Mallikarjun Kharge Denounces Amit Shah's Parliamentary Address as Misleading

New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has openly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding his address in Parliament, stating that Shah's remarks were misleading and suggesting that his primary intent was to laud Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kharge further alleged that the BJP is attempting to distract the populace.

In response to the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' bill introduced in the Lok Sabha, he emphasized the need for a thorough discussion on its pros and cons.

"We will address its advantages and disadvantages when the bill is up for discussion. It must be deliberated after consulting all relevant parties. Everyone has collectively agreed to its introduction, and we will discuss it in Parliament," he remarked.

Amit Shah addressed the conclusion of the Rajya Sabha debate commemorating 75 years of the Constitution on Tuesday, during which he criticized the Congress party for engaging in vote bank politics.

Shah also took issue with Congress over various amendments made during its governance, asserting that the changes enacted by the BJP are designed to empower citizens.

The Home Minister directed his ire at Rahul Gandhi for his phrase "Mohabbat ki Dukan" (shop of love), arguing that love is not a commodity to be sold.

"We have heard speeches from those who advocate opening 'Mohabbat ki dukan' in each village. Love cannot be commodified; it must be shared. It is an emotion, to be felt in the heart and shared with others," he stated.

Shah noted that Congress amended the Constitution 77 times during its 55 years in power, while the BJP has made 22 amendments in 16 years.

"In our Constitution, it has never been viewed as unchangeable... Article 368 allows for amendments... The 54-year-old leader who calls himself 'yuva' continues to carry around the Constitution, claiming that changes will be made. I want to clarify that the ability to amend the Constitution is already enshrined within it... The BJP has governed for 16 years and enacted 22 amendments, while Congress ruled for 55 years and made 77 changes," stated Union Home Minister Shah.

He also condemned Congress for certain amendments initiated during the tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

"The first amendment was enacted on June 18, 1951... After the Constitution was established, Congress lacked the patience to await the Lok Sabha elections before assuming power... Article 19 A was added to limit the freedom of speech... At that time, Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister. The first amendment aimed to restrict freedom of expression, initiated by former PM Jawaharlal Nehru. The 24th Amendment was introduced by his daughter Indira Gandhi. On November 24, 1971, Parliament was granted the authority to diminish citizens' fundamental rights," the senior BJP leader asserted.