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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, accusing him of displaying ignorance about the Constitution of India and showing contempt for Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution. This accusation stems from a statement Gandhi made during a program in Bihar, where he reportedly said that the Constitution is thousands of years old, a claim that the BJP vehemently refutes. According to the BJP, Gandhi's statement is not only factually incorrect but also an insult to Ambedkar, who chaired the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly and played a pivotal role in shaping the Constitution after India's independence. The BJP's criticism extends beyond Gandhi's remarks on the Constitution. The party also accuses the Congress of historically belittling Ambedkar and failing to give him due recognition for his contributions to the nation. This accusation is part of a broader narrative that the BJP has been promoting, which seeks to portray the Congress as being dismissive of important figures and events in Indian history. The BJP's attack on Gandhi and the Congress is not merely a matter of political rhetoric. It is also a reflection of the deep ideological differences that separate the two parties. The BJP, which is rooted in Hindu nationalism, has often sought to portray itself as the true champion of Indian culture and values, while accusing the Congress of being too secular and too accommodating of minority interests. This ideological divide has been a major source of conflict between the two parties for many years, and it is likely to continue to be so in the future.
The BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's statement on the Constitution is centered on the fact that the Constitution was not written in 1947, as Gandhi seemed to imply. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized that Ambedkar was the one who wrote the Constitution after independence, further highlighting Gandhi's perceived ignorance. The BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi ridiculed Gandhi's statement and said that Gandhi always leaves the country shocked and speechless with his 'abundance of knowledge.' He further clarified that the Constitution was finalized on November 26, 1949, and implemented on January 26, 1950, emphasizing that Gandhi's statement was historically inaccurate. The BJP leaders also took issue with Gandhi's timing, as it coincided with Congress's ongoing attack on the government, which is accused of undermining constitutional values. The BJP views Gandhi's statement as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Constitution and to discredit the government's efforts to uphold it. The BJP has consistently defended the Constitution and has accused the Congress of attempting to weaken it through various amendments and policies. This latest attack on Gandhi is part of the BJP's ongoing effort to portray the Congress as being out of touch with the values and aspirations of the Indian people. The BJP has also attempted to discredit the Congress by linking it to historical figures and events that are perceived to be controversial or unpopular. This strategy has been used effectively in the past, and it is likely to continue to be used in the future. The BJP's strategy is not without its critics, who argue that it is based on misinformation and distortion of history. However, the BJP has been successful in shaping public opinion on many issues, and it is likely to continue to do so in the future.
Furthermore, the BJP has also targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for claiming that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's ideology was opposed to that of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The BJP has been actively trying to appropriate Patel's legacy, which has drawn criticism from the Congress, who argue that Patel's values are incompatible with the RSS's ideology. The BJP has responded by claiming that the Congress never gave Patel his due recognition and that he was insulted by the party. Meghwal further alleged that Nehru disliked Patel and therefore the Congress did not give him the respect he deserved. To support their claims, the BJP cited Maniben Patel's book, alleging that it details the mistreatment of Patel by the Congress party. The BJP's efforts to claim Patel's legacy are part of a broader strategy to rewrite Indian history and to portray itself as the true heir to the nation's founding fathers. The BJP has also sought to align itself with other historical figures and events that are perceived to be popular or important. This strategy has been used effectively in the past, and it is likely to continue to be used in the future. The BJP's efforts to rewrite Indian history have been met with criticism from historians and academics, who argue that it is based on selective interpretation of facts and a distortion of the historical record. However, the BJP has been successful in shaping public opinion on many issues, and it is likely to continue to do so in the future.
The BJP has defended its position by arguing that Patel symbolized nationalist values, which the RSS also believes in. They have also highlighted Patel's role in sending the Army to Kashmir and his involvement in the reconstruction of the Somnath temple as evidence of his commitment to national unity and Hindu culture. Kharge, on the other hand, accused the BJP-RSS of carrying out a 'well-planned conspiracy' against national heroes and asserted that Patel's ideology was contrary to the RSS's ideas. He also stated that it is 'laughable' that an organization like the RSS, which he alleges had 'no contribution' in the freedom struggle, is now trying to claim Patel's legacy. This disagreement over Patel's legacy reflects the deep ideological differences between the BJP and the Congress, as well as their competing visions for India's future. The BJP's efforts to appropriate Patel's legacy are seen by some as an attempt to rewrite Indian history and to undermine the Congress's historical claim to being the party of Indian nationalism. The Congress, on the other hand, is trying to defend its historical legacy and to portray the BJP as a revisionist force that is attempting to distort the historical record for its own political purposes. The debate over Patel's legacy is likely to continue for many years to come, as the two parties continue to vie for control of the Indian political landscape. The BJP's efforts to align itself with Patel are part of a broader strategy to appeal to a wider range of voters and to consolidate its position as the dominant force in Indian politics. The Congress, on the other hand, is trying to revive its fortunes by appealing to its traditional base of support and by highlighting the BJP's perceived failures on issues such as economic inequality and social justice.
In conclusion, the BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party over their alleged disrespect for the Constitution, Ambedkar, and Sardar Patel highlights the ongoing political and ideological battles in India. The accusations and counter-accusations reflect the deep divisions between the two parties and their competing visions for the nation's future. These disputes are not merely about historical interpretations; they are also about the present and future direction of India. They concern fundamental questions about the nature of Indian nationalism, the role of religion in politics, and the balance between individual rights and collective interests. The BJP's efforts to align itself with historical figures and events that are perceived to be popular or important are part of a broader strategy to appeal to a wider range of voters and to consolidate its position as the dominant force in Indian politics. The Congress, on the other hand, is trying to revive its fortunes by appealing to its traditional base of support and by highlighting the BJP's perceived failures on issues such as economic inequality and social justice. The outcome of these battles will have a profound impact on India's political landscape for many years to come. The BJP's success in shaping public opinion on many issues suggests that it is well-positioned to continue to play a dominant role in Indian politics in the future. However, the Congress has a long and storied history, and it is not likely to fade away anytime soon. The two parties are likely to continue to clash over a wide range of issues, and the outcome of these clashes will shape the future of India.
Source: Rahul Gandhi insulted Ambedkar, Congress never gave due to Sardar Patel: BJP