Results for: Constitution

In India, the debate over mandating employers to declare a holiday on election day highlights the tension between civic responsibility and personal freedoms. While some argue for the sanctity of this practice, citing its potential to uphold the constitutional right to vote, others question its necessity and potential infringement on individual liberties and employer autonomy. Comparisons with other democracies, such as the U.S., illustrate the varying approaches to fostering voter participation. The recent proposal in Tamil Nadu to link paid leave to proof of voting offers a potential middle ground, incentivizing voter turnout while maintaining employer discretion. Ultimately, the debate transcends legal considerations and delves into the essence of democracy, requiring innovative solutions that encourage voter participation without unduly burdening employers.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harboring an agenda to scrap reservation and alter the Indian Constitution. Reddy expressed concerns that the BJP’s support for organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its policies, such as the abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the Ayodhya Ram temple construction, indicate a larger plan to change the nation’s social and political fabric. The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the lack of representation for South Indian states in the Union Cabinet and the perceived favouritism towards Gujarat. Additionally, Reddy expressed support for Ambani and Adani to invest in Telangana’s development but emphasized the importance of protecting the state’s assets.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify his stance on the 50% cap on reservations. Gandhi claimed that the Congress’ ‘Nyay’ guarantees and promise to conduct a caste census are revolutionary steps that would alter the future of Indian politics. He alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its parent body, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), aim to destroy the Constitution and vowed that the Congress will prevent it. Gandhi also criticized the media for being biased and failing to report on the plight of farmers and marginalized communities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made it clear that the Constitution will not be amended, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes after a party member raised the issue of changing the statute book. The BJP’s Rajya Sabha member, Ashok Chavan, emphasized that individual opinions do not hold weight when it comes to the narrative about the Constitution, and that Modi’s statement is the guiding principle for the party.

The BJP’s top leadership has vehemently denied allegations that it intends to change the Indian Constitution after crossing the 400-seat mark in the Lok Sabha. The party’s General Secretary, Vinod Tawde, dismissed these claims as false propaganda spread by the Congress. The BJP, he emphasized, has used its majority in the Lok Sabha to implement anti-terror measures, abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, and scrap the Planning Commission. Tawde also highlighted the party’s respect for the Constitution, citing the celebration of Constitution Day and the release of its manifesto on the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

In Janjgir Champa, a reserved constituency in Chhattisgarh, fear and discontent are brewing among Dalits and marginalized communities. Rumors about changes to the Constitution and the abolition of reservation have spread through WhatsApp and YouTube, fueling concerns among voters. The BJP’s carefully crafted balance between Dalits and other backward classes appears to be shifting, and the Congress is making inroads in the area.

The Congress party has a long history of engaging in minority appeasement, prioritizing political leverage over social justice. This approach, exemplified by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement on minority rights and the party’s support for Muslim reservations, has resulted in a lack of attention to the needs of marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The upcoming verdict on the minority institution status of Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University will further test the commitment to constitutional principles of equality and fair treatment for all citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply criticized the Congress party for allegedly promising reservations based on religion, a move that he claims violates the Indian Constitution. Addressing an election rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Modi accused Congress of stabbing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the back by making such a promise. He also alleged that Congress intends to confiscate people’s wealth and scrutinize their personal finances.

BJP leader Amit Shah, while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra, stated that the Modi government will not alter the Constitution or abolish reservations for Dalits, tribals, and OBCs. Shah emphasized that the BJP will not allow the Congress to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as long as the party holds power.

Shah highlighted the BJP-led government’s achievements, including revoking Article 370, combating terrorism, and banning instant triple talaq. He accused the opposition of spreading false narratives about the BJP’s alleged intentions to change the Constitution after winning over 400 Lok Sabha seats.

Moreover, Shah criticized the Congress for obstructing the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and compared Modi’s journey to the traditional ‘Kavad Yatra’, a pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva in Akola. He expressed confidence that India will become the world’s third-largest economy under Modi’s leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of undermining the Constitution by attempting to implement Muslim reservations in Andhra Pradesh and nationwide. He claimed that between 2004 and 2010, the Congress government made four attempts to implement such reservations, but legal hurdles and Supreme Court rulings prevented it. In 2011, the Congress allegedly planned to implement Muslim reservations across the country, violating the rights of SC/ST and OBC communities for vote-bank politics. PM Modi also criticized the Congress manifesto, alleging that it proposed to redistribute people’s wealth to certain communities. The Congress has denied these allegations and urged the Election Commission to take action against Modi for his ‘divisive’ and ‘malicious’ remarks.