Anantkumar Hegde, a four-time BJP MP from Uttara Kannada district, has come under scrutiny for his comments regarding the need for the BJP to secure 400 seats to ‘change the Constitution.’ His controversial remarks have created a stir within the party, leading to speculation about his candidacy for the upcoming general election. The BJP leadership has disapproved of Hegde’s comments, stating they are his personal views rather than the party’s position, and they have requested an explanation from him. Due to such statements, Hegde, known for his inflammatory rhetoric, may find his nomination jeopardized as the party considers candidates for the election.
As the BJP finalizes its list of candidates, several current MPs with a history of provocative comments have been replaced. The party notes that while electoral victory is crucial, maintaining decorum is also essential for their representatives. This stance has been echoed by BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia, who reaffirmed that Hegde’s opinion does not align with the party’s principles. BJP is currently fine-tuning its alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka, negotiating seat-sharing for the upcoming polls, and debating the potential inclusion of new candidates, such as Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, in its list.
Opposition figures have seized upon Hegde’s comments to underscore what they see as an underlying agenda to amend the Constitution in line with a Hindu Rashtra ideology. Congress Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram criticized Hegde’s statement and the BJP’s intentions, suggesting that such amendments could signal the end of parliamentary democracy, federalism, and minority rights. Karnataka leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, also expressed their concerns, underscoring the controversial nature of Hegde’s views on potentially replacing the Constitution with ideals contrary to those of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s vision.