jiliko JP Nadda Slams Congress Over Constitution, Emergency And Article 370 in Rajya Sabha Debate

Updated:2024-12-19 02:19    Views:199

J P Nadda Photo: PTI J P Nadda Photo: PTI

Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and BJP President J P Nadda on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of the Congress and its legacy, particularly in relation to the Indian Constitution, the Emergency of 1975, and Article 370, during a discussion on the “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India.”

Nadda, addressing the House, emphasized the importance of having a good Constitution, but warned that its effectiveness depends on those who implement it. Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar, Nadda asserted, “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.” He further stated that “the bad lot has interfered with the Constitution many times,” alluding to the Congress party’s role in controversial constitutional amendments and decisions.

ALSO READ|JP Nadda Slams Congress Over Constitution, Emergency And Article 370 in Rajya Sabha Debate

The BJP leader took particular aim at the Congress for its actions during the Emergency (1975-77), the amendment to the Preamble of the Constitution, and the issue of Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Nadda also praised the architects of the Constitution, acknowledging their wisdom in shaping the nation’s democratic framework. He noted that, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated, “India is not just the largest democracy, but the mother of democracy.”

Reflecting on the core values of Indian democracy, Nadda emphasized freedom, equality, inclusivity, and dignity, qualities he believes are embodied in the Constitution and reflect India's ethos. “As the prime minister said, India is not just the largest democracy, but the mother of democracy. The architects of our Constitution knew this is not a nation in the making, it was always a nation. As per Indian ethos, democracy comprises freedom, acceptability, equality, inclusivity and allowing citizens to lead a dignified life,” he said.

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The BJP leader quoted B R Ambedkar to say “however good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad”. He also said the “bad lot has interfered with the Constitution many times.” 

Regarding Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, Nadda criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress for introducing the provision. He pointed out that Ambedkar had opposed it, and that Article 35A, which gave special privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, was implemented without a debate in Parliament. He also brought up Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s efforts to challenge Article 370.

“I am proud to say, Syama Prasad Mookerjee raised the issue of Article 370 and sacrificed his life for it... His mother wrote to Nehru Ji and sought an investigation. But that request was ignored and this is also registered in the pages of history. It is a question of the good lot and the bad lot,” he said. “After the bad lot, we got the good lot. On August 5, 2019, we abrogated Article 370... I once again congratulate the PM. Because of his wisdom, Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India now.”

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On the anniversary of the Emergency, Nadda urged Congress leaders to reflect on their role in its imposition. He noted that the 50th anniversary of the Emergency would be observed in 2025 as “Anti-Democracy Day,” and extended an invitation to the Indian National Congress to join the observance. “There was an attempt to murder democracy... if there is any regret in their hearts, I invite you to join us on June 25, 2025,” Nadda said.

In addition, Nadda questioned the Congress's recent claims of remorse for the Emergency, suggesting that the party's apology lacked sincerity. He also highlighted Ambedkar’s original stance during the drafting of the Constitution regarding the inclusion of the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble. 

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According to Naddajiliko, Ambedkar had argued that these terms were unnecessary, as the Constitution already embodied the concepts of a secular state and equality for all citizens. Ambedkar also felt that determining the type of society India should become was beyond the scope of the Constitution and should be left to the people.

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