New Delhi, December 14: In a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi referred to the Indian Constitution as "the document of modern India" but emphasized that its creation was deeply rooted in the ancient traditions and ideas of the country.
Gandhi was speaking during the ongoing discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of India's Constitution. He asserted that the Constitution was not merely a modern legal document but a reflection of the deep philosophical and spiritual foundations of India’s past.
"In my recent speeches, I spoke about the concept of Abhaya Mudra — a symbol of fearlessness, truth, and nonviolence," Gandhi said, referencing the shared values across religions. "People call it the longest written Constitution in the world, but it's more than that. It embodies a set of ideas drawn from one unified philosophy of our nation."
Gandhi further explained that while the Constitution was shaped by the thoughts and efforts of prominent figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, its core ideas are drawn from the ancient traditions of India. He invoked figures like Shiva, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Kabir, and Mahavir, suggesting that the Constitution could never have been written without the wisdom of these ancient thinkers.
"The Constitution may be the document of modern India, but it is rooted in ancient India, in its philosophy, its values, and its ideas," he declared.
The LoP then turned his attention to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), sharply criticizing its vision for India’s future. He quoted from the writings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key ideologue of the RSS, who had famously stated that there was "nothing Indian" about the Constitution. According to Savarkar, the Manusmriti should replace the Constitution as the guiding document of Indian governance, a statement Gandhi characterized as dangerous.
"This is what we are fighting against," Gandhi asserted. "Savarkar made it clear that the Constitution should be replaced by Manusmriti, a text that is the antithesis of the inclusive, modern framework of our Constitution."
Addressing the ruling BJP members, Gandhi accused them of betraying their leader’s ideas when they defended the Constitution in Parliament. "I want to ask you: Do you stand by your leader’s words? Because when you defend the Constitution, you are ridiculing Savarkar, you are defaming his legacy," he said, challenging BJP MPs on their position.
In his speech, Gandhi also recalled a recent visit to Hathras, where he met with the family of a victim of a 2020 gang rape. Despite the horrific crime, he claimed that the family still lives in fear, while the perpetrators roam freely. Gandhi pointed out that such injustices align with the regressive values outlined in Manusmriti, not the Constitution. He further stated that the INDIA alliance would take action to relocate the family if the government failed to act.
"Four years ago, a girl was gang-raped in Hathras, and three days ago, I met the victim’s family. The perpetrators are free, but the family still lives in fear. This is what Manusmriti teaches, but not the Constitution," Gandhi said. "If the BJP does not act, the INDIA bloc will help relocate the family."
The Lok Sabha session on December 13 began a two-day debate marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution's adoption. The winter session of Parliament, which began on November 25, is expected to continue until December 20.
