Breaking news on December 11

Citizenship Amendment Bill marks the victory of narrow-minded and bigoted forces over India's pluralism: Sonia Gandhi

A total of 230 votes were cast in the Rajya Sabha out of which 125 were cast in favour of the Bill while 105 votes were passed against the Bill. 

Citizenship Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha

Final voting on the Citizenship Bill in Rajya Sabha is underway.

Rajya Sabha MPs of Bahujan Samaj Party and Nationalist Congress Party have not taken part in the voting.

Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut confirmed that the party boycotted voting on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha.

Shiv Sena did not vote in the initial voting on whether or not to send the bill to the Select Committee. 

The Rajya Sabha has voted in favour of not sending the Bill to the Select Committee. 113 MPs voted in favour of the government while 92 voted against. 

Rajya Sabha begins voting procedure on Citizenship Amendment Bill. 

"This Bill is not going to hurt anyone's sentiments or make people of any community upset. The people who are worried that minorities of this country will be subjected to injustice, it will not happen," said Amit Shah. 

"Pak PM's comment and Congress's comment- both are alike. Why are you (Congress) rattled?.... I want to ask why did Congress oppose the Enemy Property Bill.," said Amit Shah. This was met with a huge roar from the BJP camp while the Congress MPs were seen on the defensive

"Do only Muslims live in Jammu & Kashmir? No Hindus? No Buddhists? Why is it viewed like that? It has been abrogated for everyone & not only Muslims. How can CAB be anti-Muslim? In this Bill, there is no proposal to touch the citizenship of any Muslim," Shah said. 

In support of his argument, Amit Shah is giving examples of people who fled Pakistan because they were being persecuted for being Hindus. Shah said, "These people thought that they were been considered as Pakistani's in India, but now that Citizenship Bill is here, are saying proudly that they are Indians."

Amit Shah has said in Rajya Sabah that Citizenship Amendment Bill is not anti-muslim. He also clarified that banning Triple Talaq was not anti-muslim as it empowered the Muslim women.

"We have not stripped Indian Muslims of their rights," said Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha

Union Minister Amit Shah said: "This Bill does not hurt the Article 14 of the Constitution."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Rajya Sabha, on Citizenship Amendment Bill said: "The spirit of Liaquat–Nehru Pact, was not followed by the neighbouring country. It is the duty of every government to follow it in letter and spirit."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Congress was just whipping fear against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to incite the country’s Muslims. “I don’t want any Muslim to be afraid of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,” he said.

Rebutting allegations that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is anti-Muslim, the Union Home Minister revealed in Rajya Sabha that 566 Muslims had been granted Indian citizenship under the Modi government.

India's neighbors haven't kept their promises in protecting the rights of minorities, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while responding to statements of opposition parties during the Citizenship Bill debate.

The Union Home Minister spurned allegations that the government introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as a distraction to divert attention from other issues. “This bill has nothing to do with the election,” said Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said: "If this bill was brought 50 years ago, then the situation had not been so severe today."

The government of Assam has decided to temporarily suspend the telecom services in the state for the next 24 hours. The suspension will be enforced from 7 pm of 11th December to 7 pm of 12th December. 

Home Minister Amit Shah said: "The partition was based on religious lines."

Union Cabinet approves revision in the Funding Pattern of Delhi Metro’s three Priority Corridors of Phase – IV. 

Union Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha said: "All bills of our govt are brought in the House only after they are vetted by the Law and Legislative Department." For a detailed report on who said what in today's session- READ MORE

ISRO said: "It was a dream come true for over 7000 visitors who witnessed the launch of PSLVC48 live from the Viewers gallery in Sriharikota. Stay tuned for future announcements to register for the upcoming launches."

Union Cabinet approves Aircraft (Amendment) Bill to enhance the safety and security of aircraft operations. The Bill enhances the maximum limit of fine from the existing Rs 10 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore.

12 trains have been cancelled and 10 trains partially cancelled, on 12th and 13th December due to indefinite 'Rail Roko' by various organisations and associations, in Tinsukia division and Lumding division in Assam.

Internet services in ten districts of Assam to be suspended for 24 hours, beginning 7 pm on Wednesday, say Officials, amid protests over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Mobile Internet suspended for 24 hours from 7pm, today to 7pm, 12 December in Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup districts of Assam. 

District Magistrate Dibrugarh orders closure of liquor licensed premises from 4 pm today for 'preservation of public peace and tranquility'.

