Ambassador Sanjay Panda defends CAA, terms it historic

Los Angeles, Feb 11: The passage of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, passage of Triple Talaq bill are some of the most courageous and historic decisions Modi Government has taken in its second innings which no government could dare take in the past seven decades post-independence, said Sanjay Panda, Indian Ambassador based in San Francisco.

He said that there is no propriety in raising questions on these decisions of the Modi Government. Defending the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A he said how can there be two statutes and flags in one nation? Why this was allowed in independent India?

He was speaking at the NRIs meeting at Cerritos Library on Monday. The meeting was organized by Bharatiya Vichar Manch of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). Addressing a Capacity-packed gathering of NRIs, Panda questioned the moves by Democrat Senator to raise doubts over the CAA and also took exception to a demonstration by Promila Jaipal, a House member from Washington State. The Indian side was very well explained to them in writing on these issues, he said.

Later interacting with the audience in a Q & A session, Panda said there was absolutely no propriety in passing a resolution against CAA by Chhaya Sawant, a member of Seattle Town Council. He even asked Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki whether it was under his jurisdiction to pass such a resolution in Town Council only to receive a firm ‘No’ from the Mayor.

Dr. Amrut Nehru of Kashmir, Dr Jasu Patel and Sanmay Mukhopadhyay, an expert in Indo-Bangladesh relations, participated in this seminar. Amit Desai and Pravin Tanwar conducted the proceedings of the seminar.

Panda further said that Indian media is confused and engaged in publicity against the CAA due to a lack of proper information. The news published in American newspapers are one-sided and influenced by prejudices. He said it was difficult to make those understand the correct perspective who are biased and whose agenda is pre-decided.

He lamented that a certain group in America is busy in tarnishing the image of India with all their might using money and manpower. He urged every NRI to remain vigilant to thwart such propaganda and agenda. (Inputs from Hindustan Samachar)