Tue Dec 17 18:28:25 UTC 2024: ## Amit Shah Attacks Congress, Defends BJP’s Constitutional Record

**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 prioritizing power retention over citizen welfare, citing instances of constitutional amendments under Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s rule that he claimed curtailed fundamental rights. He further dismissed Congress’s complaints about EVMs, highlighting the Supreme Court’s rejection of 24 related petitions and the Election Commission’s unsuccessful challenge to hack the machines.

Shah defended the BJP’s record, pointing to the revocation of Article 370 as a bold decision that brought peace and tourism to Kashmir. He contrasted the BJP’s 22 constitutional amendments during 16 years in power with the Congress’s 77 amendments during 55 years, arguing that the BJP’s changes were for the betterment of citizens, unlike the Congress’s self-serving modifications. He cited the abolition of Triple Talaq as an example of prioritizing women’s rights over vote-bank politics.

Shah emphasized India’s successful democratic journey, highlighting the peaceful transfer of power and the country’s economic growth, now the world’s fifth-largest economy. He also stressed the Constitution’s capacity for change, rejecting criticism from those who want to fundamentally alter it, and reminding them that the provision for amendments exists within the Constitution itself.

The debate also saw heated exchanges over the government’s “One Nation, One Election” bill, which faced strong opposition from parties like the Congress, TMC, SP, and Shiv Sena, who labeled it unconstitutional and a threat to federalism. AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticized BJP president J.P. Nadda for allegedly insulting people from Uttar Pradesh during the debate. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the bill “anti-constitutional” and detrimental to federalism. Leaders from various opposition parties raised concerns about the bill’s implications for regional issues and accused the BJP of pushing an RSS agenda. The bill was passed in Lok Sabha despite widespread opposition.

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