Union Home Minister Amit Shah rebuffed the Opposition’s assertions regarding the BJP’s purported ambition to clinch over 400 Lok Sabha seats for constitutional amendments. He contended that although the BJP has held the authority to amend the Constitution for a decade, it refrained from doing so.
In an interview with ANI, Shah articulated that the party’s aspiration to secure more than 400 seats aims to foster stability in the nation’s political sphere. “Over the past decade, we possessed the capability to amend the Constitution, yet abstained from doing so. What credibility would Rahul Baba and cohorts hold, and what credence would the populace afford them? Our nation has unequivocally empowered us, and its citizens are well aware that Prime Minister Modi already commanded a substantial majority to amend the constitution, which we chose not to exercise,” Shah affirmed.
“Yes, our ambition to secure 400 seats in the LS elections is geared towards enhancing political stability in the nation. We aspire to attain 400 seats to safeguard our borders, propel India into becoming the third-largest global economy, and ensure the fulfillment of pending benefits for the underprivileged. Our pursuit of 400 seats is driven by the necessity to extend clean water access to every household and to advance natural farming endeavors across the nation. Furthermore, we endeavor to extend free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh to every senior citizen aged above 70,” he elaborated.
Shah’s assertions followed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, where he alleged that a political faction pledged in its electoral campaign to dismantle the Constitution. “For the first time, a political entity has openly declared its intent to dismantle the Constitution upon assuming power. This Constitution bestowed rights upon the impoverished, marginalized, Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, farmers, and laborers of India. Yet today, prominent BJP figures proclaim that victory in the elections would spell the demise of this document,” Rahul Gandhi proclaimed during a public rally in Odisha’s Balangir on Wednesday (May 15).
Furthermore, Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the BJP’s track record in fulfilling commitments, such as the revocation of Article 370 and the construction of the Ram Temple. “We have annulled Article 370, abolished Triple Talaq, and embarked on the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We initiated the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with the support of the electorate during our governance over the past decade,” he iterated.
Responding to queries regarding the slogan ‘400 Paar’ implying a significant milestone, Amit Shah dismissed the distinction between 400 Paar and 272, asserting that the BJP merely seeks expansion. “A significant leap does not necessitate 400 seats; we possess the capability now. Shouldn’t endeavors to broaden our scope be encouraged? Shouldn’t the BJP aspire for growth?” he questioned.
Castigating the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government, Shah remarked, “The legacy of misusing majority does not belong to my party; it pertains to the era of Indira Gandhi’s governance under the Congress. They amended articles, extended the tenure of the Lok Sabha, declared an emergency, and incarcerated 1.5 lakh individuals for 19 months without just cause. We refrained from such abuses, and Rahul Baba’s statements carry little weight.”
Expressing confidence in securing a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha polls, Amit Shah asserted that the populace stands with PM Modi in establishing a stable administration. “Certain factions advocate for an unstable government. The populace has witnessed the transformative impact of a stable administration on the nation. The youth endured the repercussions of unstable governance for three decades. Modi ji’s steadfast administration persisted for two terms, and now, in the third term, we aim for even greater stability, garnering the populace’s support,” he added.
‘Rise in voter turnout evidences the success of Article 370 abrogation’
Shah also highlighted the surge in voter participation from a meager 14 percent to nearly 40 percent in the Srinagar constituency of Jammu and Kashmir as a testament to the triumph of Article 370’s abrogation.
“I wish to convey to those skeptical of Article 370’s abrogation that the surge in voter turnout from 14 percent to 40 percent (in Srinagar) attests to the wisdom of that decision,” Amit Shah asserted.
Shah noted the transformation from a stance of boycotting elections to active participation among extremist groups in the Kashmir Valley. “Leaders of extremist factions exercised their voting rights. Their choice of candidate is inconsequential. What matters is their engagement in the democratic process. Previously, there were calls for election boycotts, yet this year witnessed peaceful elections,” the Union Minister remarked.
Emphasizing the absence of violence during the polls in Srinagar, Shah remarked, “Not a single baton was wielded. Instances of rigging were nonexistent. Voting proceeded calmly, devoid of any political upheaval. This signifies a palpable transformation.”
‘Portraying the South as a separate entity is highly objectionable’
Reacting vehemently to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao’s remarks on the North-South divide, Union Home Minister Amit Shah denounced the notion of treating the South as an independent entity as ‘highly objectionable.’
Shah retorted, “The integrity of this nation must remain inviolate. A senior Congress leader once advocated for a North-South division, and Congress failed to disavow that notion. The populace must ponder the implications of Congress’s agenda.”
“If anyone suggests that the South constitutes a distinct entity, it warrants strong rebuke,” Shah affirmed. Asserting that the BJP anticipates substantial gains in South India during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the Home Minister declared, “The BJP is poised to emerge as the predominant force in five southern states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.”
Last week, BRS leader KT Rama Rao remarked, ‘North India is essentially a distinct nation.’ “It represents a distinct nation. It embodies a distinct reality. Though I speak metaphorically, the divergence in issues between the North and the South is palpable. The thought processes here differ markedly,” KTR had remarked.
‘Kejriwal’s campaigning evokes memories of the liquor controversy’
Shah took a dig at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, insinuating that the public would associate Kejriwal’s election campaign for the AAP and Congress with the liquor controversy. Responding to queries regarding whether the INDIA bloc would benefit from Kejriwal’s interim bail in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, Shah remarked, “Wherever Kejriwal ventures for his campaign, the specter of the liquor controversy will loom large, even in Punjab. Voters will inevitably recall the liquor scandal in his presence.”
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling granting Kejriwal interim bail in the case, Shah refrained from commenting on the verdict. However, he criticized AAP leaders for portraying the court’s decision as Kejriwal’s triumph. “Let’s examine their claims in context. What was their plea before the SC? They contested the legality of his arrest, which the apex court dismissed. Subsequently, they sought bail, which was also denied. The Supreme Court granted