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Amit Shah's speech in the Rajya Sabha commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution served as a platform to both celebrate India's democratic journey and launch a pointed critique of the opposition Congress party. His central argument revolved around the resilience and adaptability of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its ability to navigate significant changes without resorting to violence or undermining democratic principles. He contrasted India's successful democratic trajectory with the failures of other newly independent nations, emphasizing the strength of India's constitutional framework and the collective will of its people in overcoming challenges. The speech strategically interwoven factual claims about constitutional amendments with pointed political commentary, creating a narrative that positioned the BJP favorably while casting the Congress in a less flattering light.
A key component of Shah's address was his detailed comparison of constitutional amendments undertaken by the BJP and Congress governments. He stated that the BJP, during its 16 years in power, made 22 amendments, while the Congress, during its 55 years, made 77. This numerical comparison aimed to downplay the BJP's amendments while suggesting the Congress had a history of excessive intervention in the Constitution. He further contextualized these amendments, highlighting what he perceived as the Congress's tendency to curtail fundamental rights, using examples such as the first amendment, which he claimed limited freedom of expression, and the 24th amendment, attributed to Indira Gandhi, which impacted fundamental rights. This historical framing sought to present the BJP's approach to constitutional amendments as more measured and respectful of democratic norms.
Beyond the statistical comparison of constitutional amendments, Shah's speech also included a direct attack on Congress's political strategy, accusing the party of engaging in 'vote-bank politics.' He contrasted this with the BJP's approach, highlighting the BJP government's actions, such as the abolishment of Triple Talaq, as evidence of its commitment to justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. This accusation served to shift the narrative beyond mere differences in governance styles and towards a critique of the Congress's moral character. The implication was that the BJP’s actions were driven by principles of justice, whereas the Congress’s actions were primarily motivated by a cynical pursuit of political expediency. This framing was especially potent given the ongoing political climate and the sensitivities around religious issues in India.
Shah's personal attacks on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi added another layer of complexity to the speech. His reference to Gandhi as a '54-year-old leader who calls himself 'yuva' (young)' while simultaneously claiming to protect the Constitution served to undermine Gandhi's credibility and portray him as hypocritical. The implication was that Gandhi’s pronouncements about constitutional protection were disingenuous given the Congress’s past record of amendments. This personal attack not only diverted attention from substantive arguments but also served to further polarize the political landscape, emphasizing the ideological differences between the two parties. The strategic use of personal attacks underscores the highly partisan nature of Indian politics and the instrumentalization of the constitutional anniversary for political gain.
In conclusion, Amit Shah's Rajya Sabha speech was a multifaceted political performance. While ostensibly celebrating the Indian Constitution's 75th anniversary, the speech functioned primarily as a platform for political maneuvering. Through carefully selected statistics, historical narratives, and direct attacks on the Congress, Shah aimed to bolster the BJP's image and undermine the Congress's standing within the Indian political landscape. The speech effectively highlighted the BJP's narrative of a stable, progressive India, while simultaneously portraying the Congress as a party that has undermined the Constitution through excessive amendments and politically motivated decisions. This strategic use of historical analysis and political commentary highlights the complex interplay between political rhetoric, historical memory, and constitutional interpretation in the Indian political context.