New Delhi, December 20: Congress president Sonia Gandhi issued a video message on Friday to condemn the Narendra Modi government over the crackdown launched by police in BJP-ruled states against the anti-CAA protesters. Gandhi, in her message, accused the Centre of attempting to suppress the voices of dissent emerging against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Karnataka BJP Minister CT Ravi Warns Anti-CAA Protesters of 'Godhra-Like' Fate if 'Majority Loses Patience'.

"In a democracy people have right to raise their voice against policies of government and register their concerns. BJP government has shown utter disregard for people’s voices and chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent," Gandhi said.

Watch Video Issued by Congress

Gandhi, in her message, said the Congress party would continue its in-principle objection to the CAA and back all forms of peaceful demonstrations across the nation. The citizenship law, she said, is a precursor to the proposed nationwide National Register of Citizenship (NRC) which would end up turning scores of underprivileged Indians and minorities vulnerable.

"Like at the time of notebandi they will have to stand in line to prove their and their ancestors' citizenship. People's apprehensions are real and legitimate. The Congress party assures the people of India that it is fully committed to stand up and defend their fundamental right and uphold the foundational value of our Constitution," the Congress chief said.

The anti-CAA protests, which claimed six lives in Uttar Pradesh so far, escalated since last week after the law was enacted by the Parliament. Muslims groups and civil society members view the law, along with the proposed nationwide NRC, as a ploy to rid a section of the minorities  of their citizenship.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 20, 2019 07:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).