Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech sparks debate on Constitution and Manusmriti

In a charged Lok Sabha session commemorating 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution of India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took centre stage with a searing critique of the BJP-led government. His speech delved into the ideological conflict between the principles enshrined in the Constitution and those espoused by the Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu text. By invoking the writings of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar, Gandhi sought to challenge the BJP’s commitment to constitutional ideals.

With a copy of the Constitution in one hand and the Manusmriti in the other, Mr Gandhi contrasted the two texts, claiming that Savarkar had discredited the Constitution as “un-Indian” while advocating for the Manusmriti as the true cultural and spiritual foundation of India. He argued that this ideological legacy underpins the BJP’s worldview, even as the party professes its allegiance to the Constitution.

Quoting Savarkar, Gandhi said, “Savarkar has clearly stated that the Constitution lacks an Indian ethos and must be replaced by the Manusmriti, which has historically shaped our culture and values. This is the ideological battle at the heart of India’s politics.” He further accused BJP leaders of hypocrisy, suggesting their praise for the Constitution insults Savarkar’s ideological convictions.

BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism

The BJP fired back with sharp rebuttals, dismissing Mr Gandhi’s claims as misplaced and superficial. Union Minister Anurag Thakur accused Gandhi of reducing a serious discussion to symbolic gestures, questioning his understanding of the Constitution. “Some people carry the Samvidhaan in their pockets but cannot even tell the number of pages in it,” Mr Thakur remarked.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also weighed in, accusing the Congress of historical inconsistencies in its approach to constitutional values. Rijiju cited the Congress’ treatment of Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, alleging that the party marginalised him during his lifetime and recognised his contributions only decades later. He referenced documented critiques by Dr Ambedkar of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing Nehru of focusing on appeasement politics at the expense of addressing caste-based inequalities.

This counterattack not only aimed to deflect Mr Gandhi’s accusations but also sought to highlight what the BJP sees as Congress’ historical contradictions.

Priyanka Gandhi Targets RSS and BJP

Adding to the Congress’ narrative, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, delivering her first speech in the Lok Sabha, launched her own critique of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She accused the ruling party of conflating the Constitution with the RSS’ internal regulations, calling it an attempt to dilute the democratic principles enshrined in the nation’s foundational document. “The BJP cannot distinguish between ‘Bharat ka Samvidhan’ and ‘Sangh ka Vidhan,’” she said, underscoring Congress’ argument that the BJP is ideologically aligned with the RSS rather than the Constitution.

Ideological Battle Between Manusmriti and Constitution

The contrasting views expressed during the session reflect a larger ideological conflict between the BJP and Congress. For the Congress, the Manusmriti and Constitution debate is symbolic of a deeper struggle for India’s democratic ethos. Rahul Gandhi’s use of VD Savarkar’s writings to question BJP’s ideological stance was a deliberate attempt to expose what the Congress sees as contradictions in the BJP’s narrative.

For the BJP, however, the Congress’ invocation of historical figures like Ambedkar and Savarkar appears to be a selective reading of history. BJP leaders have often sought to frame their vision of the Constitution as inclusive, arguing that their governance focuses on upholding its principles while addressing past historical wrongs.

The Debate’s Broader Implications

The heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha come at a time when India’s political discourse is increasingly polarised. For Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, this was an opportunity to position themselves as defenders of constitutional values against what they describe as a majoritarian agenda. For the BJP, the counterattack was essential to challenge Congress’ historical inconsistencies and present itself as the rightful inheritor of India’s constitutional legacy.

This ongoing debate over the ideological roots of India’s governance reflects a broader struggle for political and cultural dominance. As the country approaches crucial elections, these themes are likely to remain central to both parties’ narratives.