Sitharaman criticized the Congress party’s “License Raj” for severely hampering India’s economic progress. According to the Finance Minister, the economic mismanagement during the Congress-led governments led to stunted growth and lack of opportunities for the common people. She went on to emphasize that the policies implemented under Congress left a lasting negative impact on India’s economy, which the nation is still recovering from.
The Struggle for Freedom of Speech Under Congress Rule
The Finance Minister also accused the Congress party of suppressing freedom of expression and curtailing the right to free speech. During the debate, she highlighted how key figures such as Majrooh Sultanpuri and Balraj Sahni were jailed simply for expressing their views during the Congress rule. She added that Congress also banned books, including Jawaharlal Nehru’s political biography and works such as Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses.
Sitharaman pointed out the glaring contradictions in Congress’s commitment to freedom, stating that the party imposed laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), which led politicians to even name their children ‘MISA’ as a dark reminder of the law. She also referred to the unconstitutional curbing of free speech with the introduction of amendments that restricted freedoms, particularly during the Emergency.
B.R. Ambedkar’s Denial of Bharat Ratna
A particularly strong accusation from Sitharaman was that Congress’s refusal to award B.R. Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna was driven by political motives. She asserted that this decision reflected the Congress party’s inability to respect the contributions of key figures in India’s freedom struggle.
Constitutional Amendments and Curbing Freedoms
Further, Sitharaman slammed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for pushing through constitutional amendments that restricted freedom of speech, just a year after the Constitution’s adoption. She pointed out that the first constitutional amendment was introduced to curb the rights of Indians, especially when the High Court had questioned Indira Gandhi’s election.
The Strength and Resilience of India’s Constitution
In contrast, Sitharaman praised India’s Constitution for standing the test of time. She reminded the House that while over 50 countries had written their own Constitutions post-World War II, many of them had undergone drastic changes. However, India’s Constitution has endured, yielding to several amendments but never compromising its core values.
Apology Demand from Jairam Ramesh
The Finance Minister also demanded an apology from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh for accusing her of “lying” during an exchange in the Rajya Sabha. Sitharaman responded firmly to the allegations, stating that she had never misrepresented facts in her address and that the accusations were unfounded.
The debate on the Constitution underscored the enduring legacy of India’s democratic foundations, with Sitharaman and BJP President JP Nadda leading the charge against Congress’s legacy. Nadda joined the debate, reinforcing Sitharaman’s points and emphasizing the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, which was passed during the Janata Party government to safeguard democracy during the dark days of Emergency.
In her concluding remarks, Sitharaman emphasized that the Constitution of India, despite its amendments, continues to be a pillar of democracy and a testament to the country’s resilience. She remarked that while other nations have altered their foundational documents, India’s Constitution has stood firm, ensuring the nation remains on its democratic course.
This debate marks a significant moment in India’s political landscape, as key political leaders reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past, ensuring the Constitution’s values endure for future generations.
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