Another BJP MP raises the need for gaining 400 seats to amend Constitution
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Another sitting BJP MP in Faizabad, Lallu Singh, stoked controversy by stressing the importance of the BJP gaining two-thirds of seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections so that it could amend the Constitution, reportedly in favour of declaring India a Hindu Rashtra.
He made this while campaigning in the Milkipur assembly constituency, which was captured in a video, drawing criticism and concern from opposition leaders and marginalized communities alike.
Emphasizing the necessity of a robust majority beyond the mere threshold of 272 Lok Sabha seats for constitutional amendments, Singh's words have been interpreted as signalling a deeper agenda within the BJP.
The Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency, which encompasses the revered Ayodhya assembly constituency, lends weight to Singh's influence, given his previous tenure as the Ayodhya MLA for five consecutive terms.
Opposition leaders denounced Singh's statements, echoing previous critiques of BJP leaders Anantkumar Hegde and Jyoti Mirdha's similar aspirations to amend the Constitution.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav minced no words in accusing the BJP of aiming to curtail the rights of marginalized communities, especially Dalits, minorities, and backward classes, by potentially revising the Constitution crafted by Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Reports from Rajasthan indicate a palpable fear among Dalits and Adivasis in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated assertions of securing over 400 seats in the upcoming elections.
The fear stems from concerns that such a monumental victory could embolden the BJP to alter the Constitution, potentially jeopardizing reservation benefits crucial to the welfare of these communities. Jyoti Mirdha's candidacy in Nagaur, Rajasthan, further underscores the gravity of these apprehensions.
Despite attempts to backtrack on his statement, attributing it to a "slip of the tongue," Lallu Singh reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to exploring constitutional amendments. Drawing from his background as an RSS worker, Singh defended his remarks as rooted in a vision for national welfare, emphasizing the need for PM Modi's continued leadership and the pursuit of over two-thirds majority for potential amendments.
