Constitution is book of love, BJP & RSS covertly destroying it: Rahul Gandhi

Gondia/Nagpur: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused BJP and RSS of covertly destroying constitutional values and, in the process, insulting the philosophy of Lord Buddha and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which he said is ingrained in the Constitution. Addressing a rally at Gondia on Tuesday, Gandhi claimed BJP led by PM Narendra Modi, insulted OBCs and other marginalized groups by not giving them proportional representation in policy making, making caste census essential. Raising the red-covered book, now a staple at his rallies, Gandhi said, “This is a battle for the Constitution. It’s a battle to defeat hatred with love. This is a book of love.”

To exemplify his oft-repeated accusation of “Constitution being destroyed” with Maharashtra politics, Gandhi questioned, “Does the Constitution say you must steal a govt? That’s what BJP is doing. When they gave crores to Maharashtra MLAs, they did so behind closed doors. They are slowly destroying the Constitution. Because if their plan ever becomes public, then voters won’t spare them.”

He added PM Narendra Modi criticizes him for carrying the book at rallies. Gandhi said, “The PM is constantly attacking this Constitution book; last time, he said that it’s red-coloured. But this book is not just something which came after Independence. It contains thoughts and philosophies of Lord Buddha, Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. And yet, this book is being insulted by them (BJP).” On reservations, Gandhi said, “We will scrap the 50% quota limit and ensure everyone gets proper representation.”

Regarding caste-based census, Gandhi stated that biggest insult to marginalized groups is their lack of proportional representation. “Our country’s budget is decided by 90 people from various government departments. And in this group of 90, the representation of marginalized groups is negligible,” he remarked. To illustrate, Gandhi explained, “The number of Dalit, ST, and OBC individuals within this group of 90 is so low that, for every decision worth Rs 100, they have a say over only Rs 6.10.”

He said 90% of the population comprises Dalits, tribals, OBCs, and minorities. “Even after having such a huge population, their impact on budget decisions is limited to just over Rs 6 (for every Rs 100). We don’t want such a government. We want a government that represents farmers and common people,” said Gandhi. “Hence, we will conduct a caste census not only of the population but also of govt institutions to see how various groups are represented there.”

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha also criticized GST system, calling it unfair. “Billionaires pay the same amount of GST for a shirt or footwear as a poor farmer does. And this GST is taken by the Centre. It’s an insult to our Dalits, tribals, and OBCs. We will give all this money back to the people,” he declared.

Alleging a nexus between BJP and big corporates, Gandhi expressed concern over privatization. “Earlier, we had public sector entities where marginalized groups had representation, but now everything is being sold. Ports, airports, and Dharavi land, all gone,” he said.

Gandhi also criticized the media, saying it focuses on PM Modi 24×7, with little coverage on poor or unemployed youths. “But you will see Ambani’s wedding. Modi went there; I didn’t. Because Modi belongs to them, I belong to you,” he remarked.

As BJP’s top leadership hits the campaign trail with slogans like ‘Batenge toh katenge’ and ‘Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain’, Gandhi called for an end to such a thought process. “BJP has hatred in their hearts. But you can’t fight hatred with hatred. You have to fight it with love. They have taken up the contract of hatred; we have taken up cudgels for love. In fact, our Constitution is a book of love. Nowhere, does it say we must hate somebody,” said Gandhi.

Courtesy : TOI

Note: This news is originally published in timesofindia.com and was used solely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights