New Delhi: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticized the Congress for disruptions during the winter session of Parliament, alleging that issues disrupting proceedings often originate from outside the country before each session.
In an ANI interview, Meghwal accused Congress of misrepresenting Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks during the Rajya Sabha discussion marking 75 years of the Constitution. He claimed that Congress’ partners in the INDIA bloc diverged on the issues raised.
“An issue surfaces before every session, often from external sources. This time, Congress disrupted the session, but their allies in the INDIA bloc prioritized different concerns,” Meghwal stated, citing instances where Samajwadi Party and TMC highlighted distinct issues.
He alleged that Congress had disrespected Dr. BR Ambedkar and faced criticism for it during discussions in both Houses. “They misrepresented a 10-second portion of the Home Minister’s speech after realizing their strategy had backfired,” Meghwal remarked.
Meghwal stressed the government’s commitment to smooth parliamentary proceedings, particularly during the Budget Session, emphasizing its significance for presenting the union budget and debating constituency-specific issues.
Reflecting on the winter session, Meghwal noted clashes between BJP and Congress over Ambedkar-related remarks. He mentioned the scuffle in Parliament that led to FIRs against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others. Speaker Om Birla cautioned against protests at Parliament’s entrance, urging members to uphold decorum.
On ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Meghwal reaffirmed its practicality and alignment with the Constitution. A Joint Parliamentary Committee will meet on January 8 to discuss the proposal, aiming to synchronize Lok Sabha, assembly, and local elections.
The Law Minister countered opposition claims, asserting the proposal’s alignment with federal principles and historical precedence. “Simultaneous polls occurred from 1952 to 1966 before the cycle was disrupted. It will neither harm the federal structure nor voter rights,” Meghwal explained.
Meghwal also reiterated BJP’s commitment to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), describing it as a critical step for gender equality and national unity. He highlighted its inclusion in the BJP manifesto and ongoing efforts in states like Goa and Uttarakhand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier championed UCC as a secular reform aligned with constitutional principles. During a debate marking 75 years of the Constitution, Modi emphasized the Constituent Assembly’s intent to abolish personal laws based on religious grounds.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly stressed the importance of UCC, and the BJP is working with full commitment towards its implementation,” Meghwal quoted Modi.
The BJP’s manifesto for the 2024 polls asserts that UCC would protect women’s rights while harmonizing traditional values with modern ideals, fulfilling a long-pending directive of the Constitution.
