BJP leadership stand on Constitution takes precedence over individual comments: Ashok Chavan

BJP leader Ashok Chavan emphasizes that personal opinions are irrelevant regarding the Constitution, as Prime Minister Modi has affirmed it will remain unchanged. He notes that a party member who previously advocated constitutional changes has been denied renomination, highlighting the party's stance. Chavan also addresses opposition from Maratha quota supporters, explaining that the reservation law is currently in effect and has not been stayed by the court.

BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan on Wednesday said an individual's opinion does not matter when it comes to narrative about the Constitution and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly stated the statue book will not be changed.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister pointed out that a party colleague and sitting MP who talked about changing the Constitution has been denied re-nomination from his seat in Karnataka.

''What my party's top leader (PM) says about it (Constitution) is more important to us (than an individual's comments on the issue),'' he asserted.

Chavan, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP in February, was speaking to reporters at his home district Nanded, where polling will take place on Friday along with seven other Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

''Those who spoke about bringing changes in the country's Constitution did not get a ticket from the BJP to contest Lok Sabha elections. I think it happened in Karnataka. The opinion of an individual does not matter...what my party's top leader says about it is more important to us,'' he said.

He was apparently referring to BJP's Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha member Ananthkumar Hegde's controversial comments on the Constitution.

Last month, Hegde said it is necessary for the party to gain a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and also come to power in more than 20 states to amend the Constitution aimed at setting right alleged distortions and unnecessary additions to it by the Congress.

''Our party's top leader and Prime Minister Modi has clearly communicated that there will not be any changes in the Constitution. The PM's comment is like a policy matter for us,'' emphasised Chavan.

Asked about facing opposition from Maratha quota supporters, the former CM maintained he has told them that a law providing reservation to the community in jobs and education has been enacted by the 'Mahayuti' government.

''I have been holding meetings in villages to explain to Maratha quota supporters that the Act offering reservation to the Maratha community is in force. Though the law has been challenged in court, it has not been stayed,'' the BJP leader added.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)