Constitutional Amendments: BJP vs Congress Comparison

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Home Minister Amit Shah compared the BJP and Congress’s record on Constitutional amendments in Rajya Sabha.
2. Congress made 77 amendments in 55 years, while BJP made 22 amendments in 16 years.
3. Shah accused Congress of amending the Constitution for political gain.
4. BJP amendments focus on citizen empowerment and governance reforms.
5. Examples include GST, EWS reservation, and empowering backward classes through NCBC.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Congress vs BJP: Constitutional Amendments Compared

During the concluding session of the Constitution debate in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong critique of the Congress party. He highlighted that while Congress ruled for 55 years and made 77 Constitutional amendments, the BJP made only 22 amendments in 16 years.

Shah accused the Congress of treating the Constitution as the “private property” of one family, focusing on political advantages rather than governance or public welfare.

Key Amendments Under Congress Rule (1951-1975):

1. 1st Amendment (1951): Brought by Jawaharlal Nehru, this curtailed freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
2. 24th Amendment (1971): Indira Gandhi’s government empowered Parliament to diminish citizens’ fundamental rights.
3. 39th Amendment (1975): During the Emergency, this amendment exempted elections of PM and President from judicial scrutiny.

Key Amendments Under BJP Rule (2018-2021):

1. 101st Amendment (2018): Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST), creating a unified taxation system.
2. 102nd Amendment (2018): Granted constitutional status to NCBC, ensuring representation for backward communities.
3. 103rd Amendment (2019): Provided 10% reservation for EWS in education and government jobs.
4. 105th Amendment (2021): Restored state governments’ power to identify SEBCs, reinforcing federalism.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. Congress made more amendments, often for political reasons.
2. BJP’s amendments focus on reforms like GST, EWS reservation, and NCBC empowerment.
3. Amit Shah’s comparison highlights the contrast in governance priorities.
4. Understanding these amendments reveals each party’s Constitutional approach.

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