Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the Rajya Sabha at the conclusion of a two-day debate on the Constitution, launched a pointed critique of the Congress party's history with constitutional amendments. Shah used the session to highlight the differences in approach between Congress-led and BJP-led governments in amending the Constitution, portraying the former as self-serving and the latter as citizen-centric and reformative.
He stated that the ongoing parliamentary session provides a vital opportunity for the people of India to evaluate which political party has genuinely upheld the values enshrined in the Constitution. Shah contrasted the 77 amendments introduced by Congress during its 55 years of rule with the BJP's 22 amendments over 16 years, asserting that the BJP's changes were aimed at empowering citizens and improving governance, while Congress used amendments for political gain.
Delving into Congress's record, Shah criticized amendments from the Nehru and Indira Gandhi eras. He argued that Nehru’s first constitutional amendment, introduced in 1951, curtailed the fundamental right to freedom of expression, setting a troubling precedent for stifling dissent. He also condemned the 39th amendment passed during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi, which insulated the elections of the Prime Minister and President from judicial scrutiny. This, Shah said, exemplified Congress’s willingness to weaken democratic checks and balances to maintain power.
Shah further accused Congress of manipulating constitutional provisions to serve its political needs, often at the cost of individual freedoms and democratic integrity. He highlighted how certain amendments altered fundamental constitutional provisions to consolidate power, curbing the rights of citizens and undermining democratic institutions.
In contrast, Shah showcased the BJP's approach to constitutional amendments as transformative and aimed at addressing systemic challenges. He referred to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) amendment, which created a unified tax framework, and the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), which he described as landmark reforms to address long-standing economic disparities. Additionally, he praised the restoration of states' authority to identify backward classes, a move he said reinforced federalism and empowered regional governments.
Through his speech, Shah sought to frame the BJP as a party committed to upholding the Constitution’s spirit and values, while painting the Congress as one that repeatedly used the Constitution as a tool for political expediency. He emphasized that the BJP’s amendments were driven by a vision to strengthen governance, empower marginalized communities, and ensure equality, whereas Congress's legacy was marked by a series of changes aimed at centralizing power and diminishing democratic safeguards.
In closing, Shah reiterated that this debate in Parliament would allow citizens to see through the contrasting legacies of both parties. By spotlighting these historical and contemporary differences, he called for a deeper appreciation of the Constitution and a commitment to safeguarding its principles for the nation’s progress.
