"Mamata Banerjee Should Apologise": Prakash Javadekar On Referendum Dare

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday demanded an apology from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for suggesting a UN-monitored referendum on the amended citizenship law, which has sparked protests in the country.

"It is shocking that Mamata Banerjee is talking about referendum. Who is the UN body to monitor the referendum? This is an insult to the 130 crore people of the country and their mandate. Mamata should apologise," Mr Javadekar told reporters.

Addressing a rally in Kolkata on Thursday, Ms Banerjee had dared the ruling BJP to go for a UN-monitored referendum on the matter.

"If BJP has guts, it should go for a UN-monitored referendum on the amended Citizenship Act and NRC. If the BJP loses this mass vote, then it should step down from the government," she had said.

Mr Javadekar said some people were trying to create a confusion over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

"CAA is about inclusion and not exclusion. They are talking the language of Pakistan. There are some elements who are causing confusion. We are trying to reach out to people with the right approach," he said.

"Mamata Banerjee is irresponsibly seeking the involvement of the United Nations. This is inviting foreign countries to interfere in our affairs," union minister G Kishan Reddy told PTI over phone. "I don't know why she is making such irresponsible comments as the chief minister of a state," he added.

Students, activists and politicians across the country have been protesting against the new legislation.