Fadnavis accuses Congress of constitutional hypocrisy amid opposition protests

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, alleging it has displayed a pattern of constitutional inconsistency during periods of political opposition. Fadnavis invoked the memory of the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to underline his criticism of the Congress's stance on democratic institutions.

The Chief Minister's remarks came as opposition parties escalated demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding institutional accountability. Fadnavis suggested that the Congress party's current position contradicted its historical handling of constitutional governance, particularly during the Emergency era when fundamental rights were suspended.

The political row reflects mounting tensions between the ruling BJP-led coalition and opposition parties over election administration and institutional autonomy. Opposition leaders have been pressing concerns about the independence and functioning of the Election Commission, while the government has countered with accusations of political inconsistency.

Fadnavis's invocation of the Emergency period underscores how the 50-year-old political crisis continues to shape contemporary political discourse in India, with both ruling and opposition camps drawing historical parallels to buttress their positions on constitutional governance.