Trinamool joins NDA, non-UPA states in opposing Communal Bill

New Delhi, Sep 10: The proposed Communal Violence Bill today ran into trouble with NDA-ruled states and some other governments, joined by UPA-constituent Trinamool Congress, opposing the "dangerous" legislation and arguing that it would hurt the federal structure of the country.

At a meeting of National Integration Council (NIC) where the issue was on the agenda, NDA and Chief Ministers of the states ruled by it -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Punjab -- expressed opposition to the draft legislation in its current form.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, who also attended the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said the proposed legislation was "dangerous" as it would "encourage communalism" rather than curbing it by furthering the divide between majority and minority communities.

Dinesh Trivedi, senior leader of Trinamool Congress, a key constituent of the UPA, said his party also opposes the Bill in the present form.

Opposing the Bill, Chief Minister of BJD-ruled Orissa Naveen Patnaik, said it has some "objectionable" provisions which "directly affect the autonomy of states".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, whose speech was read out in absentia, said "it is not the opportune moment to comment on the Bill".

PTI