Hyderabad: TRS MLA Arekapudi Gandhi stokes row with offer of refuge to Pak nationals
Hyderabad: Government whip and Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi's controversial comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating that the people who had come from Pakistan would not be sent back and that this would not happen as long as he was alive, seem to have stirred a hornet's nest.
A video has surfaced on various social media platforms where TRS MLA is seen talking to some Muslim minorities in his constituency. "You have come from Pakistan or Rajasthan or any other place.
There is no one here to send you back... they cannot send you back until we are alive and if such situation arises myself and my corporator will also come with you," Gandhi was seen telling.
The TRS MLA asked the minority community to oppose the BJP leaders' campaigning in support of the CAA and send them back. "BJP leaders are roaming in minority areas talking about CAA... they are working like agents. They are taking up survey, oppose them.
Tell them to come only after withdrawing the Act. Tell them we have our corporator and MLA to sort out whatever issues we have. Don't worry, don't get afraid, we will come to you and with police force," said Gandhi.
The MLA recalled that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had said that if needed government would adopt a resolution in Assembly and send it to the Centre to withdraw the Act. He said that AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi clearly explained to all what the CAA was all about.
Gandhi said if needed he would organise a public meeting in minority areas along with MIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi against the CAA soon.
"No need to worry, we are with you and we will come to you and if needed we will come with police force," said Gandhi adding that CAA would not be implemented in the State as long as KCR was the Chief Minister.