New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in today's parliament session ( December 14, 2024), alleging contradictions in its stance on protecting the Constitution while venerating V D Savarkar. Gandhi referenced Savarkar's controversial remarks, claiming the BJP is "ridiculing" Savarkar’s views by advocating for constitutional values.

Participating in a debate commemorating 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution, the Congress leader pointed out that Savarkar, seen as a key ideologue of the BJP and RSS, had dismissed the Constitution as un-Indian and preferred the Hindu religious text Manusmriti. Gandhi noted that Savarkar held Manusmriti in high esteem, considering it a highly revered Hindu scripture, second only to the Vedas.

Gandhi emphasized that the Constitution reflects the essence of modern India while being deeply rooted in ancient Indian ideas. Addressing BJP members, he challenged their position, saying, "You say you defend the Constitution, but do you agree with your leader’s words? When you talk of protecting the Constitution, you are contradicting and ridiculing Savarkar’s ideology."

Allegory of Eklavya: Critique of Economic Policies

Gandhi further accused the BJP of undermining marginalized sections of society through its policies. Drawing an analogy to the story of Eklavya, who sacrificed his thumb for Guru Dronacharya, Gandhi said, "When you hand over Dharavi to Adani, you metaphorically chop off the thumb of small and medium businesses. Similarly, by ignoring farmers’ demands for fair prices and firing tear gas shells on them outside Delhi, you cut the thumb of the hardworking farmer."

Advocacy for Caste Census and Reservation

Gandhi also voiced his support for a caste census and advocated for removing the 50% cap on reservations, emphasizing that such measures are essential for ensuring social equity and justice.

The Congress leader’s remarks have sparked fresh debates on the BJP’s ideological alignment and its approach to constitutional governance.