JAIPUR, Nov 5: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the opposition party of undermining constitutional principles, weakening democratic institutions and promoting an atmosphere of political instability.
Addressing reporters during his visit to Jaipur, Vaishnaw said the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were committed to protecting the Constitution and strengthening democracy. His remarks came ahead of the BJP’s ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Drive Away Anarchy) rally and public meeting in the Rajasthan capital.
The Union Minister said the ruling alliance wanted to communicate its commitment to constitutional values directly to the people and expose those allegedly attempting to weaken democratic institutions.
“The BJP and the NDA have always believed in the Constitution. In contrast, the Congress party is, in a sense, engaged in murdering the Constitution, destroying democracy and spreading anarchy,” Vaishnaw said.
Questioning the opposition’s approach towards constitutional principles, he alleged that displaying a copy of the Constitution did not necessarily reflect a genuine commitment to its provisions and values.
He maintained that protecting democratic institutions and upholding constitutional principles remained the responsibility of the government and the ruling alliance.
Vaishnaw’s remarks came amid an ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over constitutional issues, democratic accountability and the functioning of parliamentary institutions.
Vaishnaw Invites Rahul Gandhi for Parliamentary Debate
Responding to questions about Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s recent challenge for a direct debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vaishnaw said the government was not afraid of discussing any issue.
He rejected the suggestion that the ruling alliance was avoiding political discussions and instead invited opposition leaders to raise their concerns in Parliament.
Describing Parliament as the highest institution of India’s democratic system, the minister said meaningful discussions should take place within the legislative framework.
“Parliament is the supreme temple of our democracy. Come there, and let us debate. We are not the kind of people who shy away from debating any subject,” he said.
The statement appeared to be a direct response to the opposition’s demand for greater political engagement and an open discussion involving the Prime Minister.
Vaishnaw emphasised that Parliament provided the appropriate platform for elected representatives to question the government, debate public issues and present their positions before the country.
BJP Confident of Strong Electoral Performance
Commenting on the political atmosphere ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, the Union Minister expressed confidence in the BJP and NDA’s electoral prospects.
He said people continued to have faith in the leadership and policies of the central government and predicted a strong performance for the ruling alliance.
“People have full faith in the BJP and NDA. There will be a resounding victory everywhere,” Vaishnaw said.
His remarks reflected the party’s confidence as it prepares to strengthen its political campaign and reach out to voters in different parts of the country.
The BJP’s Jaipur rally was organised around the themes of protecting democracy and opposing what the party describes as political anarchy.
Minister Defends Agniveer Scheme After Defence Review
During his interaction with the media, Vaishnaw also addressed questions concerning the Agnipath military recruitment programme and the reported two-year extension in service tenure for personnel covered under the Agniveer scheme.
Defending the initiative, he said the programme had been introduced as a new experiment that required continuous assessment based on practical experience.
According to the minister, the Prime Minister, the government, the Defence Minister and senior military officials had made it clear from the beginning that the scheme would be evaluated regularly.
He said the experience accumulated over the past four years had been encouraging and described the initiative as successful.
Vaishnaw highlighted the commitment, physical fitness and technological adaptability demonstrated by young people recruited under the programme.
He added that the Defence Forces had undertaken a comprehensive assessment before the government moved forward with the latest decision.
“From the very inception of the Agniveer scheme, it was understood that the initiative would be continuously evaluated based on experience. Over the past four years, the experience has been excellent, and the Agniveer initiative has proven to be a highly successful scheme,” he said.
The minister further noted that the programme had demonstrated the ability of young recruits to meet the changing requirements of modern military operations, particularly in areas involving technology and physical preparedness.
He said the government’s approach was based on the feedback and assessment provided by the Defence Forces.
Vaishnaw Offers Prayers at Govind Dev Ji Temple
As part of his Jaipur visit, Vaishnaw also visited the historic Govind Dev Ji Temple, one of the city’s prominent religious landmarks.
He offered prayers at the shrine alongside Jaipur MP Manju Sharma and several other BJP leaders.
The temple visit formed part of the minister’s engagements in the Rajasthan capital ahead of the party’s political rally.
During his interactions with reporters, Vaishnaw reiterated the BJP’s commitment to constitutional values, defended the government’s defence recruitment initiative and expressed confidence in the NDA’s electoral prospects.
His remarks also intensified the political exchange between the BJP and Congress over the Constitution, democratic accountability and the role of Parliament in addressing contentious national issues.