Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a scathing attack on the Congress during the Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha on Friday, taking an indirect jibe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Without naming Gandhi, Singh remarked that some individuals “only carry the Constitution in their pockets” while simultaneously undermining it.
Speaking on the 75-year journey of the Constitution, Singh accused the Congress of attempting to tarnish the image of the Constitution and making illegal changes to it over the years. He highlighted the amendments introduced by Congress prime ministers: Jawaharlal Nehru (17 amendments), Indira Gandhi (28 amendments), Rajiv Gandhi (10 amendments), and Manmohan Singh (7 amendments).
“BJP Bows to the Constitution”
Rajnath Singh emphasized the BJP’s adherence to constitutional principles under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that the government is committed to working in accordance with the “Dharma” enshrined in the Constitution.
He accused the Congress of disrespecting the Constitution by seeking committed judiciary and institutions and attempting to monopolize its framing. “Many leaders from the opposition roam around with a copy of the Constitution but fail to honor its spirit,” he remarked.
Savarkar and Other Freedom Fighters Acknowledged
During his speech, Singh underscored the contributions of freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, and others who were not part of the Constituent Assembly but whose ideas shaped constitutional values. He urged Parliament to remember these icons, including Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Lala Lajpat Rai, whose vision helped strengthen the democratic framework.
Indira Gandhi’s Emergency Criticized
Sharpening his attack, Singh reminded the Opposition of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975, calling it a time when the voices of the people were silenced, and democracy was throttled. He juxtaposed this with the BJP’s alleged respect for constitutional values.
