* PM Modi Slams Congress for Undermining Constitution, Accuses It of Power-Driven Amendments
New Delhi: In a sharp rebuke during a parliamentary debate on India’s Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today accused the Congress party of undermining the Constitution’s spirit for political gain. Reflecting on the 75-year journey of the Constitution, PM Modi labeled the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 as a “dark chapter” in the nation’s history, one that left the Constitution “wounded.”
The Prime Minister stated that the Congress, particularly the Nehru-Gandhi family, had repeatedly misused the Constitution to maintain their hold on power. He pointed out that the Constitution was amended 75 times over six decades, often for political advantage. “Congress will never be able to erase the taint of the Emergency,” he declared, stressing how citizens’ rights were stripped away during that period.
Modi also targeted Jawaharlal Nehru for allegedly misusing the Constitution and suggested that Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency to safeguard her position after her election was invalidated. “It was a time of injustice,” Modi said, adding that the country was essentially turned into a jail with curbs on media and civil liberties.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that the Constitution is the core pillar of India’s unity. He highlighted “unity in diversity” as a unique feature of the nation and stressed that his government’s policies are aimed at strengthening this unity. Responding to a special discussion on the Constitution’s 75-year journey in the Lok Sabha, Modi underscored that his government remains committed to upholding the Constitution’s values.
PM Modi also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), viewing it as a reflection of the vision of India’s Constitution framers. He noted that the Constituent Assembly had deliberated extensively on the matter and had mandated its implementation. Modi promised that the NDA government would bring about a secular UCC.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted significant steps taken by his government to promote national unity, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and initiatives like the One Nation One Ration Card, Ayushman Bharat, and One Nation One Grid. Modi emphasized these efforts were aimed at strengthening India’s unity and ensuring inclusive development across the country. He also spoke about India’s economic growth, asserting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the coming years.
Further accusing Congress of disregarding constitutional principles, Modi criticized the party’s handling of the Shah Bano case, where Rajiv Gandhi overturned a Supreme Court verdict to appease vote banks. He also took aim at Congress’s “Garibi Hatao” slogan, contrasting it with his government’s efforts to empower the poor through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Prime Minister’s remarks provoked strong protests from Congress MPs, who vigorously challenged his statements on the floor of the Lok Sabha, leading to a heated exchange.
