Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP during a parliamentary debate on the Constitution, invoking the views of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to critique the ruling party.
Gandhi alleged that Savarkar believed the Constitution was not Indian in essence and suggested it should be replaced by the Manusmriti, an ancient text criticised for its caste-based outlook.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said that when the BJP claims to protect the Constitution, they are in fact undermining Savarkar’s own ideology. His remarks came amid uproar from BJP MPs.
Gandhi further alleged that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had told him that Savarkar had compromised with the British, contrasting him with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who endured imprisonment during the freedom struggle. He did accused Savarkar of seeking leniency from the British.
Continuing his attack, Gandhi claimed that the BJP disrespects the Constitution on a daily basis, asserting that while his party abides by its principles, the BJP adheres to Manusmriti.
He emphasised that the Constitution protects the rights of the poor, while Manusmriti fosters inequality. Gandhi also drew a parallel between the BJP and Dronacharya from the Mahabharata, accusing the party of sabotaging the aspirations of marginalised youth through policies like lateral entry into government jobs and repeated incidents of examination paper leaks.
He said these actions symbolised metaphorically "chopping off the thumb" of the country's disadvantaged classes.
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP for allegedly favouring business tycoon Gautam Adani, claiming that the government was prioritising the interests of a few corporate players over small businesses and farmers.
Referring to recent farmer protests outside Delhi, Gandhi said that while farmers demand fair minimum support prices (MSP), the government focuses on benefitting conglomerates like Adani and Ambani.
Gandhi also reiterated his promises pushing for a caste census, also stating that this step would usher in a transformative phase of development in India. He also vowed to advocate for the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations, which he said would ensure greater inclusion and justice for marginalised communities.
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