THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 4: As the Congress prepares for its high-voltage ‘Save Constitution’ rally in Ranchi on May 6, the BJP has fired a salvo, calling the event a “theatrical spectacle” meant to distract from its own constitutional track record. BJP State President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi came down heavily on the Congress, accusing it of twisting the Constitution 79 times over six decades for the sake of power and appeasement.
At a press conference held at the BJP state office today, Marandi launched a fierce attack on the Congress’ legacy, saying, “The blackest pages in India’s democratic history are written by the Congress party. They weakened democracy from within while claiming to protect it.”
“Is Sharia above the Constitution?” Marandi questions Congress’ silence
In a provocative remark aimed at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Marandi asked:
“Kharge ji should tell the people — which is bigger, Sharia law or the Constitution of India?”
He accused the Congress of double standards, especially in the wake of past actions that allegedly undermined secularism and equal rights. Marandi demanded that the Congress apologise on the land of freedom fighter Lord Birsa Munda, stating that its rally in Jharkhand was a betrayal of tribal and constitutional values.
Also Read: Congress gears up for mega ‘Save Constitution’ rally in Ranchi on May 6
Emergency, Article 356 & 42nd Amendment: A Damning Legacy?
Marandi listed a series of constitutional amendments and events under Congress rule that he described as “deliberate mutilations of democratic structure,” including:
First Constitutional Amendment (1951): Allegedly curbed freedom of speech.
Article 35A inclusion: Bypassed Parliament, favouring Kashmir appeasement.
Rampant misuse of Article 356: To topple elected state governments.
24th and 42nd Amendments: Overturned SC rulings; dubbed a “Mini Constitution” during the Emergency.
He particularly condemned the Emergency as “the darkest chapter in Indian democracy,” citing the suppression of fundamental rights, gagging of the press, and judicial interference.
Appeasement Politics: Shah Bano Case & Preamble Alteration
Highlighting the 1986 Shah Bano case, Marandi criticised the Congress for overturning a Supreme Court verdict to appease vote banks, stating:
“Rajiv Gandhi chose votes over justice. It was a direct assault on Article 14 of the Constitution.”
He also denounced the 1976 changes to the Preamble, where the words “socialist” and “secular” were added during the Emergency without public consultation, calling it a calculated political manoeuvre.
BJP to Hold Statewide Protests on May 5: “Pakistanis Quit India”
Turning attention to national security, Marandi announced that the BJP will hold protests across all districts of Jharkhand on May 5 under the banner “Pakistanis Quit India.” This is in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and ongoing cross-border tensions.
Memorandums will be submitted to Deputy Commissioners, and the party reiterated full support for the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
