- Title: Modi says citizenship law not anti-Muslim as protests persist across India
- Date: 22nd December 2019
- Summary: NAGPUR, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (DECEMBER 22, 2019) (ANI - NO USE INDIA) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WALKING WITH PLACARDS AND FLAGS VARIOUS OF PEOPLE CARRYING INDIAN NATIONAL FLAG ABOVE HEADS AND WALKING
- Embargoed: 5th January 2020 12:40
- Keywords: Citizenship Amendment Act India Muslims Narendra Modi law protest
- Location: NEW DELHI/ NAGPUR, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
- City: NEW DELHI/ NAGPUR, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
- Country: India
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA002BB24BBB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a rally on Sunday (December 22) for his Hindu nationalist party in the capital, after days of violent protests across India against a new citizenship law critics say discriminates against Muslims.
New Delhi's state election early next year will be the first major electoral test for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in the wake of the mass demonstrations seen after parliament cleared the Citizenship Amendment Act on December 11.
"The Muslims who were born on Indian soil or whose ancestors are children of Mother India, brothers and sisters, they have nothing to do with Citizenship law," said Modi, adding that his government introduces reforms without any religious bias.
Several thousand people took part in Modi's rally where he accused the opposition of distorting facts to trigger protests.
At least 21 people have died during clashes with police as thousands of people came out on the streets in towns and cities across the country to protest, marking the biggest challenge to Modi's leadership since he first swept to power in 2014.
Fresh demonstrations were planned for Sunday in New Delhi, and northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where the largest number of deaths has occurred. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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