Amit Shah to Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot: Stop opposing CAA, focus on Kota infant deaths

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Friday said the government will not budge an inch on its decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act despite the opposition criticism of the law.

Shah also hit out Congress-led Rajasthan government over the death of over 100 infants in a government-run hospital in Kota and said CM Ashok Gehlot should focus on the children who are dying in Kota every day.

Addressing a rally in Jodhpur, the Home Minister said, "Instead of opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), CM Gehlot, first focus on the children who are dying in Kota every day."

Backing the Citizenship law, the Home Minister said, "Even if all these parties come together, BJP will not move back even an inch on this issue of Citizenship Amendment Act. You can spread as much misinformation as you want."

Rahul baba kanoon padha hai, toh kahin par bhi charcha karne ke liye aajao. Nahi padha hai toh main Italian mein bhi iska anuvaad karke apko bhej deta hun, usko padh lijiye.

He also asked the former Congress president Rahul Gandhi for a debate over the CAA.

"If You (Rahul Gandhi) have not read the Citizenship Law, then I can translate the Act in Italian," Shah said taking a jibe at the Congress leader.

Moreover, the BJP president has also slammed the Congress party over remarks on Savarkar. "For vote-bank politics, Congress party is speaking against a great personality like Veer Savarkar as well. Congressmen should be ashamed of themselves," Amit Shah said.

On the other hand, CM Gehlot has also targeted the BJP. CM Gehlot said it should shun arrogance and go for a rethink on the amended citizenship act.

He also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why such a situation has emerged that they had to clarify to the public about the legislation.

His remarks have come on a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is holding a rally in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Jodhpur.

"When the whole country is opposing it, then the BJP-led Centre should leave behind its arrogance and rethink," Gehlot said, alleging that the saffron party was still "adamant" on implementing the Act despite opposition from nine states.

Welcoming Union Home Minister Amit Shah to his home district for the rally, the CM said, "PM Modi used to give 'Mann ki Baat' speech and people used to listen. Now, why such a situation has developed that he has to give clarification regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act, NPR, and the NRC."

"He is sending people all over the country, all leaders to go and explain to the public. Why such a situation has developed. I want to ask," he added.

Earlier, BSP Chief Mayawati demanded the sacking of the CM over the death of over 100 infants in Kota hospital.

(With PTI Inputs)

Also Read: CAA not to take away anyone's citizenship: Uttarakhand Minister