Fadnavis says 'country needs Modiji', questions Rahul Gandhi and Opposition protest over Constitution

Mumbai: The political clash between the BJP and the Congress over the Constitution and democracy has intensified. On Sunday, November 1, the INDIA bloc held a protest at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The BJP also held a protest against the Congress the same day. The developments have stirred state politics.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition. "The country needs Modiji. We have taken to the streets to save democracy and the Constitution," Fadnavis said. He thus questioned the Opposition's agitation.

Criticising Gandhi, Fadnavis also referred to his grandmother Indira Gandhi. He said Indira Gandhi too had tried to end the Constitution and democracy but did not succeed. Fadnavis also said this fight was not only of the BJP or the Modi government but a fight for the country's Constitution. He appealed to everyone, whatever their ideology, to join this fight to save democracy.

The Chief Minister also levelled a serious allegation against the Congress. According to him, there is an international conspiracy behind the Congress agitations. He called attempts to change the country's political system and constitutional institutions "regime change". Citing political developments in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Fadnavis said nothing of the kind would be allowed to happen in India.

Fadnavis alleged that the Congress had tampered with the Constitution several times. He cited the Emergency of 1975 to 1977, saying restrictions were placed on fundamental rights during Indira Gandhi's tenure. Taking a jibe at the Congress, he said the face may have changed but the thinking was the same, adding, "The bottle is new, the liquor is the same."

Fadnavis also commented on the red copy of the Constitution seen in Gandhi's hands. He said the book of the Constitution is displayed, but the ideas behind it are questioned. He also objected to the Opposition's role in holding marches against constitutional institutions.

Following these statements, the political tussle between the BJP and the Congress over the Constitution is likely to sharpen further.