Nirmohi Akhara has filed a review petition today before the Supreme Court challenging the Court's November 9 verdict in Ayodhya land dispute case.

The third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held tomorrow. 

Jagan Mohan Reddy's government has passed the Women's safety bill. Under this bill, the accused will be executed within 21 days. 

Maharashtra Cabinet minister and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said: "Our country is governed by the Constitution and the Constitution is based on the principle of equality. We expect that Shiv Sena will keep this in mind while voting for Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha."

BJD leader Prasanna Acharya on Citizenship Amendment Bill said: "Our stand is the same as was in Lok Sabha. We are supporting the bill but we want certain amendments in the bill like including Sri Lanka in it."

The anti-citizenship bill protestors in Assam marched to the state secretariat where they sloganeered against the state government and Centre. Massive barricades were set up at the secretariat to control the protestors

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy alleged in Rajya Sabha that Congress misled Parliament on Citizenship Bill.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, in Rajya Sabha, said: "I am opposing this Bill as it is against the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. It is against the Preamble of the Constitution. It is against the India of the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh."

Kamal Haasan, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) on Citizenship Amendment Bill said: "It's stupid to attempt to make India a country for one sect. Young India will reject such plans soon. It's not primitive India for your old plans."

"We have a duty to amend the Constitution if there was any error, but to attempt to amend a flawless Constitution is a betrayal. Centre's law and plan is akin to a crime of attempting surgery on a healthy person. Those who attempted and failed are trying again," he added. 

Several demonstrators in Guwahati have been detained in Guwahati. The people are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. 

Mamata Banerjee, who was at a Business Conclave, said: "We do not divide people on the basis of caste, creed and religion. We believe in staying together."

Vaiko, MDMK in Rajya Sabha, on Citizenship Ammendment Bill said: "If this obnoxious, abominable, undemocratic, unreasonable, unpardonable, unjustifiable, unconstitutional Bill is passed today in this Council of State, it will become a black chapter in the annals of this Upper House."

MoS Home Nityanand Rai on 'no. of Sikh and Hindu refugees came to India from Afghanistan and Pakistan and status of granting Indian citizenship' said: "As per data available in the online system, 391 Afghani and1595 Pakistani migrants, granted Indian Citizenship during last 3 years (2016 to 2018)."

"In 2019, 40 Afghani and 712 Pakistani migrants, have been granted Indian Citizenship till 6 December 2019. As per available data, 927 Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and Pakistan have been granted Indian Citizenship since 2018," he added. 

Mir M Fayaz, J&K PDP in Rajya Sabha on Citizenship Amendment Bill said: "I stand to oppose this Bill. Since this govt has come to power, the way it has brought bills like Triple Talaq and Art 370-Muslims have been targeted. Yeh sarkaar jab se bani hai yeh musalman ke peeche padi hai."

All 9 customer satellites (from Israel, Italy, Japan and USA) successfully placed in their designated orbit by PSLVC48

PSLV-C48 successfully injects primary satellite RISAT-2BR1 into intended orbit, says ISRO

Congress leader Kapil Sibal has opposed the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Here are his arguements:

- CAB will legalise two-nation theory

- Want Shah to withdraw the two-nation statement

- We oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill

- Religion can't be a factor in act of citizenship 

- BJP doesn't believe in one-nation 

- There is no provision of persecution in the act 

- I don't understand which history books the Home Minister has read. Two-nation theory is not our theory. It was perpetrated by Savarkar.

- No law to prove that a person is persecuted 

- Those who have no idea of India cannot protect the idea of India.

Assam Police has attacked the protesters demonstrating against the Citizenship amendment bill with tear gas. 

Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK leader D Jayakumar on Citizenship Amendment Bill said: "The Bill is not against Srilankan Tamils and Tamil Nadu. We support the CAB in Parliament."

ISRO launches RISAT-2BR1 and 9 customer satellites by PSLV-C48 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota; RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 628 kg.

RISAT 2 which was launched by ISRO today, will send clear pictures in every season. 

Spy satellite RISAT 2 will ensure border security. It will help in fast-track monitoring. 

The ISRO has launched spy satellite RISAT-2BR1 from Sriharikota. 

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader, said: "We don't need any certificate on our nationalism or Hindutva. Jis school mein aap padhte ho, hum us school ke head master hain. Hamare school ke headmaster Balasaheb Thackeray the, Atal ji, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee bhi the, hum sabko mante hain."

