archive: Silent on dual citizenship, two passports
Silent on dual citizenship, two passports
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.
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