Nirmala Sitharaman Critiques Congress for Constitutional Amendments in Rajya Sabha
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New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced the discussion on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, delivering a pointed critique of the Congress party. She alleged that the party has consistently modified the Constitution to curtail civil liberties and to serve its own interests.
“Over the past seventy years, this vital document, our Constitution, has undergone numerous amendments,” she stated, claiming that the initial amendment under Nehru’s interim administration was aimed at limiting freedom of speech.
Detailing the First Amendment, Sitharaman noted, “...The Supreme Court in 1950 supported the Communist publication 'Cross Roads' and the RSS publication 'Organizer'. However, the then interim government perceived the necessity for a primary Constitutional amendment, initiated by the Indian National Congress (INC), primarily to restrict freedom. Thus, in a democratic nation that prides itself on freedom of expression, we witnessed the first interim government enacting a Constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the speech of its citizens, all within a year of the Constitution's adoption...”
“This First Amendment was designed to harm the press and continues to impact media freedom. This amendment was implemented by PM Nehru despite opposition from members of Parliament,” she added.
Sitharaman emphasized the need for a critical evaluation of amendments based on four principles: their authenticity, outcomes for the populace, the processes employed, and their alignment with the Constitution’s essence.
“The first Prime Minister of this nation himself scrutinized the amendment bill prior to its endorsement in Parliament. However, the parliamentary discourse was far from seamless. Shri Syama Prasad Mukherjee remarked: 'You can enact a law and assert the formation of the Constitution, yet you treat this Constitution as mere paper. You relied on the people of this nation to draft it, and now you are betraying them.' Member of the Constituent Assembly, Kameshwar Singh, also voiced his dissent, stating: 'It is highly inappropriate to make such alterations to the Constitution.' These actions displayed a blatant disregard for the Constitution, circumventing the judiciary,” she stated.
“For those engaged in amending the Constitution, if their intentions are noble, the results will be favorable; if their intentions are malevolent, the results will be adverse,” said the Union Minister.
“Currently, we hear remarks from the Congress party regarding the judiciary, yet they previously undertook significant measures to undermine it. For example, to negate judgments, they proposed amendments. In the landmark case of Indira Gandhi vs. Raj Narain, during the Emergency in 1975, a biography of Nehru was prohibited, and the film 'Kissa Kursi Ka' was also banned simply because it criticized Indira Gandhi and raised pertinent issues... That illustrates the extent they went to evade judicial scrutiny. Congress claims to safeguard rights and the judicial framework... how?”
The Finance Minister, while commending the Constitution and the citizens of India, remarked, “As we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, it is imperative to reaffirm our dedication to constructing an India, which is Bharat, that embodies the spirit and reflects the essence of this cherished document.”
“Post-World War II, over fifty nations attained independence and established their Constitutions. However, many have altered their Constitutions, not merely amended but fundamentally transformed their constitutional framework. In contrast, our Constitution has withstood the test of time, albeit being subject to numerous amendments...”
