Devendra Fadnavis Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Supreme Court March
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemns the INDIA bloc's actions, linking them to the 1975 Emergency.
Fadnavis accuses Rahul Gandhi of undermining constitutional values.
He emphasizes the need for legal channels over protests.
The opposition's march to the Supreme Court is criticized as an attack on judicial integrity.
In a significant political development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc for their recent march towards the Supreme Court. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis asserted that actions undermining constitutional institutions would not be tolerated in the country. He underscored the importance of addressing grievances through established legal procedures rather than through street demonstrations.
Fadnavis drew a stark comparison between the current political climate and the Emergency period of 1975, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He accused the Congress party of attempting to dismantle constitutional values, stating, "Your grandmother also attempted to dismantle it." He referred to the amendments made during the Emergency that restricted citizens' access to the courts for enforcing their fundamental rights, a crucial aspect of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution.
The Chief Minister firmly backed the Supreme Court's position, questioning the legitimacy of the opposition's march. He stated, "Under which constitutional provision is the Chief Justice expected to come out and hold discussions with a protest march?" Fadnavis emphasized that any grievances should be directed through proper legal channels, reinforcing the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional integrity.
Fadnavis further criticized the Congress and the INDIA bloc for casting doubt on constitutional institutions, urging them to reflect on their electoral failures rather than blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He remarked, "The Congress party needs to do some introspection, as major states across the country have rejected the party for years."
The political landscape remains tense as Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi led the INDIA bloc's march, aiming to address alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision process concerning the Election Commission. Thousands of supporters joined the protest, causing significant disruptions in the capital. Meanwhile, Gandhi's legal team is seeking an extension to file a writ petition related to these issues, highlighting ongoing tensions between the opposition and the ruling party regarding electoral integrity.
