Harish Rao Condemns Congress for Constitutional Hypocrisy in Telangana
Former minister T Harish Rao has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of blatant hypocrisy regarding constitutional values. He asserted that while Congress leaders preach about constitutional morality in Delhi, they are simultaneously violating the same principles in Telangana.
Congress and BJP: Two Sides of the Same Coin
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Harish Rao declared that both the Congress and BJP are essentially two sides of the same coin when it comes to weakening democratic institutions. He emphasized that both parties engage in practices that undermine the very foundations of democracy for political convenience.
Pointing Out the Deputy Speaker Vacancy
Harish Rao specifically reacted to Congress leader and PAC chairman KC Venugopal's recent remarks about the vacant deputy speaker post in the Lok Sabha. While acknowledging that Venugopal's observation about the seven-year vacancy might be correct, Rao turned the spotlight on Telangana.
He pointed out that it has been nearly two and a half years since the Congress government came to power in Telangana, yet the deputy speaker position in the state assembly remains unfilled. This constitutional position has been left vacant for an extended period under Congress rule in the state.
Demanding Immediate Clarification
The former minister demanded that the Congress party immediately explain why this constitutionally mandated position has been left vacant for such a prolonged duration in Telangana. He called this situation a clear example of double standards, stating that the people of Telangana are closely observing this hypocrisy.
"Harish Rao directly challenged Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal to clarify whether this vacancy in Telangana does not also constitute a constitutional vacuum," the statement highlighted.
Questioning Selective Outrage
Rao questioned why Congress leaders who speak loudly about protecting the Constitution in Delhi remain conspicuously silent about constitutional violations happening under their own government in Telangana. He accused Congress leaders of preaching about constitutional values and democratic norms in the national capital while systematically destroying democratic institutions in states for political convenience.
Allegations of Undemocratic Practices
Harish Rao further alleged that the Congress government in Telangana is repeating the same undemocratic practices followed by the BJP. He claimed that both parties are essentially competing with each other in undermining democratic systems across the country.
The former minister concluded by stating that Congress adopts one position when it suits its political interests and takes a completely different stand when it comes to its own state governments. This pattern, according to Rao, reveals the party's inconsistent approach to constitutional principles and democratic norms.
