Nirmala Sitharaman Attacks Congress Regarding Constitutional Amendments: An Affair of the Strong Constitution of India
In a fiery debate marking the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday accused the Congress party of repeatedly undermining the Constitution through various amendments. She attacked the first Constitutional amendment of 1951, claiming that it was aimed at curtailing freedom of speech and press in India. Sitharaman pointed to this move as an example of Congress's reluctance to accept scrutiny, especially regarding the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman quoted some historical facts about how the poet Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni were arrested in 1949 for opposing the government. Sitharaman says this indicates that there was a tolerance level against the dissenting voices of India during the early years of India's independence. She added to this by saying Congress governments banned books and films critical of the ruling party and thus suppressed freedom of expression.
The Finance Minister was critical of the amendments undertaken during the Congress rule and said these amendments were never for the strengthening of the democratic institutions but to give protection to the rulers. She, in particular pointed out that the 39th Constitutional Amendment of 1975 prevented challenges to elections for key positions such as the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister, a ploy during the Emergency days to ensure Indira Gandhi's protection.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge defended his party and charged the BJP with disrespecting the Constitution and the national flag. He asked whether the BJP was a true follower of the democratic values in the Constitution and expressed concern over the handling of constitutional matters by the current government. Kharge also reminded the BJP of the sacrifices made by Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi, who played a pivotal role in the liberation of Bangladesh.
