SIDDAPUR(UTTARA KANNADA): Uttara Kannada MP Anantkumar Hegde on Sunday triggered yet another controversy, saying BJP’s slogan of “ab ki baar 400 paar” is aimed at ensuring two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to allow the incoming government to amend the Constitution, which has been tampered with by the previous Congress governments.
At the BJP workers’ meet at Halageri in Siddapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district, Hegde who is known for his infamous speech stating he will rewrite the Constitution in the past, said, “We have a majority in the Lok Sabha, while we have a simple majority in the Rajya Sabha. We need two-thirds majority in both Houses and in the states too to amend the Constitution.”
He said, “Congress twisted and amended the original Constitution and inserted unwanted things in such a manner as to create a setback for Hindu society.
If we get 2/3 majority, there will be a significant change in country: Hegde
We tried to bring in certain laws like CAA, but it was not possible because of lack of required majority. If we get two-thirds majority everywhere, there will be a significant change in the country,” Ananthkumar Hegde said.
Pointing out that there was 68 per cent voting last time, of which 85 per cent Hindus voted for him, he said, “There are some ‘soda bottles’ -- around 10 per cent -- but we should not bother about them. My sole aim is that Congress -- the party of betrayers -- should go. The so-called seculars have not decided, only Hindus have decided,” he said. After Hegde’s statement faced intense criticism across board, BJP Karnataka in its official handle stated, “MP Shri Ananthkumar Hegde’s remarks on the Constitution are his personal views and do not reflect the party’s stance. BJP India reaffirms our unwavering commitment to uphold the nation’s Constitution and will ask for an explanation from Shri Hegde regarding his comments.”
‘Should be disqualified’
Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said Hegde should be disqualified from contesting elections for making such statements.
“Without the support of party leaders, a parliamentarian like Ananthkumar Hegde cannot make such bold, anti-constitutional statements. Hegde, who has taken an oath on acting in accordance with the Constitution, is making a statement against the same Constitution which is definitely a punishable offence. The Lok Sabha Speaker should take note and take strict action against Hegde. He should be permanently disqualified from contesting elections,” he said. If the PM does not agree with Hegde’s opinion, let him be dismissed, he suggested. “It seems BJP plans implement the Manu Smriti which existed before the Constitution,” he stated.