State govts must take strict action: Irani on CAA protests

 Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday appealed to all state governments to take strict action against people who are resorting to violence during the anti-CAA protests.

Talking to the media, the minister said "I appeal to the state governments to take strict action against those who are supporting violent elements at present." She also appealed to the people not to fall prey to anyone's political agenda.

"I appeal to all Indian citizens not to fall prey to anyone's political agenda," she said.

Defending the BJP over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Parliament, she said "The Citizenship Amendment Act does not affect or take away the rights of any Indian citizens. I repeat that the Indian Parliament has strengthened the rights of Indian citizens within the ambit of the Constitution and the NDA government and BJP are committed to safeguard the rights of people of this country."

Many violent protests have been staged in the past week since the day CAA was passed by Parliament. The opposition has accused the government of dividing people through the CAA.IANS