Patna, Bihar – Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a fiery speech at a packed rally in Patna today, defending the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill while campaigning for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. In what political observers are calling one of his most emphatic statements on constitutional supremacy, Modi declared that “even the Prime Minister is not above the law.”
The Rally
The massive gathering at Gandhi Maidan saw over 50,000 supporters braving the scorching afternoon sun to hear the Prime Minister speak. Red, saffron, and white flags dotted the crowd as Modi took the stage amid thunderous applause and chants of “Modi! Modi!”
“The Constitution of India is our guiding light,” Modi proclaimed, his voice carrying across the sprawling grounds through powerful speakers. “Whether you are a common citizen, a Chief Minister, or even the Prime Minister of this great nation, the Constitution applies equally to all.”
The Constitutional Amendment Controversy
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid intense political debate over the government’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, which has faced criticism from opposition parties who claim it undermines federal structure. The bill, which seeks to redefine certain aspects of center-state relations, has been a lightning rod for controversy since its introduction in Parliament last month.
“Some people are spreading lies about this bill,” Modi continued, his tone growing more animated. “They want to create fear in the minds of the people. But I ask you – who has strengthened democracy more? Who has empowered the states more? The answer is clear.”
Opposition Response
The rally came just hours after a scathing attack by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who accused the BJP of “destroying the constitutional fabric” of the country. Speaking at a counter-rally in Muzaffarpur, Yadav had said, “This is not about constitutional amendment – this is about constitutional mutilation.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, campaigning in neighboring Jharkhand, also weighed in via social media, posting: “The Constitution is not the BJP’s personal property. It belongs to 140 crore Indians.”
Modi’s Counter-Attack
Addressing these criticisms head-on, Modi launched a spirited defense of his government’s record. “For 70 years, some families treated the Constitution as their personal property,” he said, in what was widely interpreted as a reference to the Gandhi family. “We have made it truly belong to the people.”
The Prime Minister then made his most significant statement of the day: “Let me be very clear – in our system, no one is above the law. Not the President, not the Chief Justice, not the Prime Minister. The moment we forget this principle, democracy dies.”
Bihar Context
The timing of Modi’s constitutional rhetoric is significant, coming just three weeks before Bihar goes to polls. The state, with its 243 assembly constituencies, is crucial for the BJP’s national political strategy. Recent opinion polls suggest a tight race between the ruling NDA coalition and the opposition Grand Alliance.
Local BJP candidate Sushil Kumar Modi (no relation to the PM) introduced the Prime Minister, saying, “Bihar has always been the land of constitutional values. From here, we will show the entire country what true democracy looks like.”
The Amendment Details
While Modi did not delve into the specific provisions of the controversial amendment, sources close to the government indicate that it primarily deals with streamlining the appointment process for certain constitutional positions and clarifying the division of powers between the Union and state governments.
Legal experts remain divided on the bill’s implications. Senior advocate Harish Salve, speaking to reporters earlier this week, called it “a much-needed clarification of ambiguous constitutional provisions.” However, former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi expressed reservations, stating that “any constitutional change requires the broadest possible consensus.”
Economic Promises
Beyond constitutional matters, Modi used the platform to announce several development initiatives for Bihar. “We are sanctioning ₹50,000 crores for the development of rural infrastructure in Bihar,” he declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The Prime Minister also promised to establish three new AIIMS facilities in the state and announced the extension of the PM-KISAN scheme to include more beneficiaries in Bihar. “This is not election rhetoric,” he emphasized. “These are commitments from the government of India.”
Political Stakes
For Modi, the Bihar campaign represents more than just state politics. Political analyst Dr. Prashant Trivedi notes, “Bihar has historically been a bellwether for national politics. A strong performance here would validate Modi’s constitutional narrative and strengthen the BJP’s position in other upcoming state elections.”
The opposition alliance, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD and supported by Congress, has made the constitutional amendment a central issue in their campaign. Their argument is that the BJP is systematically weakening democratic institutions.
Historical Parallel
Modi also drew historical parallels during his speech, invoking the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. “Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us this Constitution not for any individual or party, but for the people of India,” he said. “We are merely its humble servants.”
The reference to Ambedkar is politically significant in Bihar, where Dalit voters constitute a crucial voting bloc. The BJP has been making concerted efforts to expand its appeal among these communities.
Security Arrangements
The rally was conducted under unprecedented security arrangements, with over 3,000 police personnel deployed at the venue and surrounding areas. Bihar Director General of Police S.K. Singhal confirmed that the event concluded without any untoward incidents.
Looking Ahead
As Modi concluded his 90-minute address, he issued a direct challenge to the opposition: “If you believe we are wrong about the Constitution, meet us in Parliament. Let’s debate clause by clause, provision by provision. Democracy thrives on discussion, not disruption.”
The Prime Minister’s Bihar visit is part of a larger campaign blitz that will see him address twelve more rallies across the state over the next two weeks. With voting scheduled to begin on October 28, both sides are intensifying their efforts to sway the crucial undecided voters.
The constitutional amendment bill is expected to come up for discussion in the winter session of Parliament, making the Bihar election results potentially crucial for its passage. As Modi’s convoy departed Gandhi Maidan amid tight security, it was clear that the battle for Bihar would be fought as much on constitutional grounds as on development promises.
The rally marked a significant moment in Indian politics, where the Prime Minister’s explicit acknowledgment of constitutional supremacy over individual authority has set the tone for both the ongoing Bihar campaign and the broader national political discourse.
From the News Desk Tab2Mag:This story continues to develop as Bihar prepares for what promises to be one of the most closely watched state elections in recent memory, with national implications extending far beyond the state’s borders.
