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The recent Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution's 75th anniversary witnessed a sharp exchange between Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge's response, a forceful rebuttal of Modi's earlier statements, highlighted a deep ideological divide and fueled the ongoing political tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party. Kharge's central argument revolved around the credibility of those commenting on the Constitution's significance and the actions of the political forces involved in its creation and subsequent interpretation. He directly challenged Modi's assertions, questioning his understanding of the sacrifices made for the nation's freedom and accusing the Prime Minister of deceptive political tactics.
A key point of contention in Kharge's speech was the unfulfilled promise of depositing ₹15 lakh into every Indian citizen's bank account, a pledge made during a previous election campaign. This promise, Kharge argued, represents a major instance of misleading the public. He further accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to strengthen the Constitution over the past eleven years of its tenure. This assertion served as a powerful critique of the BJP's governance and its commitment to upholding constitutional values. Kharge's direct attack on the Prime Minister's credibility served to raise questions about the BJP's political strategies and their adherence to the principles of honesty and transparency in public life. The statement aimed to undercut Modi's authority on the subject and to portray the Congress as the true defender of constitutional ideals.
Kharge's remarks extended beyond immediate political point-scoring, delving into the historical context of the Constitution's framing and the roles played by various political actors. He evoked the historical actions of the Jan Sangh, the ideological precursor to the BJP, and its perceived attempts to reshape the Constitution according to the Manusmriti, a controversial ancient Hindu legal text. This historical reference served to portray the BJP and its ideological origins as inconsistent with the core values of the Constitution. Kharge also highlighted the alleged actions of certain groups on the day the Constitution came into effect, claiming they burned effigies of Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Nehru, further solidifying his claim of a deep-seated ideological conflict.
The mention of the Nehru-Gandhi family and the accusations of disrespect leveled against them represent another significant aspect of the political clash. These remarks highlight the ongoing tension between the Congress party and the BJP, a tension rooted in historical rivalry and current political competition. The use of this historical narrative aims to further discredit the BJP's claim to represent the true spirit of India's founding fathers and emphasizes the Congress's historical connection to the nation's founding moments. By linking the BJP's ideology to actions deemed antithetical to the spirit of the Constitution, Kharge attempts to frame the political struggle as a battle for the very soul of the nation and the future of its constitutional values. The rhetorical power of this historical framing is undeniable, serving to deepen the conflict and engage a wider audience beyond the immediate political discourse.
The sharp tone of Kharge's response and the direct accusations leveled against the Prime Minister illustrate the high stakes of this political confrontation. It showcases the deep ideological divides that exist in Indian politics and the intensity of the ongoing battle for political legitimacy and the control of national narratives. The speech serves as a powerful symbol of the opposition's resistance against the ruling party's ideology and its actions. Kharge's strategy of highlighting historical inconsistencies and challenging the Prime Minister's assertions sets the stage for a continued political confrontation that will likely shape the discourse surrounding the interpretation and application of the Constitution in India in the years to come. The clash underscored the significance of the Constitution's 75th anniversary as a moment of reflection, re-evaluation, and a renewed battle for its interpretation in the present day political landscape.