Modi Slams Congress Over Goa Candidate's Remarks on Constitution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized the Congress party over remarks made by its South Goa candidate, Captain Viriato Fernandes, who claimed that the Indian Constitution was "imposed on Goans" after the state's liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. Modi accused the Congress of engaging in "appeasement and vote bank politics" and making "intentional efforts to divide the nation."

Speaking at a rally, Modi said Fernandes' comments were an "insult of India's Constitution and of Baba Sahab Ambedkar." He also referred to earlier remarks by a Congress MP from Karnataka about the possibility of a separate nation for southern states, calling it part of the party's "major strategy." Modi asserted that no one can change the Constitution and that it has been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as well, despite some people's earlier claims that it would not work there.

Why this matters: The Prime Minister's strong condemnation of the Congress party's candidate highlights the ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding the Indian Constitution and its implementation across different regions. It also underscores the significance of preserving national unity and respecting the Constitution as the foundation of India's democracy.

Fernandes, in a video response, accused PM Modi of twisting and misinterpreting his remarks. He challenged PM Modi to an open debate on issues like the "destruction of Goa's identity, rise in unemployment, inflation, crimes, and corruption" under the BJP government. Fernandes defended his stance, stating he is ready for an open debate on the issues he raised.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also criticized Fernandes' comments, calling them an attempt to "undermine the Indian Constitution" and "Bharat Todo (Break India) politics." Sawant condemned the remarks as disrespectful to the Constitution.

Fernandes, a former Indian Navy officer, claimed his words were misconstrued and that he was only talking about protecting the Goan way of life, known as "Goemkarponn." He said he held B.R. Ambedkar, the framer of the Constitution, in high regard, but argued that when Goa was liberated in 1961, the Constitution was automatically applied without safeguarding Goa's culture, language, and other features.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi criticizes Congress over remarks on Indian Constitution in Goa
• Congress accused of "appeasement and vote bank politics" to divide nation
• Goa Congress candidate defends remarks, challenges PM Modi for open debate
• Goa CM calls remarks an attempt to "undermine Indian Constitution"
• Debate highlights tensions over Constitution's implementation across regions