Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech in Parliament, alleging that his remarks were “far from the truth.” Kharge accused the BJP of attempting to divert public attention with falsehoods and reiterated that Shah’s comments primarily served to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to media, Kharge remarked:
“Today whatever Home Minister said is far from truth, it’s lie, he said nothing truthful for example Ambedkar statue, was it built during their (BJP) tenure?… Everything is a lie. Every day, they abuse the Gandhi family. They are trying to divert people through lies and it won’t go for long. He came to the Parliament just to praise PM Modi.”
On ‘One Nation, One Election’
Kharge also reacted to the introduction of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill in the Lok Sabha, stating that its pros and cons would be debated during parliamentary discussions.
“When the bill comes for discussion, then we will talk about its advantages and drawbacks. It has to be discussed after meeting with everyone,” he added.
Amit Shah’s Speech in Rajya Sabha
During the Rajya Sabha debate on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, Amit Shah criticized Congress for alleged “vote bank politics” and contrasted the BJP’s constitutional amendments with those made during Congress’ tenure.
Shah emphasized that BJP’s amendments focused on empowering citizens, whereas some amendments under Congress restricted freedoms.
“Congress amended the Constitution 77 times in its 55 years of rule whereas the BJP in 16 years made 22 changes,” Shah noted.
Targeting Congress Leadership
Shah specifically criticized the amendments made during the tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
“The first amendment was made on June 18, 1951… Article 19 A was added to curtail the freedom of speech. And Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister at that time,” Shah said.
He also attacked Indira Gandhi’s 24th Amendment, alleging that it reduced citizens’ fundamental rights.
“The 24th Amendment was brought by Indira Gandhi… On November 24, 1971, the Parliament was given the right to reduce the fundamental rights of the citizens,” Shah added.
On Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shop of Love’ Slogan
Shah mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat ki Dukan” (shop of love) slogan, arguing that love is a sentiment to be felt, not sold.
“We have also listened to speeches of those talking of opening ‘Mohabbat ki dukan’ in every village. Love is not something to be sold, it has to be spread,” Shah stated.
Political Reactions
- Congress Response: Kharge and other Congress leaders dismissed Shah’s speech as misleading.
- BJP Defense: The BJP defended Shah’s statements, highlighting their government’s focus on constitutional integrity and citizen empowerment.
The debates on the Constitution’s legacy and governance reforms continue as Parliament’s winter session runs until December 20.