The Congress party criticized the BJP-led Central government for causing confusion by stating that a passport is not proof of citizenship. This issue arose after an MEA official emphasized that a passport primarily serves as a travel document. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid highlighted that the Passport Act allows denial of passports to non-citizens, suggesting a link between passport issuance and citizenship.
Khurshid pointed out that while citizenship determination is governed by the Citizenship Act, the issuance of passports must also consider citizenship status. He expressed concern that the recent clarification might not be easily understood by the general public. Additionally, he urged the government to provide a detailed explanation for issuing such a statement after many years.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed Khurshid’s sentiments, urging the MEA to clarify whether passports have been issued to foreign citizens. He emphasized that passports are issued only to genuine Indian citizens, serving as evidence of Indian citizenship. Gogoi raised questions about the government’s stance on citizenship proofs, especially in light of the NRC process in Assam.
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar emphasized that while a passport is a valid document for establishing citizenship, it is not the sole proof. He mentioned that documents like Aadhaar and voter ID cards are also accepted for citizenship verification. Wadettiwar criticized the ongoing confusion caused by the government’s statements, emphasizing the need for clarity to avoid public misunderstanding.
