India A “Hindu Rashtra”, Says BJP’s Ravi Kishan In Citizenship Bill Row
New Delhi: BJP MP Ravi Kishan has controversially said India is a “Hindu Rashtra” since there are some 100 crore Hindus in the country. He was weighing in on the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was cleared by the cabinet today for tabling in parliament.
The bill seeks to make it easier for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to become citizens of India. Many opposition parties have criticized the proposed law, calling it a violation of secular principles and the right to equality enshrined in the constitution, since it leaves out Muslims.
“The population of Hindus is 100 crores. So obviously India is a Hindu rashtra (nation). There are so many Muslim and Christian countries. It is amazing that we have a country called ‘Bharat’ to keep alive our culture,” the popular actor and lawmaker told news agency ANI.
“If there can be Muslim and Christian countries, why can’t be a Hindu country,” he questioned.