Davanagere: At a historic gathering held at the Beeri Ligeshawara Temple Complex in Davanagere – the heart of central Karnataka, known for its spirited political and farmers’ movements – national leaders, activists, and citizens came together to launch a resounding call for the protection of India’s Constitution.
Organised by Eddelu Karnataka and allied progressive organisations, the event marked the formation of a Constitution Protectors’ Force, aimed at defending constitutional values across the country.
The day began with a massive rally through the streets of Davanagere, organised to spread awareness about constitutional rights and the need to defend democratic values. Hundreds of citizens marched holding banners, placards, and copies of the Constitution’s Preamble, drawing wide public attention.
The convention that followed witnessed fiery speeches, sharp critiques, and a strong resolve to challenge both the Central Government and the Karnataka State Government, demanding a true realisation of the promises enshrined in the Constitution.
Speaking at the inaugural session, noted thinker and writer Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa declared, “True patriots are those who respect the Constitution and stand for equality. When people unite, nothing is impossible. People’s power is supreme.”
Ramachandrappa warned of the growing intellectual decay, poisoned by caste and religious divides, and called for a broader people’s movement to safeguard democracy.
Noor Sridhar, a key leader of Eddelu Karnataka, delivered a scathing critique of both the Central and Karnataka State Governments.
Accusing the Union government of “mischievous attempts to tamper with the spirit of the Constitution,” he stated, “The ruling powers find the Constitution inconvenient. They want to play with it, bend it, and break it. We must resist this mischief at all costs.”
Turning his fire toward the Congress government in Karnataka, Sridhar said, “We must also confront Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His government has failed to deliver on the promises made in its manifesto and continues many of the same policies and failures of the previous BJP regime.”
Senior activist Maavalli Shankar emphasised that even those entrusted with defending the Constitution had often failed to grasp its depth.
“Had we protected it properly, we would not be in this situation today,” he said, recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warning that the Constitution’s success depends on the commitment of both the people and the rulers.
Constitution Is the True Contract of India
Er. Mohammed Salim, Vice President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, stressed that the Constitution is the true social contract between India’s citizens and its governance. “It is not religion, not caste, but the Constitution that binds this nation together. Without constitutional values, India cannot survive as a democracy,” he said.
In an emotional appeal, he added, “Protecting the Constitution today is more sacred than any other religious obligation. If the Constitution is weakened, all marginalised communities – minorities, Dalits, Adivasis, and farmers – will suffer first.”
Veteran farmer leaders Dr. Sunilam and Darshan Pal from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha brought solidarity messages from India’s farmers’ movements.
Dr. Sunilam emphasised the critical role of the Constitution during struggles like the farmers’ protest and stressed, “Every home must have a copy of the Constitution’s Preamble. We must treat it as sacred – even more than any religious text.”
In his speech, Guruprasad Keragodu, senior leader of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, lamented the fragmented state of progressive organisations. “We are all fighting separately. If we do not unite, we cannot win. This platform must unify all struggles for justice,” he urged.
Other speakers, including Mohammed Yusuf Kanni (JIH Karnataka) and Dr. Vijaya (Eddelu Karnataka), reinforced the demand for urgent unity across caste, community, and ideological lines.
The convention sharply criticised attempts by extremist forces to reshape or undermine the Constitution, citing historical examples of attacks on constitutional values.
