Lok Sabha 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted during an election rally in Rajasthan’s Barmer that the BJP upholds the Constitution of India staunchly, emphasizing that even Babasaheb Ambedkar would be unable to abolish it if he wished. Modi rebuffed opposition accusations that the BJP aimed to dismantle the Constitution, stating that it holds a sacred place akin to revered texts like the Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bible, and Quran for the government. He underscored the paramount importance of the Constitution, labeling it as the cornerstone of governance.
Furthermore, Modi criticized the Congress party for allegedly aligning with anti-national elements and accused the opposition INDIA bloc of attempting to undermine the nation’s strength. He pointed out historical injustices by the Congress, including discrimination against SCs, STs, and OBCs, hindering Babasaheb Ambedkar’s electoral success, withholding the Bharat Ratna from him, and imposing the Emergency era, which threatened the Constitution.
Modi condemned the opposition for purportedly exploiting the Constitution to disparage his leadership, alleging deceitfulness on the part of the INDI alliance in invoking constitutional principles.
दौसा के रोड शो में अपने भाइयों और बहनों का अभूतपूर्व स्नेह और आशीर्वाद पाकर अभिभूत हूं! मैंने पूरे राज्य में @BJP4Rajasthan के लिए भारी जनसमर्थन को महसूस किया है। राजस्थान के मेरे परिवारजन पूरे जोश के साथ बीते 10 वर्षों में देश की विकास यात्रा को नए शिखर पर ले जाने के लिए… pic.twitter.com/bd3lwX91Kn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2024
The INDI alliance has leveled allegations against the ruling party, claiming that it seeks to secure 400 seats in the Lok Sabha to facilitate alterations to the Constitution. Recent statements by several BJP leaders have fueled these accusations, with suggestions that constitutional changes would be pursued given adequate parliamentary strength.
In response, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Narendra Modi and the BJP of harboring intentions to dismantle Babasaheb’s Constitution, particularly following BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde’s remarks indicating the need for a two-thirds majority to amend it.
To counter these claims, PM Modi clarified that the party’s goal of 400 seats is driven by a desire to hold the opposition, particularly the Congress, accountable for impeding government initiatives over the past decade. Modi also criticized the CPI(M) for advocating nuclear disarmament in its manifesto, questioning the feasibility of such a stance for a country like India surrounded by nuclear-armed neighbors.
Modi accused the Congress of aligning with anti-national elements and failing to provide comprehensive solutions to the nation’s challenges during its decades-long rule. He highlighted instances such as the Congress’s absence from the Ram temple consecration ceremony and its purported support for individuals disrupting Ram Navami processions in Rajasthan while opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which offers citizenship to Dalits and Sikhs who opposed partition.