JD(U) Leader Brands Congress as Anti-Constitution in Lok Sabha Debate

Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan, also known as Lalan Singh, criticised the opposition in Lok Sabha on Monday. He accused the Congress and the Gandhi family of destroying the Constitution during the Emergency and imprisoning many leaders. "I declare the Congress party as anti-Constitution," said Singh, whose JD(U) is part of the ruling NDA, while discussing the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.

Singh asserted that the Gandhi family's name would be recorded in a dark chapter of Indian history. He pointed out that many opposition members brought copies of the Constitution to the House, despite Congress having tarnished it. "They do not have any right to discuss the Constitution and also hold it in their hands... You people have nothing to do with the Constitution," Singh stated.

Targeting Rahul Gandhi

Singh targeted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging his speech resembled his election campaign rhetoric. He accused Gandhi of misleading people and attacking constitutional institutions. Singh also urged the SP and DMK not to support a party that has destroyed the Constitution. "I urge you SP and DMK not to support the Congress," he said, adding that people had rejected the opposition in recent general elections.

He further mentioned that the opposition questioned the election process and electronic voting machines (EVMs). "If the machines are not good, how did TMC form its government in West Bengal and Congress in Himachal Pradesh?" he asked. Singh claimed that the threat to the Constitution came from Congress, not Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi's Vision for India

Singh highlighted that people voted for Modi for a third consecutive term to continue fighting corruption and uplift poor farmers. "It is Modi's resolution to make India a developed nation and the third largest economy in the world," he said. The Munger Bihar MP added that Modi's government has taken steps to help farmers and boost economic growth.

Participating in discussions, Shiv Sena UBT leader Arvind Sawant urged the President to intervene when something wrong is done. "You President also have the right to pull ears, you did not pull ears," said Sawant, MP from Mumbai South. He criticised Prime Minister Modi's language during election campaigns and urged treasury benches not to talk about old wounds related to Emergency.

Concerns Over Corruption

Sawant argued that the NDA government is not against corruption, citing their alliance with individuals previously labelled corrupt by Modi himself in Maharashtra. He lamented that no one is ready to discuss an alleged Rs 30 lakh crore stock market scam where retail investors lost their savings.

NCP MP from Shirur Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, Amol Kolhe, raised concerns about India's economic situation. He noted that while India is touted as having the fifth-largest economy globally, there is little discussion about borrowings. "When and how are we going to repay that?" he asked.

Economic Issues

Kolhe pointed out that despite providing free food grains to 80 crore poor people, India's rank in the hunger index is 111 out of 125. He demanded a reduction in GST rates on agricultural equipment and criticised an export ban on onions, claiming it supported Pakistani farmers instead.

Kolhe also addressed man-leopard conflicts in his constituency, suggesting leopard reproduction control measures. Additionally, he proposed extending reservations to Marathas without affecting OBC quotas.

The session highlighted various issues from constitutional integrity to economic challenges. The discussions reflected deep political divides and differing views on governance and development priorities.