allies after the exit of Shiv Sena. The NDAs current strength in Rajya Sabha is 102 with BJP having 81 members. Of the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the current strength is 238 for which 120 is the majority mark. BJP is looking to garner the support of AIADMK (11), BJD (7), TRS (6), YSRCP (2) and two Independents.
TDP is likely to abstain, which means the halfway mark may come down further, making it easier for BJP. Although Shiv Sena is out of the alliance, it is yet to announce its final stand. The government has chosen to introduce the bill in Rajya Sabha, indicating its confidence that it haRead More – Source
