Congress Slams BJP’s ‘Damage Control’ Over MPs’ Remarks on Judiciary, Demands Expulsion
Opposition questions BJP’s silence on Supreme Court criticism, accuses Modi of tacit endorsement
New Delhi:
The Indian National Congress on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming the latter’s disassociation from its MPs’ remarks on the judiciary as mere “damage control”. The party demanded the immediate expulsion of MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma for their alleged derogatory statements against the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
In a strongly worded statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said BJP’s response to the controversy lacks seriousness and accountability. “The clarification from BJP President J.P. Nadda means nothing—it’s a desperate act of damage control,” Ramesh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “He’s anyway on his way out.”
‘Why no action yet?’ asks Opposition
The Congress questioned the ruling party’s continued inaction. “Why have no show cause notices been issued? Why have these MPs not faced any consequences for statements that directly undermine the authority of the judiciary?” Ramesh asked.
The remarks in question, made by Dubey and Sharma, have stirred nationwide criticism, with many accusing the BJP of using its members to systematically target institutions, particularly the judiciary, for political gain.
“These MPs are repeat offenders when it comes to hate speech and institutional attacks. They are often deployed by the Modi government to target communities and the judiciary alike,” Ramesh claimed.
Congress: Modi’s silence speaks volumes
Congress leaders also pointed fingers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of deliberately remaining silent. “The repeated attacks on the Constitution and the judiciary, and the PM’s silence, amounts to tacit approval,” Ramesh said.
“The outgoing BJP president has neither condemned the remarks in substance, nor has he taken disciplinary action. Has a single notice been served? Has a single step been taken to safeguard the dignity of the judiciary?” he questioned.
Mukul Wasnik: ‘Expulsion is the minimum action’
Backing Ramesh’s stance, Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik said expulsion of both MPs from the party should be the bare minimum response. “The BJP MPs have made the most vile and offensive comments about the CJI and the Supreme Court. Merely distancing from the remarks is not enough,” Wasnik posted on X.
He added, “The BJP’s top leadership, including its president, must decide whether they stand by the Constitution or those who malign it.”
BJP distances itself, calls remarks ‘personal views’
On Saturday, BJP President J.P. Nadda issued a public statement attempting to downplay the controversy, calling the remarks by Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma their “personal opinions”. “The BJP has no connection with the comments made by the two MPs. These are their personal views and the party does not endorse or support them in any way,” Nadda stated on X.
However, critics across the political spectrum say the timing, wording, and passive tone of the clarification only reinforces Congress’s accusation of calculated political maneuvering rather than genuine condemnation.