P Chidambaram said: "The government is pushing its Hindutva agenda through Citizenship Amendment Bill."

Former finance minister P Chidambaram said: "The passage of Citizenship amendment bill is a slap on Parliament's face."

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram said: "The government is asking us to pass an unconstitutional law."

SR Balasubramaniam, AIADMK leader, said: "We have certain concerns but overall, we are supporting this bill."

TK Rangarajan, CPI(M) on Citizenship amendment bill in Rajya Sabha said: "Suppose you make the law, who will be responsible for any repercussion on minorities? That is why my party oppose this. Don't spoil the country, don't spoil the constitution, that's my request."

TRS, while opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill, said: "We oppose the bill as it is anti-muslim."

The TRS has opposed the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha. 

RCP Singh, JDU leader in Rajya Sabha said: "We support this bill.The bill is very clear, it gives citizenship to persecuted minorities from three of our neigbouring countries, but here debate is being done on our Indian Muslim brothers."

The JDU has decided to support the Citizenship Amendment Bill. 

Our Govt through this Citizenship Amendment Bill and NRC is trying to fulfill the dream of Jinnah. Remember, in 1949 Sardar Patel had said 'we are laying the foundation of a truly secular democracy in India', says Samajwadi Party leader Javed Ali Khan said.

Business Advisory Committee has decided to allocate six hours to discussion on Citizenship Amendment Bill. There are 48 speakers participating in the discussion: Harivansh, Rajya Sabha Dy Chairman said 

"NRC did not work in Assam...your pilot project failed...and now you want to introduce this is 27 states," Derek O Brien said.

I implore to BJD and JDU leaders ...you have to take a stand today...you will have to answer your future generations when they ask you which button did you press, " Derek Obrien said. 

TMC leader Derek O'Brien said: " The BJP stands for three Js-Jhooth, Jhaansa and Jumla." 

Derek O'Brien in Rajya Sabha said: "I read that PM said this will be written in golden letters. I will tell you where it will be written, it will be written on grave of the father of the nation, but which father of the nation? In Karachi, on Jinnah's grave."

TMC leader Derek O'Brien said: "The bill is drawn from Nazi rulebook. BJP is spreading lies about the bill."

TMC leader Derek O'Brien said: "The majority is not always right."

JP Nadda said: "In 2003,Dr.Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha said to then Deputy PM Advani ji on treatment of refugees and persecution of minorities in countries like Bangladesh, he said we should have more liberal approach in granting citizenship to them. So, we are following what he said."

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said: "This bill is against India and West Bengal."

Union Minister JP Nadda said: "This bill is for the national interest."

Abdulla Shahid, Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 said: "India's Parliament is an elected Parliament, it is for the members of the Parliament to take a decision. It is not for us to comment on it. Let the Parliament do it."

"Indian Constitution can be amended by Indian people and Parliament. It is not for neighbouring countries to interfere. It is an internal affair," he added.

Union Minister JP Nadda said: "This bill is not harmful to anyone in this country."

"Rajya Sabha briefly stopped telecasting proceedings during Citizenship Amendment Bill on the direction of Chair", reports PTI. 

Anand Sharma,Congress in Rajya Sabha said: "In our religion, we believe in rebirth, and that we meet our elders. So if Sardar Patel meets Modi ji then he will be very angry with him, Gandhi ji will, of course, be sad, but Patel will be indeed very angry."

Union Minister JP Nadda said: "The partition was based on religion."

Union Minister JP Nadda slammed Congress leader Anand Sharma and said: "The facts of the argument were vague."

Union Minister JP Nadda said: "I want to Congratulate Amit Shah for presenting this bill."

There will be no lunch break today in Rajya Sabha, as debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill is underway.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) said: "Home Minister has discussed and listened to the voice of the people of the northeast. The concerns of the indigenous people of the north-east region are being addressed thoroughly."

Congress leader Anand Sharma said: "The manifestos of the party cannot contradict the constitution of India."

Congress leader Anand Sharma said: "In 1937, Savarkar gave the two-nation theory."

Congress leader Anand Sharma said: "We welcomed those who had faced atrocities, but we didn't give citizenship on the basis of religion." 

Congress leader Anand Sharma while arguing over the controversial citizenship amendment bill, said: "We didn't give the two-nation theory." 

