Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's perceived "silence" regarding BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde's recent controversial statement, deeming it as "dangerous" during a public address on Monday. Hegde's assertion suggesting that the Constitution could be revised to revoke what he termed as "anti-Hindu" amendments made during Congress rule raised alarms.
In his remarks, Hegde implied that such amendments could occur if the BJP secured a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and in the states. Although the BJP distanced itself from Hegde's remarks, asserting they did not reflect the party's official position, they stated an intention to seek clarification from the Karnataka MP.
Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of PM Modi on Sunday, characterizing Hegde's statement as a "public declaration" of the hidden agenda of Modi and his ideological affiliates, the 'Sangh Parivar'. Continuing his condemnation on Monday, Gandhi framed the impending Lok Sabha elections as a clash between two fundamental ideologies: "Samvidhan" (Constitution) versus "Sanghvidhan".
Gandhi emphasized the significance of preserving the Constitution, equating any attempts to alter it with jeopardizing India's hard-won independence and steering the nation towards subservience. This critique against modifying the Constitution echoes sentiments expressed earlier by the Congress leader.
Anantkumar Hegde's involvement in a similar controversy in 2017, wherein he proposed changes to the Constitution, resurfaced in light of his recent comments. Hegde's prior assertion, made when he held a ministerial position within the BJP government, indicated a broader intention within the ruling party to amend the Constitution, thus fueling further scrutiny and apprehension.
