Sonia can be deprived of citizenship: Swamy

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18 Continuing his war of nerves with the Congress, Dr. Subramanian Swamy has come out with an interesting interpretation of the citizenship laws. In a press release, the president of the Janata Party has asserted that the Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, could lose her Indian citizenship if any of the charges levelled by him against her were `found valid.' As Dr. Swamy interprets the Citizenship Act, Ms. Gandhi `can be deprived of her citizenship by a simple Government notification if the Government is satisfied that she has engaged in activities prejudicial to India's sovereignty.' According to him, Ms. Gandhi need not necessarily be `found guilty of such a charge by a court. Government's satisfaction is enough.' The only concession Dr. Swamy allows Ms. Gandhi is that should the Government pass an adverse order `she can thereafter challenge the de-citizenship order.'

According to Dr. Swamy the Government can issue such a notification against Ms. Gandhi `if the CBI gives a report substantiating the charge.' Dr. Swamy, accordingly, advises the Congress ``to clear the air by agreeing to a CBI probe. Blocking such an investigation only heightens the public suspicion.''

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Section  : National
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