New Delhi: Congress on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11 resolutions presented in the Lok Sabha, calling them “hollow” and questioning the BJP’s commitment to zero tolerance on corruption. Congress leaders also raised concerns over the absence of senior ministers, including PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the two-day debate on the “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India”.
PM Modi, in his address, accused the Congress of repeatedly violating the spirit of the Constitution since Independence, stating that his government’s policies since 2014 have been aligned with the vision of strengthening India’s unity. However, Congress leaders dismissed his speech as repetitive and uninspiring.
A monotonous school lecture
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra likened the PM’s over 110-minute address to a monotonous school lecture. “It felt like a double period of mathematics—boring and nothing new,” she said, adding, “If there is zero tolerance for corruption, why doesn’t the BJP allow a discussion on the Adani issue?”
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal criticised the Prime Minister for avoiding substantive answers on pressing issues such as the Adani controversy and growing societal inequalities. “Instead of addressing injustice and inequality, the PM repeated tired narratives against the Congress. His silence on the Adani scandal exposes his hypocrisy,” Venugopal said.
Venugopal also accused the BJP government of disrespecting parliamentary norms, noting the absence of key ministers during Rahul Gandhi’s speech. “Either they are afraid of Rahul Gandhi or they don’t believe in the democratic principle of opposition politics,” he remarked.
Discussion on Constitution result of Congress’ foresight
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders also highlighted the BJP’s failure to address the real concerns of citizens. Congress whip Manickam Tagore pointed out that while the Leader of Opposition was present during the PM’s speech, Modi himself was absent during Gandhi’s remarks. “Why this double standard, Mr Prime Minister?” he asked.
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi added that the special discussion on the Constitution was the result of Congress’ foresight. “While we disagree with the BJP on many issues, a vibrant parliamentary debate is essential. It is the Congress’ initiative that enabled this discussion,” Gogoi said.
The opposition party continued to demand accountability from the government, asserting that merely attacking the Congress cannot deflect from issues such as corruption and social division. “No matter how many speeches he gives, the PM’s insincerity towards the Constitution will be exposed,” Venugopal stated.
