New Delhi, Dec 14: The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday referenced V D Savarkar’s assertions that the Constitution bears no Indian essence and critiqued the BJP. He contended that in their claims of safeguarding the Constitution, the ruling party is essentially “mocking” Savarkar.
During a discussion on 75 years since the Constitution was adopted, the Congress leader noted that Savarkar, who is often regarded as an ideological figure for the BJP and RSS, had remarked that the Constitution is uncharacteristic of India and favored the Hindu religious text ‘Manusmriti’ in its place.
“The Constitution represents the spirit of modern India, yet it could not have emerged without the influences of ancient India and its philosophies,” Rahul Gandhi stated.
He pointed out that Savarkar had claimed there is no Indian quality to the Constitution and referred to Manusmriti as the scripture “most worshipped” by Hindus after the Vedas, as per Gandhi.
“It’s great that you claim to defend the Constitution, but I want to ask, do you uphold your leader’s words? Because when you talk about protecting the Constitution, you are disrespecting and ridiculing Savarkar,” the Leader of Opposition addressed the BJP.
He remarked that a significant struggle is unfolding in India and recounted the tale of ‘Eklavya,’ who sacrificed his thumb as a mark of respect to Guru Dronacharya.
“By allocating Dharavi to Adani, you are essentially severing the thumb of small and medium enterprises in that area… You have deployed tear gas against farmers outside Delhi, who are merely seeking fair prices… You are crippling that farmer,” he asserted.
The Congress leader also discussed the need for a caste census and advocated for the elimination of the 50 percent cap on reservations. (Agencies)
