'Do you have certificates of your father and grandfather': Zameer Ahmed Khan questions Modi and Shah
Massive protest against CAA, NRC in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 3: Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) continued here on Friday with hundreds joining the agitation called by Congress legislator and former Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Though the protest date coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in the city to inaugurate the 107th session of the Indian Science Congress, it was held only at around 2 pm, hours after Modi departed for New Delhi.
Several Muslim leaders had taken part in the protest rally held at Chamrajapete here, that was also attended by freedom fighter H SDoreswamy.
Addressing the gathering 102-year-old Doreswamy said, You are not Muslim, Im not a Hindu, we all are Indians, we are fighting today as Indians.
Zameer Ahmed Khan, in his speech, said, "Muslims of the country had chosen to live and die in India during partition, as this is our motherland."
Urging the Prime Minister to withdraw CAA and pointing out to the deaths during the protests in Uttar Pradesh and Mangaluru, he said, you (Modi) speak about Pakistan, we have nothing to do with Pakistan. You are Prime Minister of IndiaMuslims of India are worried, you have to address our worries."
Questioning the need to prove citizenship, Khan said, Im four-time MLA and two-time Minister, it took me four months to get my certificates. I want to ask Prime Minister and Amit Shah, do you'll have the certificates of your father and grandfather. Get your certificates first, then we will prove our certificates."
He further said there was no need for Muslims to worry as there is judiciary and courts for their protection.
"Organised a Protest against the Unconstitutional Act of NRC/ CAA/NPR, against the Central BJP Government at Momipura Edgah (Mysore Road Edgha) in Chamrajapet Constituency Very Grateful to All Masjid Committee Members, Muslim&Dalith Leaders and other Organisations, Khan later tweeted.
Police had made elaborate arrangements to ensure no untoward incidents take place during the protests.
The protests had caused traffic chaos around the Chamrajapet and Mysore Road area.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
