By Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi, August 17: In response to what it perceives as increasing threats to the Indian Constitution and its values, the Indian National Congress launched a 100-day ‘Samvidhan Rakshak Campaign’ on Friday. The campaign, aimed at enlisting citizens as protectors of the Constitution, will culminate on November 26, 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
Senior Congress leader and Treasurer Ajay Maken, alongside Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) Devender Yadav and Chairman of the SC department of AICC, Rajesh Lilothia, unveiled the campaign, which will cover all 70 assembly segments in Delhi.
Maken emphasized that despite the passage of time, the challenges to the Constitution persist, particularly with those in power who, he claimed, harbor intentions to alter it. He highlighted India’s unique stability and strength in the region, attributing it to the enduring framework provided by the Constitution. However, Maken expressed concern that democratic institutions have been systematically undermined or co-opted by the ruling BJP since it assumed power in May 2014. He pointed to the alleged misuse of central agencies such as CBI, ED, and the Income Tax Department as evidence of this erosion.
Reaffirming the Congress Party’s commitment, Maken noted that Rahul Gandhi had vowed during his campaign to defend the Constitution at all costs. The Campaign, now being rolled out across the country, is a key part of fulfilling that pledge. Maken announced that over three lakh Volunteers have already been enrolled, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Maken himself among those signed up.
Rajesh Lilothia, Chairman of the SC department of the AICC, provided additional details about the campaign, warning of the continuous threats posed by forces that had originally opposed the drafting of the Constitution and even burned its copies. These same forces, he claimed, are now in power, posing a direct threat to the nation’s constitutional framework. Lilothia revealed that the campaign would extend beyond Delhi, reaching every village across the country. In each village, two Constitution Protection Volunteers – one male and one female – will be identified and trained to safeguard the Constitution.
The Delhi segment of the campaign will conclude on November 26 with a major event at Talkatora Stadium, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
DPCC President underscored the timeliness of the campaign, asserting that it is necessary as the forces intent on altering the Constitution remain in power, continuing to pose a significant threat to the nation’s democratic fabric.
