PM Modi in Solapur: 'Quota, citizenship bills won't affect rights of anyone'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the smooth passage of the bill which provides 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education in the Lok Sabha is a strong answer by the Parliament to those spreading lies, hitting out at opposition for criticising the central government over introduction of reservation bill.

Addressing a public rally in Solapur after launching a slew of infra projects, Modi asked the Congress to clarify what was driving its ongoing allegations on the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Hoping the Rajya Sabha will pass the Bill today, Modi said the rights of deprived sections, including Dalits and tribals won't be affected because of this bill.

He termed the the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha as a historic step aimed at uplifting the deprived sections.

On the passage of the Citizenship Bill, seeking to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangaldesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Modi assured people of Assam and North East that their rights will not be curtailed in any way through the bill's provisions.

Modi indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi role aircraft deal.

The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, he said. Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.

Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said.