Posted by Ashok Chowgule (ashokvc@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in)
Organiser
May 30, 1999
Title: Silent on dual citizenship, two passports Author: Publication: Organiser Date: May 30, 1999 But in the wake of the controversy about her suitability as PM, it is not only her foreign origin and her lack of experience in understanding India and its complex problems which are considered a handicap for holding high public office, doubts have been raised if she has renounced her Italian citizenship. At the Congress Working Committee meeting on May 15, Shri Purno Sangma is reported to have raised the issue of her 'dual citizenship'. Sonia did not come out with facts. When Pranab Mukherjee tried to stop Sangma, he is reported to have said, "Even' in your television interviews you appear as if you are not sure whether she has two passports. None of us know." This question of dual citizenship or two passports got currency after reports in the Press discussed the Italian law on the subject and Pranab Mukherjee was quizzed about Sonia's status in a TV interview. There is a peculiar practice followed in Italy under which Italian citizens upon obtaining the naturalised citizenship of a foreign country such as India continue to retain their Italian citizenship as Italy does not require them to surrender the Italian passports. According to Italian Consul-General in Calcutta, Dr Giagio Guglielmino (as quoted in The Statesman April 24, 1999) "According to our laws, we have no problem if some Italian continues to be an Italian citizen as well as a citizen of some other country simultaneously. As far as I know, India does not allow double citizenship." Instead of giving straight answers, Sonia ducked the issue and walked out of the CWC while other Congressmen did not know the truth. Neither Sonia nor any Congress leader or spokes-person has so far come out to state if Sonia has only one passport i.e. Indian passport and that she does not hold any other passport. Thus it is not only the question of her foreign origin which is being questioned, Congressmen are not sure if she has dual citizenship, i.e., that of India as well as Italy.
|
||