Opposition: Large heart, not bullying, will help govt function

The government continued to face criticism over growing intolerance even as the Opposition members expressed concerns over controversial remarks made by some of the ruling BJP members. The government was also asked to follow “operative federalism” and advised that only a “large heart”, and not bullying, will help it function. After the BSP, the JD(U) also announced its support to the government’s economic reform measures, including GST, but not without attacking the NDA over “intolerance”, in the Rajya Sabha.

Participating in the debate on “Commitment to the Constitution” in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, the TMC’s Derek O’Brien accused finance minister Arun Jaitley of indulging in “cowboy constitutionalism” over his reported remarks on whether an unelected House override the decision of the elected House. Mr Jaitley, the leader of the House, countered it saying that in a bicameral House of democracy, it’s a debate going on all over the world and a discussion about the two Houses is “not cowboy constitutionalism”. The TMC member also got into a spat with Left leaders over his remarks that they cannot question the right for “not participating” in the freedom struggle as they have also done the same.

Castigating some BJP leaders for their controversial remarks, JD(U)’s K.C. Tyagi reminded that Indian Muslims did not go to Pakistan during partition despite having the option.

“Ambedkar would have never told even his opponents that they will be sent to Pakistan. Your minister speaks as if you are a travel agent of Pakistan. Ambedkar would have never supported that some particular religious book is imposed on all, the way an attempt is being made now to make India a theocratic state,” Mr Tyagi said. He also asked the ruling party that it should not make an attempt to finish off the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi as these are “not their legacies but that of the nation”.

Independent member Rajeev Chandrasekhar said it was important to maintain the core values of the Constitution and added that the rich violate the laws.

RPI’s Ramdas Athawale said though Ambedkar was born a Hindu, he adopted Buddhism due to the atrocities committed on him and dalits like him. Congress member Jesudasu Seelam said all religions need to be protected.