As India celebrated the coming of its Constitution on 26 January 1950, there were polarizing sentiments among its citizens. While Nehru and Ambedkar led the country towards progress and democratic values, Hindu Nationalists were critical of the Constitution, citing its lack of connection to "Indian values". However, political events such as the Shah Bano case and the implementation of the Mandal Commission report gave way for Hindu nationalists to push their agenda, resulting in communal violence and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. This has led to the spread of fear and the formation of Muslim ghettos in various cities across India.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a strong speech during the Lok Sabha discussion on India's Constitution, denouncing the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS. He invoked Mahabharata references to accuse the government of metaphorically severing the thumbs of citizens through various policies such as the Agniveer scheme and handing over businesses to Adani and Ambani. He also criticized the government for its handling of ongoing farmers' protests.
During a discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India in the Lok Sabha, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out the BJP's contradictory stance on the Constitution and its ideology. He quoted Veer Savarkar, a key figure in the RSS and BJP's ideology, who had stated that there is nothing Indian about the Constitution and that it should be superseded by the Manusmriti. Gandhi also highlighted the BJP's questionable actions, such as handing over Dharavi and other national assets to Adani, which goes against the principles of economic and social equality outlined in the Constitution. He also announced plans for a Caste Census to shed light on the marginalized communities that have been neglected by the ruling party.
In a heated debate in Parliament, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP government, accusing them of systematically dismantling the principles of equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution. He cited RSS ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's views to draw a parallel with the BJP's ideological goals, and used the story of Eklavya as a metaphor to criticize their policies. Gandhi also condemned the government for its handling of the Hathras gang rape case and the recent violence in Sambhal, calling for accountability.
During a discussion on the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, questioned the ruling BJP's loyalty to the founding document. He referenced the writings of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, claiming that Savarkar believed the Constitution had no Indian elements and preferred the Manusmriti as the law of the land. He also accused the BJP of betraying the values of the Constitution and highlighted their alleged mistreatment of protesting farmers and the family of a gangrape victim in Hathras.
In a recent post on social media platform 'X', Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati supported Delhi University's decision to reject a proposal on teaching Manusmriti in its Department of Law. She emphasized that the Indian Constitution, written by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, upholds humanism and secularism, which is in complete contrast to the principles of Manusmriti. The BSP leader deemed any attempt to promote Manusmriti as inappropriate, as it goes against the self-respect of marginalized communities and women.
Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and BSP president Mayawati welcomed the decision of Delhi University Vice Chancellor to reject a proposal to include the controversial Hindu text 'Manusmriti' in the Law Faculty curriculum. She stated that the text does not align with the principles of Indian Constitution as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also assured that the government is committed to upholding the true spirit of the Constitution and there is no question of including any controversial portion in the curriculum.