New Delhi, The parliamentary discourse took an interesting turn when Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responded to Home Minister Amit Shah’s assertion that no country should have multiple constitutions and flags. Shah, emphasizing the need for “one flag, one head, and one Constitution” during a discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, faced a rebuttal from Tharoor.
Tharoor, known for his articulate expressions, took to contextualizing Shah’s statement by citing examples from the United States. He pointed out that all 50 American states possess their own flag and constitution. This move by Tharoor was an attempt to challenge Shah’s claim and highlight the global diversity in constitutional arrangements.
The backdrop of this exchange lies in the ongoing ideological clash between the BJP and Congress, particularly concerning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has consistently opposed the ‘two flags and two Constitutions’ status quo in the region, leading to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
During the parliamentary session, Shah defended the government’s decisions in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the constitutional recognition given to the Backward Classes Commission. He portrayed these moves as corrective measures addressing historical injustices against marginalized communities.
Tharoor’s nuanced response aimed at debunking the notion that India couldn’t have multiple constitutions and flags drew attention to the broader global perspective. Importantly, he clarified that he wasn’t advocating for India to adopt a similar approach but was merely setting the facts straight.
As the debate unfolded, the contrasting views between the ruling party and the opposition on matters of constitutional identity added a layer to the political discourse. With Jammu and Kashmir remaining a contentious issue, the exchanges between BJP and Congress continue to shape the evolving narrative.
