We heartily welcome President's assent to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, says BJP leader Krishna Saagar Rao

BJP leader Krishna Saagar Rao on Friday said that his party heartily welcomes the President Ram Nath Kovind's assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill after which the Bill has become an Act.

"The BJP heartily welcomes President Kovind's assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. It has now become an Act. We are very hopeful that all the Hindus and the other minorities persecuted in other countries like Pakistan, Afghstan and Bangladesh have an avenue in India and can become citizens of India," Rao told .

"We would also like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving an empathetic government to this nation. Home Minister Amit Shah has done everything that is required for this nation," he said praising the duo.

When asked about Chief Ministers of at least three states -- Punjab, West Bengal and Kerala -- having vowed not to allow the implementation Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Rao said: "They need to understand that they have been elected by the people of India. They should not forget that they are a part of the Union of India."

"They do not have the right to say that they won't allow the implementation of the Bill which has become an Act now. They don't have the Constitutional right to do that," added Rao.

( With inputs from ANI )