In a parliamentary speech, Rahul Gandhi drew a comparison between the Indian Constitution and the Manusmriti, a traditional Hindu text. He referenced the writings of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar to emphasize his argument. Gandhi’s remarks underscored ideological differences and sparked debate among political circles. His statements have added to the ongoing discussions on India’s constitutional values.
New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi critiqued the BJP-led government today during a Lok Sabha debate marking 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution. In his speech, he contrasted the Constitution with the Manusmriti, a religious text, referencing the views of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar.
Holding a copy of the Constitution in one hand and the Manusmriti in the other. Gandhi quoted Savarkar, saying,
“The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worship able after the Vedas for our Hindu nation, and from which our ancient times have become the basis for our culture, customs, thought, and practice. This book has codified the spiritual and divine march of our nation for centuries. Today, Manusmriti is law.’ These are Savarkar’s words… He has made it clear that our Constitution lacks Indian essence and should be replaced by this book. This is the essence of our struggle,”
Mr. Gandhi argued that by praising the Constitution, BJP leaders were dishonouring Savarkar’s memory.
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He remarked,
“I want to ask you (the ruling party), do you stand by your leader’s statements? When you speak in Parliament about protecting the Constitution, you are mocking and defaming Savarkar,”
Earlier in the session, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Congress of selectively adopting constitutional values while ignoring its historical contradictions. He criticized the party for its treatment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution, claiming that Congress marginalized Ambedkar and recognized his contributions only belatedly.
Rijiju cited a document discussing Ambedkar’s critiques of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting that Nehru prioritized appeasement politics over addressing the needs of Scheduled Castes.
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul’s sister and Wayanad MP, delivered her first speech in the Lok Sabha yesterday, criticizing the RSS and accusing the BJP of confusing “Bharat ka Samvidhan” with “Sangh ka Vidhan.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to conclude the two-day debate on the Constitution with his remarks.
Gandhi also claimed that Savarkar “compromised with the British,” while leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru faced imprisonment for their beliefs.
He further criticized the BJP, comparing them to Dronacharya from the Mahabharata, stating they “cut off the thumb of the youth” through practices like lateral entry into government jobs and recurring examination paper leaks.
He remarked,
“You are stifling the aspirations of the youth, backward classes, and the poor,”
Addressing concerns about farmers, Gandhi accused the government of prioritizing the interests of industrialists such as Adani and Ambani.
Referencing the protests outside Delhi, he asserted,
“Farmers demand MSP, but you facilitate profits for Adani and cut off the thumb of farmers,”
Reiterating his call for a caste census, he promised,
“We will ensure the 50% cap on reservation is removed, bringing about a new era of development.”
In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur highlighted the significance of the Constitution, remarking,
“It was the power of the Constitution that compelled Indira Gandhi to end the Emergency. Those who wave the Constitution don’t even know how many pages it has.”
Earlier, Lucknow court issued a summons for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on January 10, 2025, in connection with a case filed over his alleged provocative remarks about Veer Savarkar. The case centers on comments made by Gandhi in December 2022, which were deemed inflammatory and disrespectful towards the revered freedom fighter.
The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court summoned Gandhi under sections 153(A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly making statements intended to promote hatred and disharmony. The complaint was filed by lawyer Nripendra Pandey, who accused Gandhi of defaming Veer Savarkar during a press conference held in Akola, Maharashtra, on December 17, 2022.
In his petition, Pandey claimed that Gandhi referred to Veer Savarkar as an “English servant” and a “pensioner,” alleging that the remarks were designed to undermine Savarkar’s legacy and incite societal division. “This was a calculated effort to spread animosity,”
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Pandey argued, highlighting the distribution of prepared pamphlets to journalists during the event, which he described as evidence of a deliberate strategy by the Congress leader.
Rahul Gandhi’s controversial remarks were part of a broader critique of Veer Savarkar, whom he accused of collaborating with British colonial rulers. During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi claimed that Savarkar had written letters to the British expressing willingness to remain their subject, signed a letter of apology out of fear, and betrayed Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
The comments ignited an immediate backlash, with critics accusing Gandhi of “distorting history” and disrespecting a key figure of India’s freedom movement. Political debate ensued, with BJP supporters condemning the remarks as an attempt to diminish Savarkar’s contributions to India’s independence. On the other hand, Congress supporters defended Gandhi, arguing that historical scrutiny of Savarkar’s actions during the colonial era is valid.