Did Congress Repeatedly Undermine the Constitution? Raj Minister's Accusation

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Did Congress Repeatedly Undermine the Constitution? Raj Minister's Accusation

Synopsis

In a fiery exchange, Rajasthan’s Urban Development Minister, Jhabar Singh Kharra, accused Congress of trampling the Constitution in its past, citing historical amendments aimed at curbing media freedom. As tensions rise between the BJP and Congress, Kharra's remarks spark a debate on governance and election integrity in urban Rajasthan.

Key Takeaways

  • Congress criticized for historical constitutional violations.
  • BJP emphasizes urban governance reforms.
  • Upcoming municipal elections to align with public sentiment.
  • Allegations of monitoring phone communications raised.
  • Internal party dynamics affecting election strategies.

Jaipur, June 17 (NationPress) Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister, Jhabar Singh Kharra, asserted that the Congress has consistently undermined the Constitution throughout its history, referencing the inaugural Constitutional Amendment initiated by the party to silence media voices.

He chastised State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra on Monday for his recent remarks directed at the BJP-led state government, recommending he 'consult a competent doctor' for his apparent misconceptions.

Dotasra challenged Kharra's comments regarding local elections, suggesting that the State Election Commission should address the issue instead.

Minister Kharra responded, stating, 'Dotasra’s tone exudes visible arrogance. History attests that even Ravana and Kansa did not possess such arrogance.'

Criticizing the Congress' claims to uphold the Constitution, Kharra remarked, 'The very party invoking the Constitution today has repeatedly trampled upon it in the past. Within a year of Independence, Congress enacted the first Constitutional Amendment to silence the media—the fourth pillar of democracy. This was just the beginning of numerous violations. Today, they are exemplifying the old adage: after consuming a hundred rats, the cat embarked on a pilgrimage.'

The Minister also addressed Congress’ critiques regarding urban governance in cities like Jaipur, Kota, and Jodhpur.

Kharra stated, 'Under Congress governance, these cities were fragmented for political appeasement. In contrast, the BJP government, led by Bhajan Lal Sharma, has resolved to conduct elections in these cities as a consolidated municipal entity, aligning with public sentiment and demographic structure.'

He clarified that processes such as ward boundary adjustments and delimitation are underway at the departmental level. Once completed, the State Election Commission will prepare voter lists and oversee the electoral process.

'As the Minister of the department, it is my duty to address these issues. Should I refrain from doing so, will Dotasra represent my department?' he remarked.

Kharra confirmed that ward demarcation will be finalized in July, paving the way for the electoral process under the State Election Commission.

Regarding the upcoming municipal elections, Minister Kharra reiterated the state government's commitment to align them with the philosophy of 'One State, One Election,' whether conducted on the same day or across two dates.

He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a majority in the state during the next Assembly elections, stating, 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sharma, we are meeting the people’s expectations. We are assured of forming a full majority government in 2028.'

Addressing Dotasra directly, Kharra said, 'If he genuinely perceives himself as a formidable leader, he should step forward and clarify: was his mentor Ashok Gehlot incorrect in labeling Sachin Pilot as ineffective, or is he now mistaken in supporting the same individual he once dismissed? Both cannot be accurate.'

State Congress President Dotasra, on Monday, made serious accusations against the Central government, claiming that the phone communications of Rajasthan Chief Minister Sharma and Cabinet Ministers were being monitored, stating that constitutional institutions are being deliberately undermined.

Speaking to the media at the Congress headquarters in Jaipur, Dotasra remarked, 'If our Chief Minister and Ministers are saying 'Do not speak to me directly on the phone, individuals in Delhi are eavesdropping,' it reflects the dire situation in Rajasthan.'

He added, 'People report that present Rajasthan Ministers themselves advise against direct phone conversations. I’m merely relaying what we (Congress) are hearing—only they possess the complete truth.'

When questioned about the source of this information, Dotasra enigmatically stated, 'In ongoing discussions, everything comes through a filter. One can sense an unseen power operating within Rajasthan.'

Critiquing internal conflicts within the BJP, State Congress President asserted, 'BJP leaders are preoccupied with undermining each other, delving into one another's secrets. They live in fear, pondering when a 'slip' from Delhi might alter their fate. If such anxiety leads our Chief Minister and Ministers to evade phone conversations, it’s a significant concern.'

Asked about Congress' internal organizational challenges, Dotasra noted that 80 percent of the mandal and block executives have been established, with their details, including photos and mobile numbers, uploaded on the State Congress Committee’s website.

The remaining 30 percent of Mandal executives will be completed swiftly, he added.

He also announced that by June 28, the list of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for all 200 Assembly constituencies will be submitted to the Election Commission.

'Where Mandal or Block Presidents are not performing effectively, their performance is under review, and corrective measures are being implemented to enhance the party organization,' he mentioned.

Dotasra criticized the BJP-led state government for failing to conduct surveys prior to the Panchayati Raj and municipal elections, asserting that this duty falls upon the State Election Commission.

Taking a jab at Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra's remarks about elections, he questioned, 'Who is he to make such declarations?'

He also referenced conflicting statements from other BJP leaders, quoting Minister of State Otaram Dewasi, who reportedly claimed elections would not occur for a year.

He also pointed to Deputy CM Rajendra Rathore, who indicated that elections would be held in 2027.

'Who are these Ministers to dictate election timelines? It’s the responsibility of the Election Commission to announce and discuss elections. They are undermining such institutions,' he added.

Dotasra further alleged partiality in development project approvals: 'Where Congress Pradhans or Sarpanches exist, new projects are not being sanctioned. This biased behavior has resulted in legal disputes in over 1,000 Panchayati Raj and municipal body seats, which are now likely to escalate to the courts.'

Point of View

It's vital to highlight that both parties must prioritize transparency and constructive dialogue. The accusations exchanged between BJP and Congress underscore the necessity for democratic principles to be upheld, ensuring that the electorate is well-informed and empowered in their choices.
NationPress
17/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What accusations did Jhabar Singh Kharra make against Congress?
Jhabar Singh Kharra accused Congress of repeatedly undermining the Constitution, referencing the first Constitutional Amendment aimed at silencing media voices.
How did Govind Singh Dotasra respond to Kharra's statements?
Govind Singh Dotasra challenged Kharra's authority to speak on local elections and suggested that the State Election Commission should address the issue.
What are the upcoming plans for municipal elections in Rajasthan?
Minister Kharra confirmed that ward demarcation will be completed in July, and elections will align with the 'One State, One Election' vision.
What did Dotasra claim regarding monitoring of phone calls?
Dotasra alleged that the phone calls of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers were being monitored, indicating a serious compromise of constitutional institutions.
How is the BJP addressing urban governance issues?
Kharra stated that the BJP government plans to conduct unified municipal elections to reflect public sentiment and demographic structures.