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DISCUSSION ON THE GLORIOUS JOURNEY OF 75 YEARS OF CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah participated in the discussion in the Rajya Sabha during the discussion commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India on 17 December 2024. Shri Amit Shah outlined several key constitutional amendments introduced by the Modi government to strengthen social justice and empower marginalized communities. We are publishing the synopsis of the speech:
Responding to the discussion in the Upper House, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that this deliberation serves two significant purposes. First, it highlights the immense progress our country has achieved under the framework of the Constitution. Second, it underscores how the democratic roots of our nation have deepened over the past 75 years, thanks to the Constitution’s foundational spirit. Shri Shah further remarked that this discussion sheds light on the consequences of attempts to undermine the essence of the Constitution.
Article 368 allows for amendments
Shri Amit Shah asserted that India’s Constitution has never been viewed as immutable, and emphasized that the country, its laws, and society must evolve with time.
–Article 368 of the Constitution itself allows for amendments to accommodate these changes. Shri Shah highlighted that under his party’s leadership, spanning 16 years, with 6 years under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and 10 years and counting under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, 22 amendments have been made to the Constitution.
–In contrast, he noted that the opposition party implemented 77 constitutional amendments during its 55 years in power.
–Shri Shah questioned the intent behind these amendments, asking whether they were aimed at strengthening democracy, ensuring equal rights for all citizens, or preserving political power. He stressed that the character of a party, its approach to governance, and its commitment to the Constitution are revealed through the purpose and motivations behind constitutional amendments.
–Shri Amit Shah contrasted the leadership styles of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and previous leaders, highlighting PM Modi’s humility in referring to himself as the “Pradhan Sewak” of the people, as opposed to others who claimed immunity from legal accountability, asserting that no one could challenge their authority.
He pointed out that while the Constitution granted rights, some leaders undermined those very rights.
–Shri Shah recalled that it was Indira Gandhi who, through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, extended the term of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies from five to six years.
–He argued that this was done out of fear that early elections would result in a loss, thus prolonging her party’s hold on power.
–He criticized this amendment as one of the most shameless acts of constitutional manipulation in history.
Constitutional Amendments under PM Modi
–Shri Amit Shah outlined several key constitutional amendments introduced by the Modi government to strengthen social justice and empower marginalized communities.
–He highlighted the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, which granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, a move that was not pursued by the opposition.
–He criticized the opposition for not prioritizing the welfare of backward castes, emphasizing that PM Narendra Modi took the initiative to make this change.
–Shri Shah also spoke about the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, introduced on January 12, 2019, which provided 10 percent reservation to the children of economically disadvantaged castes who had not benefited from any other form of reservation.
–He pointed out that despite years of promises by the opposition to address poverty alleviation, it was only under PM Modi’s leadership that this crucial measure was implemented, ensuring better opportunities for the poor.
–Turning to the 105th Constitutional Amendment, Shri Shah explained that it transferred the authority to determine backwardness to state governments, ensuring greater local empowerment and representation for backward classes.
–He also mentioned the 106th Constitutional Amendment, enacted on December 28, 2023, which introduced the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, providing 33 percent reservation for women in both Houses of Parliament.
Dark days of the Emergency
Union Home Minister also reflected on the dark days of the Emergency, when millions were unjustly imprisoned without cause.
–He described the atmosphere of fear that prevailed in the country, with censorship imposed on the media, citing the example of Indian Express publishing a blank editorial page.
–Recalled how, during this time, the government claimed that whatever it decided would become law.
–The Emergency was imposed solely to protect Indira Gandhi’s political position after the Allahabad High Court disqualified her as an MP.
–There was no external threat or internal security crisis, and the Emergency was a mere power grab.
India’s history and culture
Union Home Minister highlighted several significant initiatives taken by the Modi government to honour India’s history and culture.
He highlighted the National Education Policy 2020, which made primary education in the mother tongue compulsory.