BJP does not have strength to change Constitution, says Shinde

The BJP does not have the strength to change the Indian Constitution, despite fears being expressed in political circles, former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after attending a book launch in the state capital, Shinde refused to comment on the recent framing of chargesheet in the 2006 Malegaon blasts against those accused of orchestrating the 'Hindu terror' plot.

When asked to comment on the fears expressed by a section of the political class that the BJP, if re-elected to power in 2019, would change the Constitution of India, Shinde said: "They have been talking right from 1998 and we are opposed to it. I don't think they have that strength to change the Constitution".

When asked if the United Progressive Alliance regime, in which he served as Union Home Minister, was vindicated in nailing the 'Hindu terror' plot in the 2006 Malegaon blast probe after a National Investigation Agency special court last month framed charges against Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, among others, Shinde chose not to respond.

"The matter is in the court, so I wouldn't say anything," Shinde said.

(With inputs from agencies.)