Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Nov 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on the Congress during the ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally in Thane, accusing the party of undermining democracy and the Constitution. Recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975 under former prime minister Indira Gandhi, he alleged that the Congress had weakened constitutional safeguards and fundamental rights.

The remarks came amid escalating political tensions, with the INDIA bloc calling for a protest at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In response, ruling party leaders have been campaigning under the slogan ‘Loktantra Bachao’.

Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said the Congress and its allies were allegedly conspiring to weaken democracy and create disorder in the country. He claimed that the political battle was not merely against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), but against India itself.

Referring to the 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict that set aside Indira Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha, Fadnavis said the former prime minister had approached the Supreme Court after the ruling. He claimed that restrictions were imposed on her parliamentary participation pending the final decision.

Fadnavis alleged that the Congress government subsequently brought constitutional amendments to shield the prime minister's election from judicial scrutiny. He described the move as an attack on the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary.

Invoking the legacy of Dr B R Ambedkar, Fadnavis said fundamental rights were central to the Constitution and provided citizens with safeguards to seek justice through the High Courts and the Supreme Court when their rights were violated.

He further alleged that the 1976 constitutional amendments under the Emergency curtailed citizens' ability to approach courts for the enforcement of fundamental rights. According to him, the Janata Party government later introduced amendments to restore these protections and bring the office of the prime minister within the framework of constitutional accountability.

Accusing the Congress of engaging in ‘vote theft’ and ‘Constitution theft’, Fadnavis said those who genuinely wanted to protect the Constitution should come forward and participate in the campaign.