13 February,2024 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sharad Pawar/ File Pic
Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chairman Sharad Pawar has expressed severe worry over the erosion of people' constitutional rights, warning that such attacks pose a substantial threat to the nation's democratic fabric.
Speaking at a 'Elgar Parishad' gathering in Ulhasnagar, Thane district, Pawar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks in Parliament, calling them superficial and insignificant. He regretted the targeting of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, emphasising their critical contributions in creating India's democratic foundation, reported PTI.
"Two days ago in Parliament, we heard Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech. In the entire speech, he criticised and attacked Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who had spent six to seven years in jail before Independence. After Independence, he took Dr Ambedkar along and built a democratic country. The attack was made on the policies and decisions taken by that person," Pawar claimed, per PTI report.
Reportedly, Pawar argued that attacks on Nehru and Ambedkar's policies and judgements are part of a larger assault on the Constitution, eroding the values established by these renowned individuals. He asked citizens to stay attentive and resolute in defending the Constitution against encroachments by those in power, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in upholding democratic values and all citizens' rights.
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"This attack was meant to weaken the Constitution given by Babasaheb and this work is currently being done by Modi and his colleagues," Pawar alleged.
"Remain vigilant and resolute in defending the Constitution against encroachments by those in power," he further stated.
Pawar praised Dr BR Ambedkar's insight, saying he helped shape the country's direction and contributed to environmental protection. He emphasised the necessity of protecting fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution in order to avoid circumstances like those seen in neighbouring nations such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, the report added.
"To avoid the situation which is prevailing in some countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, there is a need to ensure the Constitution, which has given us fundamental rights, is conserved," Pawar said.
Pawar also addressed the growing attacks on farmers and marginalised people, warning about the perils of privatisation in education. He criticised the recent attack on journalist Nikhil Wagle by accused BJP members in Pune, the report stated.