Congress leader Anand Sharma said: "It is wrong to blame Congress for partition."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said: "The extent of neglect that northeast has suffered over half a century under Congress rule is a testimony in itself. The development that has happened in the last 5 years in the northeast, is more than what has been seen in the last 65 years."

Police use batons, tear gas shells to disperse students protesting against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Students block key GS Road in Guwahati, clash with police near state secretariat.

Congress leader Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha said: "The bill that you have brought is an assault on the very foundation of the Indian constitution, it is an assault on the Republic of India. It hurts the soul of India. It is against our constitution and democracy. It fails the morality test."

The Congress attacks the government and said: "BJP wants to pass the bill at any cost." 

The Congress has asked: "Why in such a hurry to pass the bill? This is an attack on the constitution of India."

Amit Shah said: "In 1985, Assam accord happened. There is a provision in clause 6 to protect the indigenous culture of the state. I want to assure that NDA Government through committee to supervise clause 6 will protect rights of Assam. All Assam Students' Union is part of the committee."

Union Minister Amit Shah said: "People who are actually the citizens of Assam should not worry about anything." 

Amit Shah has rejected the charge of vote bank politics, says BJP declared its intention to bring such legislation in the manifesto.

Amit Shah said: "Muslims of India were, are and will remain Indian citizens."

Shah said: "Non-Muslim minorities from three nations who came to India after Independence will be given Indian citizenship."

Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said: "Partition promised religious freedom but it’s a bitter reality that religious minorities didn’t get such a status in Bangladesh because of Mujibur Rehman's religious persecution of minorities."

Amit Shah said: "Misinformation has been spread that this bill is against Muslims of India. I want to ask the people saying this that how is this bill related to Indian Muslims? They are Indian citizens and will always remain, no discrimination against them."

Amit Shah while presenting the Citizenship bill said: "The opposition is with the Muslims of Pakistan." 

Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said: "No Muslim in India needs to worry due to this Bill. Don't get scared if someone tries to scare you. This is Narendra Modi's Govt working according to the constitution , minorities will get full protection."

Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said: "Citizenship Bill to help crores of people who are living in a pathetic condition for years in their countries."

Opposition members move resolution to send controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill to Rajya Sabha select committee

Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said: "There has been an almost 20% decline each in population of religious minorities in both Pakistan and present day Bangladesh. Either they were killed or they fled to India for shelter."

Union Minister Amit Shah said: "The Minorities were not able to exercise their rights in the neighbouring countries."

Home Minister has moved the Citizenship Amendment Bill and said: "This bill will be a blessing for those who have faced atrocities." 

The Citizenship Amendment Bill has been tabled in the Rajya Sabha. 

The Rajya Sabha discussion on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill has begun. 

Supreme Court allows a plea of the Northern Railways to cut 452 trees in and around 30 kilometres of Taz Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to lay down a new railway track on the Delhi-Mathura-Agra line, with a condition of compensatory afforestation.

The bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde also directs the member secretary of National Legal Services Authority to appoint an officer to visit the site and inspect the trees that have been planted by the Northern Railways as compensation.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MPs protest in Parliament premises, seeking release of GST dues to Telangana state from the Centre.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Citizenship Bill said: "You are talking of Pak, Bangladesh, not of Tamils in Sri Lanka; situation of Hindus in Nepal worst, it's not about politics, but humanity."

"Lok Sabha numbers different, situation in RS different; government has to reply to our queries. Votebank politics not right; you are trying to create Hindu-Muslim divide in country yet again, leave it," he added. 

He also said: "No one can exert pressure on us, what is in our hearts, is on our lips."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Parliament. The Citizenship Amendment Bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha at 12 pm today. 

Nanavati Commission report on 2002 Gujarat riots tabled in state Assembly.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav holds protest in Patna against Citizenship Amendment Bill and National Register of Citizens (NRC); says, “CAB is unconstitutional. It has been clearly written in the Constitution of India that the country cannot be divided on the basis of religion."

Tejashwi Yadav said: "Some JDU leaders are raising questions against #CitizenshipAmendmentBill a day after it got passed in LS. It's all part of drama. Nobody in JDU has courage to go against Nitish Kumar ji. Nitish ji has compromised by supporting the Bill just to remain in power."

Supreme Court to hear the petition filed by Uttarakhand government seeking stay of the initiation of contempt proceedings by the state High Court against state Chief Secretary and other officials, before December 18.

