‘Question for you’: M Khage hits back at PM’s ‘intimidating and bullying’ comments

New Delhi:

Congress MP Malikajung Haq tonight strongly rebutted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that “intimidation and bullying are part of the Congress culture”. In a statement that began with the mild “It is not appropriate form for the Prime Minister to comment on our judiciary”, the Congress president went on to ask four tough questions and accused the Prime Minister of being responsible for the “usurpation” of judicial power. personal responsibility”. The power of institutions and “weakening our country.”

What prompted the Congress president’s rebuttal was a fiery post from Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today after 600 lawyers wrote to India’s Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, accusing “vested interests” of seeking to undermine the judiciary. Integrity and defamation of the Court.

Prime Minister Modi said: “Intimidation and bullying are part of the Congress party’s culture. Five years ago they themselves called for a ‘loyal judiciary’ – and they shamelessly expect others to commit to their own selfish interests. But stopped making any commitments to the country,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Later in the evening, the Congress president said in a statement on X, “When you consider India’s institutions to be your personal property, I have some questions for you”.

afternoon @narendramodi lucky,

You’re talking about the judiciary.

1. It’s easy to forget that the Supreme Court’s four most senior justices were forced to hold an unprecedented press conference and warn against “undermining democracy.” This happened under your rule.

One of the judges is…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 28, 2024

The first question related to the unprecedented press conference held by four Supreme Court judges in January 2018 who publicly complained against the then Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra. The judges said an independent judiciary was crucial to the functioning of a democracy.

“Why did your government nominate a judge to the Rajya Sabha?” he asked next, referring to the unprecedented nomination of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to the Upper House in 2020. The recommendation by the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, was unprecedented – so far, no Chief Justice has been nominated to the Upper House of India. leader of a nation.

“Why is your party fielding a former High Court judge from West Bengal in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?” Mr Haji also asked, referring to former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gan Abhijeet Gangopadhyay, whose foray into electoral politics attracted attention.

Mr Haq also questioned why the government brought up the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) which was struck down by the Supreme Court. However, Congress supported the constitutional amendment in Parliament.

In the letter, more than 600 lawyers, including senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Association president Manan Kumar Mishra, claimed that vested interests are giving The judiciary exerts pressure, especially in corruption cases involving political leaders.

The letter also targets a group of lawyers, without naming them, and claims they defend politicians during the day and then try to influence judges through the media.

Speaking about the letter, federal minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X that “voices of reason” are now being raised. “These Congressmen created the concept of loyal judiciary and suspended the Constitution of India. Congress and the Left want the courts and constitutional authorities to serve them otherwise they will immediately start attacking these institutions,” his post read.