Margao
South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Sardinha has said that he will seek assistance of prominent lawyers before taking up the issue with the Union Ministry of External Affairs and meeting the concerned minister to discuss the issue of
Portuguese citizenship.
Speaking to this daily, Sardinha said, "It is unfortunate that what was going on for so long has been changed. But they (MEA) has to go with the existing rules. I will discuss with some good lawyers, take their guidance and will then take up the issue with the Minister for External Affairs. I will take an appointment and discuss with
the minister."
When asked whether he would raise the issue in the Parliament since he is an MP and the circular to this effect was issued by the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Sardinha answered in the negative but hastily added that he wants to first find out whether it is as per the rule, therefore he will first meet
the minister.
"One has to know first whether it is in accordance with the law before raising the issue in the Parliament. In India, we do not have dual citizenship. We were demanding dual citizenship, but the central government ignored our demand. There are a few countries which have provision of dual citizenship but this opportunity is not given in India,"
he added.