New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of BJP, accusing it of systematically eroding India’s Constitution and disenfranchising the nation’s youth. Gandhi drew a parallel between the mythological story of Eklavya and BJP’s alleged suppression of opportunities for the marginalised, likening it to the denial of Eklavya’s thumb by Guru Dronacharya.
Participating in the debate on 75 years of the Constitution, Gandhi underscored the philosophical depth of India’s Constitution, stating, “The Constitution reflects the ideals of Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and many others, with roots deeply embedded in India’s ancient traditions, from Shiva to Kabir, from Buddha to Guru Nanak.”
He accused BJP-RSS, particularly ideologues like Savarkar, of historically undermining these values. Gandhi quoted Savarkar, claiming that he dismissed the Constitution as “lacking an Indian character” and advocated for a governance system based on Manusmriti.
Gandhi drew a powerful comparison between the story of Eklavya, a lower-caste archer denied formal mentorship by Dronacharya and forced to sacrifice his thumb as guru dakshina, and the BJP’s alleged treatment of India’s youth.
He argued, “Just as Dronacharya demanded Eklavya’s thumb, BJP is systematically cutting off the thumbs of India’s youth by denying them fair opportunities.”
Gandhi criticised policies like the Agnipath scheme, repeated leakage of competitive exam papers, and favouritism toward corporate giants, arguing that such actions deprive young Indians of their aspirations for better opportunities.
“When exam papers are leaked or schemes like Agnipath are pushed, you’re robbing thousands of young people who rise at 4 AM every day to prepare for a better future,” he said.
Gandhi also condemned the government’s treatment of farmers and marginalised communities. He pointed to incidents of police violence during farmer protests, stating, “You fire tear gas and beat farmers demanding fair MSP while supporting billionaires like Adani and Ambani.”
Gandhi recounted a visit to Hathras, where the family of a Dalit girl who had been brutally raped remains under confinement, while the accused roam free.
“This isn’t in the Constitution – it’s in Manusmriti. The BJP seems determined to replace Ambedkar’s Constitution with this,” he said.
The Congress leader accused BJP of violating constitutional principles that prohibit discrimination based on religion, caste, and gender.
“Your policies divide people along religious lines, foster hatred, and pit communities against each other. Show me where in the Constitution it says one religion should fight another,” he challenged.
Rahul Gandhi pledged that the INDIA alliance would defend the Constitution and protect the rights of every Indian. “Ambedkar’s Constitution protects every poor and marginalised citizen. The BJP, however, spends all its time attacking it. As the INDIA alliance, we will safeguard these rights,” he asserted.
Gandhi’s impassioned speech not only defended India’s democratic values but also directly challenged the BJP’s governance. Through historical and mythological metaphors, Gandhi highlighted the struggles of India’s youth, farmers, and marginalised communities under the current administration, urging Parliament to consider whether the government’s policies align with constitutional principles or regress to systems of oppression.
