"In 2003, speaking in Rajya Sabha, Dr Manmohan Singh, then Leader of Opposition, asked for a liberal approach to granting citizenship to minorities, who are facing persecution, in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Citizenship Amendment Act does just that,” the BJP tweeted from its official handle. "
"While I am on this subject, Madam, I would like to say something, about the treatment of refugees. After the partition of our country, the minorities in countries like Bangladesh have faced persecution, and it is our moral obligation that if circumstances force people, these unfortunate people, to seek refuge in our country, our approach to granting citizenship to these unfortunate persons should be more liberal. I sincerely hope the honourable Deputy PM will bear this in mind in chalking out a future course of action with regard to the Citizenship act",” Manmohan Singh said in the Upper House while drawing attention of veteran BJP leader LK Advani.
When the Deputy Chairman responded by telling Advani that "minorities in Pakistan are also suffering", the then Deputy Prime Minister replied: "Madam, I fully endorse that view."
But as the Congress goes all out objecting to the CAA, calling it "unconstitutional" and demanding it's toll back, THE BJP's National Incharge of its IT Cell Amit Malviya also took to Twitter, saying: "In 2003, speaking in Rajya Sabha, Dr Manmohan Singh, then Leader of Opposition, asked for a liberal approach to granting citizenship to minorities, who are facing persecution, in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Citizenship Amendment Act does just that..."
(With additional information from IANS)