BJP distances itself from MP Anantkumar Hegde’s “will amend Constitution” remark

MP Shri Ananth Kumar Hegde's remarks on the Constitution are his personal views and do not reflect the party's stance. @BJP4India reaffirms our unwavering commitment to uphold the nation's Constitution and will ask for an explanation from Shri Hegde regarding his comments.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 10, 2024

What did Hegde say?

Hegde has said it is necessary for the party to gain a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and also come to power in more than 20 states to amend the Constitution, aimed at setting right alleged “distortions and unnecessary additions to it by the Congress”.

The six-time Lok Sabha member from Karnataka said that the NDA winning more than 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls will eventually help in mustering a similar majority in the Upper House and also bagging two-third of the states.

“If the Constitution has to be amended — the Congress which fundamentally distorted the Constitution by forcefully filling unnecessary things in it, especially by bringing in laws that were aimed at suppressing the Hindu society — if all of this has to be changed it is not possible with this (current) majority,” he said, addressing a gathering in Uttara Kannada district.

Also Read: MP Anantkumar Hegde seeks 400+ seats for BJP to amend Constitution

CM Siddaramaiah, DyCM reacts 

Reacting to Hegde’s statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Hegde’s statement is not his personal one but a part of the secret agenda of the BJP.

“Hegde’s statement has exposed the ulterior motives of the BJP to replace Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s version of the Constitution with their own, influenced by the Manusmriti. The BJP’s version would reinforce the evil practices of the caste system. The BJP will remove all reservations for OBCs and Dalits if they come to power. His statement is a direct attack on OBCs and Dalits,” he said in a statement.

The Chief Minister said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi disagrees with Hegde’s opinions, he should first expel him from the party. Failing to act against Hegde suggests the Prime Minister’s implicit agreement.

Hegde, who has sworn to uphold the Constitution, making statements against it constitutes a punishable offence, he said, adding, “The Speaker of the Lok Sabha should take serious action against Hegde and permanently disqualify him from contesting elections.”

Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief DK Shivakumar said this shows that BJP is anti-Constitution.

“Let him do it, amend the Constitution…this shows that the BJP government (at the Centre) and BJP MP are against the Constitution given by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Let him get it stamped by the Prime Minister,” he told reporters in the district headquarters town of Mandya.