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HSMP Forum’s Press Release
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NRIs WELCOME
BJPs SUPPORT FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP
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Dt – 24th July 2011
In a commendable
stance, that joined forces with the HSMP forum’s continuing crusade
for dual citizenship for Indians living abroad, Nitin Gadkari,
president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party
in India, said that his party was in favour of dual citizenship.
At a press conference in
London he said, "We are for dual citizenship to be given to Non
Resident Indians (NRIs). That is an assurance made by former Prime
Minister A B Vajpayee.” He also acknowledged its
emotional significance for the NRIs who have families residing in
India and also its economic implications. “India can take advantage
of NRIs in accelerating the progress in India," he said.
While Gadkari’s
statement clearly reflects the BJP’s admirable stance in voicing
their support for our campaign, other parties, more importantly the
ruling party, Congress is yet to come out of the closet to register
its support for non-resident Indians residing all over the world.
The BJP’s favourable statement
for dual citizenship was welcomed by Indians settled in the UK.
Dr. Ramnik & Dr. Ritika Mathur
welcomed the development and expressed their concern of not being
able to make investments in India due to the deprivation of dual
citizenship, they said, “The Indian government should be pro-active
in passing the Dual Citizenship bill and save Indians settled abroad
from the dilemma of giving away Indian Citizenship and to ensure
more contributions from NRI community in the growing Indian
economy.”
Rajiv Ahlawat is from Delhi,
he said “I have been living with my family in the UK for more
than four years. Being able to retain our Indian citizenship after
becoming 'natural' citizens of the country we live in would allow us
to maintain our inseparable ties to our homeland, our core identity,
and its values. An Indian passport is like an 'umbilical cord' with
our motherland. I and my family in the UK along with relatives and
friends in India look forward to an early legislation to allow dual
citizenship to take effect."
The executive
director of HSMP forum, Mr Amit Kapadia, has been tirelessly
pursuing political parties in this regard and was successful in
garnering support from some of the cross party leaders. Some of the
notable names that received the memorandum and assured their support
are Congress’ Salman Khurshid who recently took over as the Union
Law minister.
Mr Kapadia said,
“Although we
welcome the support of the opposition party and cross party
politicians with open arms, we hope that other parties will also
come forward with their support. We look forward to a similar
statement from Congress that will set the ball rolling and make the
dual citizenship a reality.”
Notes for the
editor;
Media
Contact - Amit Kapadia, email - info@hsmpforum.org /
amit@hsmpforumltd.com ,
Mobile # 07830374629
The HSMP Forum took its
name from the UK's ‘Highly Skilled Migrant Programme’ which
was introduced in 2002. HSMP Forum
represents immigrants coming from non-European Union countries and
as well those settled here and campaigns on various immigration
issues, it
represents people of all nationalities and cultures. It is an
immigrant support organisation and campaigns for immigrants
cause. The organisation's aim is to support and assist immigrants
under the world-renowned British principles of fair-play, equality
and justice and believes in challenging any unfair policies which
undermines migrants’ interests.
Weblinks:
BJP Press Release of 21st July 2011:
Meetings with cross party politicians:
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