PM Modi Accuses Nehru-Gandhi Family of ‘Maximally Damaging’ the Constitution
NEW DELHI : In a scathing critique during his valedictory address to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharply criticized the Nehru-Gandhi family for what he called their “habitual violation” of the Constitution. Addressing a two-day special session of the Lok Sabha, Modi claimed that the family, starting with the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had consistently undermined the principles of India’s founding document.
Modi’s remarks come at a time when the debate over constitutional values and the direction of India’s democratic governance has intensified. In his speech, the Prime Minister defended his government’s policies over the past 10 years, emphasizing how these decisions aimed at strengthening India were in alignment with the Constitution’s vision.
A Sharp Rebuke: Modi’s Attack on the Nehru-Gandhi Legacy
Speaking with pointed criticism, PM Modi declared, “There is one family which has caused maximum damage to the Constitution. They spared no effort to undermine it. It started with the first PM Pandit Nehru and has since been running in the family.” This marked a significant escalation in Modi’s rhetoric against the Nehru-Gandhi family, long considered the political elite of India.
Modi described the family’s impact on Indian politics as detrimental, stating, “They developed a taste for blood and turned the Constitution into a prey.” His comments were particularly significant because they took place during a session commemorating the Constitution’s promulgation, a moment that underscores the importance of the document in shaping India’s democratic framework.
Defending Government Reforms: A Commitment to Strength and Unity
The Prime Minister’s speech was not just a critique but also a robust defense of his government’s actions. He highlighted key policy decisions that have been central to his administration’s agenda, particularly those aimed at strengthening India’s unity and integrity.
Among the policies defended by Modi were:
- Uniform Civil Code: A controversial proposal that seeks to establish a common set of laws for all citizens, regardless of religion. Modi expressed firm support for the UCC, framing it as a necessary step toward equality and justice for all Indians.
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Modi reiterated his justification for the CAA, which offers citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Despite facing widespread protests and criticism, Modi framed the Act as a humane step to protect minorities fleeing religious persecution in neighboring countries.
- Revocation of Article 370: The Prime Minister also defended the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Modi characterized this as a historic move that integrated Jammu and Kashmir fully into the Indian Union and asserted the government’s commitment to national unity.
These decisions, Modi argued, were in line with the Constitution’s vision of a strong, unified, and progressive India. “Our government’s focus has been on empowering citizens and ensuring justice and equality, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution,” he said.
Nehru’s Legacy: The Roots of Modi’s Criticism
Modi’s criticism of the Nehru-Gandhi family is not a new theme in his political rhetoric. He has often accused the Congress party, founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, of subverting India’s institutions and concentrating power within the family. The Prime Minister’s remarks echoed earlier statements, where he accused the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of misusing democratic power for personal gain and weakening India’s constitutional framework.
Nehru, as India’s first Prime Minister, is a towering figure in the nation’s history, but his legacy has been a topic of growing debate, particularly in light of Modi’s administration. Modi’s supporters argue that Nehru’s policies, particularly his approach to federalism and governance, hindered the nation’s potential. In contrast, the Congress party and its supporters often point to Nehru’s contributions to nation-building and the establishment of democratic institutions.
Context of Modi’s Remarks: The Special Session of Parliament
Modi’s speech came at a critical juncture—during a two-day special session of Parliament marking 75 years since the Constitution was adopted. The session was an opportunity for lawmakers to reflect on India’s constitutional journey and reaffirm its commitment to democratic values. However, the Prime Minister’s attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family shifted the focus to more contentious political issues, especially as his government continues to face criticism for its handling of several major reforms.
The special session also provided a platform for Modi to justify his policies as necessary measures for India’s progress. His remarks on the Uniform Civil Code, CAA, and Article 370 reflect ongoing debates about the direction of India’s political and legal landscape. These issues have sparked protests and debates about religious freedoms, secularism, and the balance of power between the center and the states.
The Political Implications: A Divisive Legacy
Modi’s statement is part of a broader narrative that has defined much of his tenure—one that seeks to break from the political dominance of the Nehru-Gandhi family and position his government as the true custodian of India’s democratic and constitutional values. This rhetoric has resonated with many of his supporters, who view the Congress party as entrenched in dynastic politics. However, critics argue that Modi’s policies and the centralization of power have eroded democratic institutions.
The continued criticism of the Nehru-Gandhi family underscores the deepening political divide in India. While the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) champions Modi as a leader who is reshaping India in line with a new vision, the Congress party, led by the Nehru-Gandhi family, remains a major force opposing his policies.
Conclusion: A Nation Divided Over Constitutional Values
As India celebrates 75 years of its Constitution, PM Modi’s strong remarks against the Nehru-Gandhi family highlight the growing political and ideological divides in the country. The Prime Minister’s defense of key reforms such as the Uniform Civil Code, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the revocation of Article 370 reflects his administration’s commitment to reshaping India’s constitutional framework. However, his attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family signals that the struggle over the direction of India’s democratic future is far from over.