Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, in light of statements made by the party's South Goa candidate, Viriato Fernandes, regarding the Indian Constitution and its imposition on Goa.
Speaking at a public meeting, Fernandes had commented that the Indian Constitution was "forced" upon Goa following its liberation from Portuguese rule. He had also mentioned conveying this sentiment to Rahul Gandhi prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Responding to Fernandes' remarks during a rally in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, PM Modi stated, "The Congress's Goa candidate claims the Constitution of India does not apply to the state. He stated that the Constitution was imposed on Goa and that he communicated this to Congress' 'shahzada' (prince) in the past."
The term 'shahzada', often used by PM Modi to allude to Rahul Gandhi's dynastic politics, was employed once again in his address.
PM Modi further questioned, "Is this not an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution? Is this not meddling with the Constitution? Such actions are part of a planned conspiracy to destabilize the nation. Today, they challenge the Constitution in Goa, tomorrow they might question Ambedkar's Constitution across India."
These comments by the Prime Minister gain significance as the Congress has accused the BJP of having intentions to amend the Constitution should they secure a third term. Anant Hegde, a six-time MP from Uttara Kannada and a BJP member, previously claimed the party aimed to achieve 400 Lok Sabha seats to amend the Constitution. Following his statement, Hegde was excluded from the Lok Sabha candidates' list.
In response to these allegations, PM Modi asserted, "Not even Babasaheb Ambedkar himself can abolish the Constitution."
Viriato Fernandes had met Rahul Gandhi as part of an NGO named 'Goencho Away', which advocated for dual citizenship for Goans holding Portuguese passports. "During our meeting with Mr. Gandhi, we presented 12 demands, including dual citizenship. When questioned about its constitutional validity by Mr. Gandhi, we clarified it wasn't," Fernandes recounted.
He further elaborated on the historical context, stating, "The Indian Constitution was implemented on January 26, 1950. Goa, after being liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961, had this Constitution imposed upon us without our inclusion."
Fernandes also referred to a speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's grandfather, asserting, "Nehru had promised that post-liberation Goa would determine its own fate. However, our destiny was determined by others.