Davanagere (Karnataka): In a powerful display of unity and resistance, national leaders, social activists, and concerned citizens gathered at the historic Beeri Ligeshawara Temple Complex in Davanagere to raise a resounding call for the protection of India’s Constitution. The convention, organized by Eddelu Karnataka and several progressive organizations, launched the “Constitution Protectors’ Force” — a nationwide movement to defend democratic values and constitutional rights.
The event began with a large awareness rally through the streets of Davanagere. Marchers held aloft banners, placards, and copies of the Constitution’s Preamble, drawing attention to the urgent need to preserve constitutional ideals.
Prominent intellectual Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa, in his keynote speech, declared, “True patriotism lies in upholding the Constitution and fighting for equality. When people unite, no force can stop them.” He cautioned against rising societal divisions based on caste and religion and urged citizens to build a broad-based movement to safeguard democracy.
Noor Sridhar, a key voice of Eddelu Karnataka, sharply criticized both the Union and Karnataka State Governments. He accused the Centre of trying to undermine the Constitution, saying, “The Constitution is seen as a hurdle by those in power. We must resist their every move to distort and destroy it.” He also held the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government accountable for continuing policies that echo the previous BJP regime.
Veteran activist Maavalli Shankar reflected on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warnings, emphasizing that the Constitution’s success depends on the sincerity of both the people and their rulers.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Vice-President Prof. Saleem Engineer called the Constitution the real social contract that binds the nation. “It’s not religion or caste, but constitutional values that hold India together. Defending the Constitution is the highest form of worship today,” he said emotionally.
Farmer leaders Dr. Sunilam and Darshan Pal, representing the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, expressed solidarity and underscored the Constitution’s role in powering grassroots movements like the historic farmers’ protest.
Dalit Sangharsh Samiti’s Guruprasad Keragodu lamented the disunity among progressive groups and called for collective action. “We cannot win while divided. This platform must unify all struggles for justice,” he urged.
Other speakers such as Mohammed Yusuf Kanni (JIH Karnataka) and Dr. Vijaya (Eddelu Karnataka) stressed the importance of unity across all sections of society — caste, community, and ideology.
The convention didn’t shy away from confronting historical injustices. Speakers criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) historical opposition to the Constitution and demanded an apology from its current leadership.
Statistical reminders of continued injustices — such as the ongoing practice of manual scavenging by 1.87 crore people and the high rates of crimes against women and Dalits — painted a stark picture of unfulfilled constitutional promises.
As a concrete outcome, Eddelu Karnataka announced the formation of a “Constitution Protection Force” — a volunteer-based network set to operate at the district and taluk levels. Training camps, awareness drives, and cultural initiatives are already being rolled out.
Political analyst Parakala Prabhakar, expressing hope, said, “Forces have tried to dismantle the Constitution for a century, but today’s unity gives new confidence. A nationwide force to protect democracy is emerging.”
The convention ended with a powerful resolution: to fight authoritarianism, resist communalism and casteism, and reclaim India’s democratic ethos by reinstating the Constitution at the heart of the country’s political, social, and cultural life.
