The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a pointed critique on Tuesday, the Congress Party launched a vehement inquiry into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s adherence to the Constitution, spotlighting the contentious remarks by BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde about constitutional amendments. Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s general secretary, directed a series of probing questions at Modi, who is currently visiting Gujarat and Rajasthan, highlighting Hegde’s recent statements and the broader implications for the Prime Minister’s constitutional commitment.
During his visit to Ahmedabad for the Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project, Modi’s alignment with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, inclusivity, and equality came under scrutiny by the Congress. Ramesh, leveraging Modi’s public engagements, questioned if the Prime Minister would uphold Gandhi’s ideals or if Hegde’s remarks would lead to definitive action, underscoring Modi’s constitutional oath.
Anantkumar Hegde, representing Karnataka in Parliament, recently ignited controversy by advocating for a constitutional overhaul to correct what he perceives as distortions introduced by the Congress. This statement has since catalyzed demands from the Congress for Modi to manifest his commitment to the Constitution through tangible measures against Hegde.
Further intensifying his critique, Ramesh spotlighted the endemic issue of paper leaks in Gujarat, querying Modi’s strategy to combat the problem in light of the Congress’s comprehensive ‘Paper Leak se Mukti’ initiative under its Yuva Nyay scheme. The Congress’s proposal aims to eradicate the pervasive issue, contrasting sharply with the current state’s handling under Modi’s leadership.
Ramesh’s critique extended to Gujarat’s developmental record, positioning the state unfavorably in comparison to others regarding education retention, public spending on education, and socio-economic indicators, including the Below Poverty Line (BPL) population and sex ratio standings. These metrics challenge the efficacy of the much-touted ‘Gujarat Model’ and ‘Double Engine’ governance model promoted by Modi, questioning the reality versus the representation of Gujarat’s progress.
The discourse also touched upon Modi’s impending visit to Pokhran, Rajasthan, a site emblematic of India’s defense capabilities, to celebrate the country’s nuclear prowess initiated by Indira Gandhi. Ramesh criticized the current administration’s defense spending, highlighting a decrease in budget allocation and GDP percentage dedicated to defense, questioning the Prime Minister’s commitment to national security and strategic posturing towards adversaries like China.
In a parallel vein, the discussion veered towards Modi’s intentions with defense research and development, specifically the potential privatization of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Ramesh insinuated that such moves might favor certain industrialists, thereby questioning the transparency and motives behind Modi’s defense strategies.
The Congress’s forceful interrogation of Modi’s commitment to constitutional values, through the lens of Hegde’s comments, alongside questions on governance, defense, and socio-economic policies, underscores a deepening political rift. It also highlights the strategic positioning ahead of electoral confrontations, with both parties sharpening their narratives around governance, constitutional allegiance, and development paradigms.