During the 17th day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi accused the BJP of fostering fear and division in India. His remarks came in the Rajya Sabha as debates continued over various political and economic issues.
In the Lok Sabha, the discussion on supplementary grants prominently highlighted concerns about inflation and wealth inequality. Lawmakers debated the economic challenges facing the country, with inflation and growing wealth disparity emerging as key themes in the ongoing deliberations. The session continues to unfold with heightened political discourse on these critical issues.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Criticizes Congress for Constitutional Amendments Aimed at Benefiting the 'Dynasty'
On December 16, 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of using constitutional amendments to serve the interests of the "family" and "dynasty." Sitharaman's comments came as part of a broader discussion on the Constitution during the ongoing Parliament Winter Session.
Referring to the controversial Emergency period, Sitharaman highlighted the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which was passed on December 18, 1976, during the Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She criticized the extension of the Lok Sabha’s term without valid justification, pointing out that the entire opposition had been jailed at the time, leaving little room for dissent. She argued that the amendment process was fundamentally flawed and politically motivated, designed not to strengthen democracy but to protect the ruling powers.
“Only five members opposed the bill in the Lok Sabha, and there was no one in the Rajya Sabha to challenge it. This was not about safeguarding democracy, but about consolidating power,” she stated.
The ongoing debate in Parliament also saw Congress leaders like Priyanka Gandhi voicing their concerns. In her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, she claimed that had it not been for the upcoming 2024 elections, the BJP would have attempted to change the Constitution. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also criticized Congress for politicizing the legacy of the Constitution and trying to attribute its creation solely to one political party.
As the two-day debate on the Constitution continues, the political divide over its historical significance and role in shaping India’s governance remains sharply evident. The discussions underscore the differing views on the Constitution's legacy and its ongoing impact on the nation's future.