Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Criticism of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat: A Call to Defend the Constitution
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made bold remarks targeting the RSS Chief, Mohan Bhagwat, the Central Government, and the Election Commission. Gandhi accused Bhagwat of disrespecting the Constitution of India, calling it an act of treason. His words stirred political waters, as he called for transparency in the election process and criticized the Election Commission for withholding crucial electoral data.
Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Allegations Against Mohan Bhagwat
In his statement, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the severity of Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments, where Bhagwat allegedly stated that the Constitution is not a symbol of India’s freedom. Gandhi was particularly outraged, asserting that the Constitution symbolizes the core of India’s democratic framework and has been the foundation for the country’s political and social progress. According to Gandhi, Bhagwat’s words undermined the sacrifices made by Congress workers who have faced persecution and even lost their lives in defending India’s constitutional values.
“Mohan Bhagwat’s statements are a direct attack on the Constitution, and they represent an assault on the values that thousands of Congress workers have fought and died for,” Gandhi said, referring to the many lives lost in regions like Punjab, Kashmir, and the Northeast. He further added that Congress, despite these challenges, has steadfastly stood for its values and principles, which are enshrined in the Constitution.
A Clash of Ideologies: The Constitution vs. RSS Thought
Gandhi explained the ideological struggle between two visions: the one upheld by the Indian Constitution, and the one promoted by the RSS. The clash of these two ideologies, he argued, is fundamental to the ongoing battle for India’s soul. While the Constitution represents equality, democracy, and pluralism, the RSS vision, according to Gandhi, focuses on a centralized and authoritarian state that suppresses minority voices and undermines individual rights.
“The RSS vision is diametrically opposed to the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom, equality, and fraternity. The Constitution is the backbone of our democracy, and any attempt to undermine it is an attack on the nation itself,” Gandhi stated passionately.
Mohan Bhagwat’s Comments: A Call for Accountability
Rahul Gandhi didn’t mince words when addressing Bhagwat’s criticism of India’s freedom struggle. Bhagwat allegedly described the freedom struggle as invalid, claiming that the movement against the British was an invalid cause. Gandhi responded by asserting that such statements are not only incorrect but also deeply disrespectful to every Indian who fought for India’s independence.
“It is unthinkable that anyone could say that India did not gain its independence in 1947. This claim insults every Indian who fought for freedom and every person who made sacrifices during the Indian independence movement,” Gandhi exclaimed. He called Bhagwat’s statement a clear example of treason and demanded that Bhagwat retract his words and apologize to the Indian people.
Targeting the Central Government’s Disregard for the National Flag and Constitution
Gandhi also took a dig at the current government, accusing those in power of not respecting the national flag, the Constitution, or the spirit of Indian democracy. He emphasized that the ruling regime does not honor the Tricolor or the Constitution, and their approach to governance is completely different from the values of democracy upheld by Congress.
According to Gandhi, the present government seeks to run India as a shadowy, opaque society where one man holds all the power, and the voices of the marginalized, including Dalits, minorities, backward classes, and tribals, are silenced. Gandhi asserted that the Congress party is the only political force capable of standing up to this agenda, as it is driven by a deep ideological commitment to the values of equality and democratic freedom.
Congress vs. RSS and BJP: A National Struggle
Rahul Gandhi pointed out that the Congress party is not just fighting against the BJP and RSS, but also against a broader systemic challenge where key institutions of the Indian state have been allegedly captured by forces that oppose democratic values.
“We are not fighting a fair battle. The BJP and RSS have captured almost every institution in this country. We are no longer fighting just them, but we are fighting a system that seeks to undermine the very principles of our democracy,” he said.
Election Commission Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Data Withholding
Further criticizing the Election Commission, Gandhi raised concerns over what he called irregularities in the Maharashtra elections. He questioned the sudden appearance of almost one crore new voters between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, expressing doubts about the transparency of the election process.
He also pointed out that the Election Commission had refused to provide the voter list for the elections in Maharashtra, even though it is the Commission’s responsibility to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
“The Election Commission must explain why it is withholding vital electoral data. The withholding of voter lists goes against the principles of transparency and accountability, and it’s essential that the Commission addresses why this data is not being made public,” Gandhi insisted.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Commitment: Congress and India’s Soul
In his address, Rahul Gandhi took a moment to reflect on the legacy of the Congress party, particularly its influence on the soul of India. He highlighted the deep connection Congress has with India’s history, and how the party has been at the forefront of shaping the country’s destiny, fighting for the rights of its people, and ensuring the success of the nation.
He noted that the party is rooted in the ideas and values of iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Jawaharlal Nehru, who helped establish the Indian Constitution and led India’s freedom movement.
“Congress has been the custodian of India’s values. From Mahatma Gandhi to Guru Nanak, Buddha, and Kabir, all the great figures of our history have stood for equality and brotherhood. These are values that the RSS and BJP cannot claim ownership of,” Gandhi emphasized.
