During a heated debate on the Constitution in parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. He accused former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru of misusing the Constitution and said that the current Congress leadership continues to attack it. PM Modi also spoke about the Emergency and the Shah Bano case, criticizing Indira Gandhi's actions during that time. He accused her son, Rajiv Gandhi, of sacrificing justice for the sake of vote bank politics.
The Nehru-Gandhi Family and the Constitution
The relationship between India's Nehru-Gandhi family and the Constitution has been a subject of debate and controversy. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, played a key role in drafting the Constitution. However, later members of the family, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, have been accused of undermining the Constitution or misusing it for political gains.
Indira Gandhi and the Emergency
One of the most controversial episodes involving the Nehru-Gandhi family and the Constitution was the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. During the Emergency, basic civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and thousands of political opponents were arrested. The Emergency was widely seen as an authoritarian move by Gandhi to consolidate her power.
Rajiv Gandhi and the Shah Bano Case
Another controversy involving the Nehru-Gandhi family and the Constitution was the Shah Bano case in 1985. In this case, the Supreme Court of India ruled that a Muslim woman was entitled to maintenance from her husband after divorce. However, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, son of Indira Gandhi, overturned this ruling through the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act. The act was seen as appeasement of the Muslim vote bank and a violation of the principles of gender equality enshrined in the Constitution.
Narendra Modi's Criticism of the Congress Party
In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly criticized the Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, for its alleged misuse of the Constitution. Modi has accused the Congress of undermining the judiciary and using the Constitution for vote bank politics.
FAQs
The Emergency was declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in response to a period of political instability and protests. Gandhi claimed that the Emergency was necessary to maintain law and order and prevent the country from descending into chaos.
The Emergency resulted in the suspension of basic civil liberties, the arrest of thousands of political opponents, and the suppression of the press. It is widely seen as a period of authoritarian rule that violated the principles of democracy and the Constitution.
Rajiv Gandhi overturned the Supreme Court ruling in the Shah Bano case due to pressure from Muslim religious leaders and organizations. The act overturning the ruling was seen as an attempt to appease the Muslim vote bank and a violation of the principles of gender equality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress party for its alleged misuse of the Constitution, undermining the judiciary, and using the Constitution for vote bank politics.
The Nehru-Gandhi family has played a significant role in the drafting and interpretation of the Indian Constitution. Jawaharlal Nehru was a key figure in the drafting of the Constitution, while Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have been accused of undermining it or using it for political gains.
In a major upset, the BJP-led NDA has won the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF's 45-year reign. The victory, with the NDA winning 50 out of 101 seats, is a boost for BJP's aspirations in Kerala's upcoming Assembly elections. The party's strong focus on development and Hindutva in Thiruvananthapuram, under the leadership of state unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, proved successful despite challenges faced during the campaigning. This victory has put the BJP in a strong position for the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken a huge lead in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, giving a setback to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Initial trends show the NDA leading in 25 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 15 wards and the UDF in 10 wards. This is a major blow to the LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, with a record voter turnout of 73.69%. The State Election Commission has also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.
In the ongoing Kerala local body elections, the NDA, led by the BJP, has made a significant jump by winning or leading on 29 out of 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This is a significant increase from their 2015 performance, where they won only 33 wards. Meanwhile, the LDF, which had a strong hold in the corporation, has faced a setback with only 15 wards in their favor. This shift in dynamics has sparked discussions about the LDF's performance under Chief Minister P Vijayan's leadership.
Indian leaders from across party lines paid homage to the security personnel who lost their lives defending the nation's democratic institution in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. A solemn tribute ceremony was held, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among others, laying floral wreaths. The President and Prime Minister also paid their respects, while the CRPF paid special tribute to a constable who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her bravery during the attack.
The Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on the Kerala High Court's ruling that 404.76-acre Munambam land is not Waqf property. This came after a Special Leave Petition was filed by the Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi, which contested the High Court's verdict. The Court clarified that despite the stay, the State Government was right in appointing a one-member Judicial Commission to probe the history and nature of the land. Local residents, however, have opposed the petition and argued for their right to the land.
The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, approved a wide range of proposals in the fields of urban development, industries, energy, tourism, infrastructure, and welfare. These decisions are expected to attract an investment of over Rs 25,000 crore and create more than 1.1 lakh jobs. The Cabinet also approved a 3.64% hike in DA/DR for government employees and pensioners, and other initiatives such as the reconstruction of check-dams and the upgradation of teachers in tribal welfare schools.
The Supreme Court has granted a stay on the Kerala High Court's finding that the Munambam land in Ernakulam district is not waqf property. The Court also ordered that the current status quo of the land be maintained until the next date of hearing. Although the High Court's declaration will remain stayed, the inquiry commission headed by former judge Justice CN Ramachandran Nair can continue to function. The case involves a dispute over 135 acres of land that was originally gifted to Farook College, now facing protests and challenges from the local residents.
The passing of former Union Home Minister and Congress heavyweight Shivraj Patil has left a void in the political landscape of Maharashtra. His tenure in the Ministry of Home Affairs was marked by several contentious moments, including controversies over his response to terror attacks and criticism over his attire during a national security crisis. His resignation after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai had a lasting impact on his reputation, as leaked US diplomatic cables described him as "spectacularly inept". Despite this, Patil is being fondly remembered by Congress leaders for his dedication to public service and contributions to the nation's democratic institutions.
Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana was honoured during the 'Khaki Ke Sang Shiksha Aur Umang - YUVA Mashaal' programme at Begumpur, Delhi. The event, hosted by the Rohini District, aimed to recognize the efforts of Grameen Police Sahyog Samiti members and social workers in bringing positive changes to the society. Asthana was presented with a turban by elderly persons and also honoured renowned Olympic Champion wrestler Ravi Dahiya. The programme also aimed to spread awareness about the community outreach initiatives of Delhi Police among residents.
The Lok Sabha erupted into chaos as discussions on electoral reforms turned into a heated confrontation between opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on 'vote theft' allegations, while Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed dissatisfaction with Shah's response to the opposition's concerns. As the opposition staged a walkout, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya criticized the move and praised Shah's speech for effectively countering their propaganda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended Shah for exposing the lies of the opposition.