Fadnavis accuses Congress of Samvidhan chori during Emergency
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hit back at Opposition allegations of vote theft during a march in Thane.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the Congress of undermining the Constitution and democratic institutions during the Emergency on Sunday. Speaking at the BJP's 'Save Democracy' march in Thane, Fadnavis claimed the party had committed 'Samvidhan chori' (theft of the Constitution), according to The New Indian Express.
Fadnavis responded to 'vote chori' allegations by stating that those making such claims were the actual thieves of the Constitution. He alleged that international forces and social media algorithms are being used to spread misinformation and destabilise the country.
The Chief Minister cited the 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict that set aside Indira Gandhi's election. He alleged the Congress government introduced retrospective constitutional amendments to stop the judiciary from examining her election and claimed the 42nd Constitutional Amendment weakened fundamental rights.
Fadnavis stated that protections were only restored after the Janata Party took power in 1977. He also said the government would continue working to ensure illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are removed from electoral rolls, noting that only Indian citizens have the right to vote.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also participated in the march. Shinde questioned the Opposition's criticism of democratic frameworks and challenged Rahul Gandhi to provide evidence for allegations of vote theft.