Nirmala Sitharaman Vs Mallikarjun Kharge became the focal point during a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha on the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing critique of Congress’s constitutional amendments and policies, accusing the party of using the Constitution to protect those in power rather than strengthening democracy.
Sitharaman Highlights Alleged Violations Of Freedom Of Speech
Nirmala Sitharaman began by accusing the Congress of curbing freedom of speech with its first constitutional amendment in 1951. She alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru used the amendment to suppress press scrutiny of his government.
Quoting historical instances, she mentioned the arrests of poet-lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni in 1949 for opposing Nehru through their works. Sitharaman said, “That is the level of tolerance. Today we hold the Constitution in our hands and talk about freedom of speech, but this fear existed even then.”
Congress’s Role In Banning Books And Films
Sitharaman went on to accuse Congress of repeatedly restricting freedom of expression. She cited the banning of Michael Edwardes’s book Nehru: A Political Biography and the 1975 film Kissa Kursi Ka, which criticized Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son.
She also referred to the 1988 ban on Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses. “This spree of curtailing freedom of expression and the press started before 1949 and continued after 1951,” Sitharaman asserted.
Emergency And Constitutional Amendments
The Finance Minister heavily criticized the Congress for its actions during the Emergency in 1975. She highlighted the 39th Constitutional Amendment, which barred courts from challenging the elections of key officeholders like the Prime Minister.
Sitharaman remarked, “To save her chair, Indira Gandhi passed an amendment before the court judgment. Such actions were not about strengthening democracy but protecting those in power.”
She also referred to the Shah Bano case under Rajiv Gandhi’s government, accusing Congress of undermining women’s rights by enacting laws that denied Muslim women alimony.
Kharge Defends Congress, Hits Back At BJP
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge responded forcefully, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and undermining constitutional values. Kharge claimed that the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the RSS, had opposed the Constitution during its drafting.
“Those who hated the flag, Ashok Chakra, and the Constitution are now teaching us lessons on democracy,” Kharge said, adding that the BJP has never respected the Constitution or the national flag.
Kharge also praised Indira Gandhi’s leadership, citing her role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Referring to the current political turmoil in Bangladesh, he said, “Our brave leader Indira Gandhi divided Pakistan and created Bangladesh. BJP should open its eyes and try to protect minorities there.”
BJP-Congress Clash Over Historical Narratives
The debate highlighted the ongoing battle between BJP and Congress over historical narratives. While Sitharaman accused Congress of misusing the Constitution to suppress dissent and protect power, Kharge accused BJP of undermining democratic institutions and distorting history to suit its agenda.
Kharge further demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologize for allegedly misleading the public by twisting Nehru’s policies. He stated, “BJP leaders, who never fought for the country, cannot criticize leaders like Nehru who laid the foundation for India’s democracy.”
Constitutional Legacy And Modern Politics
The fiery exchange underscores the importance of constitutional legacy in contemporary politics. Both parties attempted to portray themselves as the true custodians of India’s democratic framework while accusing the other of missteps.
Sitharaman’s speech marked a strong push by the BJP to highlight Congress’s historical actions, especially during the Emergency, as a counter to ongoing criticism of the government’s record on press freedom and democratic values.
Meanwhile, Kharge’s response sought to remind the BJP of its alleged ideological opposition to the Constitution, positioning Congress as the party that built modern India despite its admitted mistakes.
A Debate That Resonates With The Public
As the debate continues, the public is reminded of the complexities and challenges of India’s democratic journey. While both parties use history to strengthen their political narratives, the focus remains on how the Constitution continues to serve as the bedrock of the nation’s democracy.
The exchanges between Sitharaman and Kharge reflect the deep divisions in Indian politics but also highlight the enduring importance of the Constitution as a framework for accountability and governance.