Congress Accuses BJP of Undermining Parties to Secure Lok Sabha Majority and Alter Reservation Policies

The Congress party has raised serious allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of orchestrating the fragmentation of both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. According to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, these maneuvers are aimed at achieving a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with the ulterior motive of amending the Constitution to abolish reservation systems.

In recent weeks, both the TMC and Shiv Sena have encountered significant internal strife, marked by defections and rebellions. Notably, on June 14, TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced that 20 of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs would join forces with the Tripura-based Nationalist Citizens’ Party, thereby aligning themselves with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This shift has raised concerns about the stability of the TMC, which has traditionally been a stronghold in West Bengal.

In a parallel development, six MPs from the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray switched allegiance to the rival faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This transition increased the Shinde faction’s representation in the Lok Sabha to 13 members, further complicating the political landscape in Maharashtra.

Jairam Ramesh contended that Amit Shah’s actions are motivated by revenge following the defeat of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at redrawing parliamentary constituencies in April. The 131st Amendment Bill required a two-thirds majority for passage but was rejected, which, according to Congress leaders, has prompted Shah to target other parties to strengthen the BJP’s position.

The Congress party argues that these developments are part of a broader strategy by the BJP to consolidate power and push through significant legislative changes, including the potential rollback of reservation policies that provide affirmative action for marginalized communities. As the political climate heats up, the implications of these allegations could shape the narrative leading into the upcoming elections, with both parties vying for voter support amidst a backdrop of increasing political fragmentation.

Source: scroll.in