Union Cabinet meeting to be held at 1 pm today

Delhi's Patiala House Court adjourns JNU sedition case till February 19 after Investigating Officer informs court that file regarding grant of sanctions is still pending with the Delhi Govt's Home Deparment.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said: "Government is 100 per cent sure that Citizenship Bill to pass in Rajya Sabha."

The Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has joined hands with four other parties to form the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha that will contest the next assembly elections in 2022 against the policies of the BJP.

SBSP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, who was dismissed from the Yogi Adityanath cabinet in May this year, said that the Morcha included Jan Adhikar Party (led by former minister Babu Singh Khushwaha), Rashtriya Uday Party, Rashtriya Upekshit Samaj Party and Janta Kranti Party and SBSP.

PM Modi at BJP meet said: "Citizenship Bill will be written in golden letters, will give permanent relief to people who fled religious persecution."

IG Bastar P Sundarraj on reports that top maoist leader Ramanna has died of cardiac arrest said: "Security forces received information two days ago that a member of the Central Committee of the CPI (Maoist), has died. We are verifying the reports."

The Parliamentary meeting of BJP has concluded. During the meeting, PM Modi has asked the members to inform the people of their respective constituencies about the Citizenship Amendment Bill. 

Congress chief whip in Lok Sabha Kodikunnil Suresh has given adjournment motion notice on 'unrest and strife in the country over Citizenship Amendment Bill

A powerful US Congressional committee will begin on Wednesday debate on the two articles of impeachment charged against President Donald Trump.
The Democrats on Tuesday charged President Trump with two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress by pressing his Ukraine counterpart for help in attacking his rivals in the 2020 election.

The Indian rupee appreciated by 12 paise to 70.80 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as positive opening in domestic equities and easing crude oil prices strengthened investor sentiments. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 70.87, then gathered momentum and touched a high of 70.80 against the US dollar, registering a rise of 12 paise over its previous close.

Market benchmark BSE Sensex on Wednesday climbed 74 points backed by gains in select private bank, financial and metal stocks amid easing global crude prices. The appreciating rupee and mixed leads from other Asian markets too influenced sentiment.

The 30-share index was trading 74.04 points or 0.18 per cent higher at 40,313.92 in morning trade. The broader Nifty was trading 29.50 points or 0.25 per cent up at 11,886.30. In the Sensex kitty, ICICI Bank emerged as the biggest gainer with 0.88 per cent rise, followed by M&M, ITC, Bajaj Finance, TCS, Tata Steel, NTPC, L&T, and HDFC.

Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary party meeting has begun at Parliament library. 

The air quality in the national capital on Wednesday morning bordered "severe levels" and remained in the "very poor" category for the eighth consecutive day. The air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 399 at 8.41 am.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". An AQI above 500 falls in the "severe plus" category.

An explosion occurred in Bagram district of Parwan province close to Bagram airbas, reports Afghanistan Media

Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary party meeting begins at Parliament library.

Police on Tuesday arrested a person for allegedly raping a 44-year-old woman in Odisha's Jajpur district. The incident took place at Khandara Gedisahi village on Saturday night and the accused was arrested from a neighbouring area, they said.

As per the complaint filed by the woman at Jajpur Town police station, the accused took advantage of the fact that she stays alone in her house after the demise of her husband.

The body of a woman was found beneath a bridge in Khadki area of Pune on Tuesday morning, police said. She had taken a lift from a man riding a two-wheeler near Pune railway station on Sunday, an official said.

"She had asked to be taken to Khadki but we have found but the woman and the man went to a building in Koregaon Park. We are trying to put together sequence of events. Probe is on and an accidental death case has been registered" he said.

Noted RTI activist Abhimanyu Panda was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his house at Balliguda town in Odisha's Kandhamal district on Tuesday, police said. Panda was standing in front of his house in Patrasahi locality when he was attacked by motorcycle-borne youths, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Balliguda, M.R. Barik said.

The two motorcycle-borne men reached Panda's house and opened fire from a revolver killing him on the spot, the police said.

A 30-year-old man was found dead in his car on Monday morning in Parli taluka of Beed district, over 100 kilometres from here, police said. Vijay Sakharam Yamgar was a resident of Dagadwadi in Parli and his car was seen parked on Kavlewadi-Mhatargao Road since Sunday night, an official said.
"There are wounds on the head and the shirt is blood-soaked. A probe is on," he said.

 A Police officer, two suspects and three bystanders killed in Jersey City shooting, the city's police chief told AFP