Tue Dec 17 16:48:51 UTC 2024: ## Shah Accuses Congress of Anti-Reservation Stance, Attacks Opposition on Constitution Amendments
**New Delhi:** Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during a two-day Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary. He accused the Congress of being anti-reservation and claimed the party has never worked for the welfare of backward classes. Shah asserted that the Constitution has strengthened India’s democratic roots and enabled peaceful power transitions.
Shah criticized Congress’s handling of constitutional amendments, alleging that they prioritized retaining power over serving the nation’s citizens. He cited amendments made during the Nehru and Indira Gandhi eras, claiming the first amendment curtailed fundamental rights. He further highlighted the Congress’s alleged misuse of constitutional amendments for partisan purposes.
The Home Minister also addressed the opposition’s concerns regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), stating that the Supreme Court dismissed 24 petitions challenging their integrity and the Election Commission’s open invitation to hack them yielded no results.
Shah defended the BJP’s actions, citing the revocation of Article 370 as an example of decisive leadership. He emphasized the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir since, including increased tourism and participation in local governance. He also highlighted the BJP’s legislative action on triple talaq, asserting it was a necessary step to uphold Muslim women’s rights.
Shah further contrasted the BJP’s and Congress’s records on constitutional amendments, noting that the BJP made fewer amendments during its 16 years in power compared to the Congress’s 55 years. He emphasized that the intention behind amendments, rather than their number, should be the focus of evaluation.
The debate also saw opposition parties criticizing the government’s “One Nation, One Election” bill, with concerns raised about its impact on federalism and election integrity. Several opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Tejashwi Yadav, voiced strong opposition to the bill. Uddhav Thackeray also weighed in, suggesting it was a diversion tactic. Simultaneously, discussions around the bill’s passage in the Lok Sabha and the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) dominated proceedings. A heated exchange occurred between AAP MP Sanjay Singh and BJP president J.P. Nadda regarding voter list deletions and alleged derogatory remarks about people from Purvanchal.
First Piper 