Opposition, journalists stirring confusion on NRC: Goa CM

The Opposition and some journalists are trying to stir confusion on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday, adding that since there was no directive from the Centre vis a vis NRC, there was no question of implementing it in Goa.

Sawant also said during a press conference that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not have any impact on the Hindus, Christians or Muslims living in Goa and that the Goa BJP would start a statewide campaign to create awareness about the legislation.

Accusing the Opposition as well as journalists of trying to create confusion on the issue of NRC, a pan-India digital nationality ledger, whose proposed implementation, has also triggered protests in several parts of the country, Sawant said: "There is no connection with the NRC (with CAA). Some reporters are trying to create confusion about NRC. There is nothing from the Central government on this. Journalists are trying to create confusion."

On Sunday, Sawant, while responding to a media query had said that the NRC may not be required in Goa. On Monday however, the Chief Minister claimed that his comment was misinterpreted and added that since there was no notification from the Central Government on the NRC, there was no question of implementing it in Goa.

Commenting on the CAA, Sawant also said that the legislation which was passed in Parliament earlier this month, would not pose any trouble for native Goans, irrespective of their religion.

"At present for Goa CAA will not pose any trouble. Nationality of any one will not be suspended. There is no need to fear. Hindus, Muslims or Christians need not fear losing their nationality," Sawant told a press conference, after attending a meeting of the state BJP's core committee in Panaji.

Sawant said, that at a meeting held at the Chief Minister's official residence on Tuesday, all MLAs were informed about the provisions of the CAA and added that an awareness campaign would be started across Goa to counter opposition propaganda.

"The party will also hold a public meeting on January 3 and explain to everyone about the CAA," Sawant also said.

The implementation of the CAA as well as the likely implementation of the National Register of Citizens has triggered protests in several parts of the country, with the opponents of both the laws terming them anti-minority and violative of the Indian Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have, however, said that the CAA and NRC was not aimed at targeting the Muslim community.