Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] July 6 : Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Monday slammed the Congress party, accusing it of reflexive obstructionism regarding the government's legislative agenda.
His remarks come in the wake of the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, which seeks to mandate the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and other Ministers from office if they are detained in custody for more than 30 consecutive days in serious criminal cases.
Speaking to ANI on the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the 130th Amendment Bill is expected to be a key item of business, Rao criticised the Congress for its anticipated resistance to the move.
"A Prime Minister, Chief Minister or minister who is arrested and remains in custody for 30 consecutive days in a case involving an offence punishable with five years or more in prison must cease to hold office," Rao explained, defending the necessity of the amendment. "I think the Congress wants to oppose whatever the BJP government brings, whether it is good for the people or otherwise."
Recalling a past incident from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era, the BJP leader accused the Congress of inconsistency.
"In fact, it was the Congress that brought the amendment stating that those involved in criminal cases should not file nominations. It was their proposal during Manmohan Singh's time, and Rahul Gandhi tore the paper. Now, when the system is being cleared and decriminalisation is being made, why should Congress oppose this move? I think they want to oppose whichever move the BJP government brings, whether it is for the good of the people or otherwise," he added.
Rao also reacted to comments made by Congress MP Mallu Ravi regarding the "Congress Swayamsevak Sangh" (CSS) and the influence of the RSS on the BJP's electoral victories. He maintained that the BJP's success is rooted in public support rather than any single organisation.
"Mr Mallu Ravi says that the 'Congress Swayamsevak Sangh' is already there and that it is because of the RSS that the BJP is winning. He must understand that the BJP is winning because it has the people's support," Rao remarked.
He further claimed that the Congress is "disturbed" by the activities of the RSS because of the latter's increasing influence.
He said, "I think they are disturbed by the activities of the RSS because (the RSS is) penetrating (reaching) the people and exposing the anti-national mindset of many organisations and political parties. In this background, the Congress leaders are disturbed, and that is why they are making comments on the RSS."