BJP not consulted: C T Ravi on AIADMK's promise to get CAA revoked

After the AIADMK vowed to push the Centre to revoke Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in its election manifesto, BJP leader C T Ravi has distanced the saffron party from it, saying it is the Dravidian party's stand and not the NDA's.

The controversial law, which sparked nationwide protests, was backed by the AIADMK in Rajya Sabha with the party's OP Raveendranath voting for the Bill.

The AIADMK on Sunday announced a slew of populist schemes that included a free washing machine, 2GB mobile internet data for students, and even a reduction in fuel prices.

However, AIADMK's ally in Tamil Nadu, the BJP has voiced concern against the party's promise to help revoke CAA. "This is the AIADMK’s manifesto, not the NDA’s. So far they(AIADMK) have not discussed this with us. We will take it up with them now," C T Ravi, BJP in-charge of Tamil Nadu assembly elections, told the The News Minute.

Also read: Freebies to jobs: How the AIADMK and DMK are trying to one up each other

The AIADMK has maintained that they will protect the "interests of the minorities" and insist the Union Government on reconsidering the law, which aims to provide citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Earlier, the Dravidian party had raised the issue of securing citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils.

The BJP claims that many Tamils were protected from the neighbouring island-country. "In the past, we have given citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils. Many people have also been given refuge in rehabilitation camps in India and several other Sri Lankan Tamils have also gone back to their country and got resettled," Ravi said.

He also said that a separate proposal from the Tamils can be put forth to address the issue further. "If there is some major issue that emerges regarding Sri Lankan Tamils they can put forth a specific demand for that. But to say that giving citizenship through CAA is wrong is not acceptable,” he added.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami, speaking after releasing the manifesto, said, "We have announced that we will insist that the Centre revoke the CAA. The AIADMK is the only party that protects the interest of minorities."

With opinion polls predicting Tamil Nadu will swerve towards the DMK in the upcoming Assembly polls, the incumbent CM is going all-out to secure another term in the state.