Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution. Shah accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, questioning why the party failed to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) despite being in power for decades. He called on the Congress to clarify whether a secular nation should have a common law for all religions.
Shah highlighted that the foundation of the Congress’ appeasement politics was laid when the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, introduced the Muslim Personal Law instead of implementing the UCC after the Constituent Assembly’s proceedings concluded. “Why hasn’t the UCC come yet? Congress could not bring it because they cannot rise above the politics of appeasement. In Uttarakhand, our BJP government has implemented the UCC,” he said, asserting that a uniform law is essential in a secular democracy.
The Home Minister also addressed allegations by Congress over the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), criticizing the opposition’s inconsistency in questioning the election results. He pointed out that the same opposition that alleged EVM manipulation in Maharashtra, where they lost, celebrated the results in Jharkhand, where the JMM-led INDIA bloc emerged victorious. “When they lose, they blame the EVMs, but when they win, they celebrate. People are watching. How is it possible that EVMs work fine in one place but not the other?” Shah remarked.
Shah further noted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had invited anyone to demonstrate vulnerabilities in EVMs by keeping them open for inspection for three days, yet no one came forward. He added that the Supreme Court had rejected petitions challenging EVMs 24 times, reaffirming their reliability.
The Home Minister also criticized Congress for several constitutional amendments made during its rule, particularly under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He described the 39th Amendment as a “black day” in Indian democracy, citing its prohibition of judicial scrutiny of the Prime Minister and its retrospective validation of Gandhi’s election, which had been nullified by the Allahabad High Court. He also condemned the 42nd Amendment, which extended the tenure of Parliament to six years and increased the President’s rule period by six months.
Amit Shah concluded by calling on the Congress and Communist parties to reflect on their decisions, asserting that the BJP has always upheld democratic principles while working for a stronger and united India.
