Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today launched a critique of the BJP-led government during a debate in the Lok Sabha commemorating 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution.
During his speech, Mr Gandhi drew a contrast between the Constitution and the Manusmriti, a religious book, invoking the writings of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar.
“Savarkar clearly stated in his writings that there is nothing Indian about our Constitution. Do you stand by your leader’s words? When you praise the Constitution in Parliament you are ridiculing Savarkar,” Mr Gandhi said. “Constitution is a document of modern India but it could never have been written without ancient India, her ideas.”
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of selective appropriation of constitutional values while ignoring its own historical contradictions. Mr Rijiju opened today’s session with a rebuttal, criticising the Congress for its treatment of Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.
Mr Rijiju alleged that the party marginalised Dr Ambedkar and recognised his contributions very late. The Union Minister, citing a document, talked about Dr Ambedkar’s critique of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, alleging that Nehru’s focus was primarily on appeasement politics rather than addressing the concerns of Scheduled Castes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver the closing remarks in the ongoing two-day debate on the Constitution.
