Lucknow, November 26, 2024 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently accused the Congress party of undermining the Indian Constitution, claiming that the party’s historical actions have harmed democracy. He specifically pointed to the period of the Emergency imposed in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accusing Congress of attempting to “strangle” the Constitution by suspending fundamental rights and altering its provisions to suit political interests. Adityanath argued that even after the Constitution was adopted, Congress sought to weaken its integrity, often using it for political gain.
Adityanath also criticized Congress for failing to respect public sentiment and for its legacy of authoritarianism. He referred to Congress’s actions during the Emergency as evidence of its disregard for democratic values, claiming that similar tendencies were still evident in their rhetoric, which questions India’s democratic processes. The Chief Minister warned that Congress’s actions have consistently aligned with anti-democratic principles, thereby weakening the nation’s democratic framework.
These comments came amid opposition claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking to change the Constitution, including potentially removing reservations for backward classes. Adityanath, however, dismissed these accusations as misleading and emphasized that Congress’s historical record should be scrutinized, rather than focusing on baseless claims about the BJP’s intentions.
The Uttar Pradesh CM urged Congress to introspect on its past actions, particularly during the Emergency, and apologize for its role in undermining the Constitution. He stressed that the Constitution, as it stands, is a cornerstone of India’s democracy and must be respected, regardless of political considerations.
