In a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, invoked Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s controversial views on the Indian Constitution during a speech on December 13. The debate, marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, saw Gandhi directly challenging the ruling party’s stance on India’s foundational legal framework.
Gandhi began by quoting Savarkar, who is considered an ideologue of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to highlight what he described as a “modern interpretation” of the RSS’s ideas. He quoted Savarkar’s statement: “The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshippable after Vedas for our Hindu nation, from which our ancient times have become the basis for our culture, customs, thought and practice.”
Savarkar’s assertion that Manusmriti should replace the Constitution was emphasized by Gandhi, who claimed that the BJP is aligned with these views. “Savarkar has clearly stated that there is nothing Indian about our Constitution. He has said that the book India is run by should be superseded by Manusmriti. This is the ideological battle we are fighting today,” Gandhi said.
Turning his focus to the BJP’s leaders, Gandhi challenged their commitment to the Constitution, asking: “Do you stand by your leader’s words? Do you support these views? When you speak about protecting the Constitution, are you ridiculing and defaming Savarkar?”Further intensifying his attack, Gandhi invoked the story of Eklavya, a character from Hindu mythology known for his dedication and sacrifice. He drew a parallel between Eklavya’s sacrifice of his thumb and what he claimed were sacrifices imposed on India’s youth and farmers by the current government.“
When you implemented Agniveer, you cut off the thumb of the youth. When there were 70 paper leaks, you cut off the thumb of the youth of India. And when you used tear gas and lathi charges on farmers protesting for their rights, you cut off their thumb as well,” Gandhi said, referring to the controversial Agniveer recruitment scheme and the government’s handling of farmer protests.
He also condemned the government for favoring corporate interests, citing the wealth of industrialists like Adani and Ambani, while ignoring the demands of farmers for fair prices and Minimum Support Price (MSP). “You facilitate profits to Adani and Ambani while cutting off the thumb of farmers. We say ‘Abhayamudra’ (fear not), but you say ‘Hum aapka angootha kaat denge’ (We will cut off your thumb),” Gandhi remarked.
The debate in the Lok Sabha is part of a two-day discussion marking the 75th year of the Constitution’s adoption, a momentous occasion for the country. Gandhi’s speech has reignited the ideological debate over the Constitution, its origins, and its relevance in today’s India.