Mon Dec 16 12:38:24 UTC 2024: ## Govt Accuses Congress of Repeatedly Undermining Constitution, Congress Counters with BJP Criticism

**New Delhi:** The 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution has sparked a heated parliamentary debate, with the government accusing the Congress party of repeatedly undermining the foundational document through various amendments.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, opening the Rajya Sabha debate, launched a scathing attack on the Congress, citing instances from its history allegedly showcasing suppression of freedom of speech and press. She highlighted the 1951 first Constitutional amendment, which she argued curbed freedom of expression, and the arrests of poet Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni for criticizing then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Sitharaman also pointed to the banning of books and films critical of Indira Gandhi’s government and the amendment nullifying the Allahabad High Court judgment against her. The 39th Constitutional amendment, she claimed, was enacted to shield Indira Gandhi from an election malpractice case even before a Supreme Court ruling. The Shah Bano case, and the subsequent act denying Muslim women alimony, was also cited as an example of the Congress undermining constitutional rights. Sitharaman contrasted this with the longevity and resilience of the Indian Constitution compared to those of other post-WWII nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier echoed these criticisms in the Lok Sabha.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, vehemently rejected these accusations. He countered by accusing the BJP of disrespecting the Constitution and national flag, highlighting the alleged historical opposition of the RSS to the Constitution. Kharge lauded Indira Gandhi’s role in the liberation of Bangladesh and questioned the BJP’s credibility to lecture on constitutional values. He also demanded an apology from Prime Minister Modi for allegedly misrepresenting Nehru’s letters to states. The debate underscores deep divisions over the legacy of India’s Constitution and the role played by different political parties in shaping its evolution.

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