Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde "does not believe in the Constitution" and should apologise in both Houses for his "change the Constitution" remarks.
Hegde had said that the BJP has come to power to change the Constitution and will do so in the near future to remove the word secular from it.
"Whatever Anant Kumar Hegde has said while addressing his party men, the entire opposition in both the Houses has huge resentment. I am sure the resentment is across the country. It is not the concern of parliamentarians only. Every Indian should be concerned about this.
"If any Minister who has taken oath as an MP and Union Minister in the name of the Constitution, and does not believe in it, how can he or she remain a Minister," Azad told reporters.
He said: "Here is an example of Hegde..He does not believe in the Constitution of India, he does not believe in the Preamble of Constitution.
"Should he remain in the Union Council of Ministers? So, as an opposition party, we are of the opinion that any Minister who does not believe in the Constitution, should have no place in the Council of Ministers," Azad added.
He also said: "In the government, it is for Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) now. We have raised this issue in the House, I have raised this issue on behalf of my party, and the other opposition parties have taken up this issue with the Chairman (of Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu).
"The government has asked us to give time till tomorrow (Thursday). So, we have agreed. Let the government decide. The Minister should come in both the Houses and apologise. He should also apologise to the entire Nation.
"This Constitution is applicable to each and every citizen of India irrespective of caste, religion. The Prime Minister should take the decision whether such people should continue in the government or not," said Azad.
He said the entire Opposition is of the view, which they have expressed before the Chairman, that the Minister concerned should apologise.
--IANS
sid/rn
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app