Karnataka BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde's Remarks On Amending the Constitution; BJP Sought Clarification (image:facebook.com/anantkumarhegde)

Karnataka BJP MP Ananthakumar Hedge”s remarks on amending the Constitution erupted political controversy on Sunday. As per former Union Minister”s claims, BJP would amend the Constitution once it gained two-third majority in the Rajya Sabha, and it would then “undo” the “unnecessary” laws initiated by the Congress to “subjugate Hindu community” in the country.

Addressing BJP workers in Siddapur taluk on Saturday, Ananthakumar Hedge said: “Constitution has to be amended as Congress people have fundamentally altered it by introducing some unnecessary things. Especially laws that subjugate the Hindu community. If all this has to change, it cannot be done without a two-third majority,” The Indian Express quotes as BJP MP is saying.

He added that for that matter, the BJP must hold power in at least 20 states to amend the Constitution. This is the motive behind BJP”s current slogan of “Ab ki baar, 400 paar (this time, more than 400 seats)”, BJP MP underlined. He further added that NDA gaining victory in more than 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections would eventually help in mobilising a similar majority in the Rajya Sabha, and thereby coming to power in two-thirds of the states.

However, BJP has distanced itself from the BJP MP”s statements and Karnataka BJP posted on X handle that Ananthakumar Hedge”s remarks on the Constitution are his “personal views” and does not reflect the “party”s stance”. “BJP reaffirms our unwavering commitment to uphold the nation”s Constitution and will ask for an explanation from Shri Hegde regarding his comments,” the state BJP tweeted.

MP Shri Ananth Kumar Hegde”s remarks on the Constitution are his personal views and do not reflect the party”s stance. @BJP4India reaffirms our unwavering commitment to uphold the nation”s Constitution and will ask for an explanation from Shri Hegde regarding his comments.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 10, 2024

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has also reiterated that BJP MP”s views regarding the Constitution are personal and that the party have asked for clarification from the Karnataka MP.

“Anantkumar Hegde who is a member of Parliament of the BJP has made a statement. It is imperative that it is made clear: the statement reflects his personal views and is not a statement that reflects the views of the BJP with clarity. The party has taken cognizance of this statement made by Mr Hegde and has also asked for clarification from him,” Gaurav Bhatia told ANI.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah urged the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to initiate stringent disciplinary measures against Hegde, including his permanent disqualification from electoral contests, citing his blatant violation of the oath to uphold the Constitution.

In 2019, BJP MP had made similar remarks against the Constitution and he was asked to apologise.