Constitution Day: India’s hallmarks under threat; history bears witness RSS opposed it, says Congress

Manusmriti vs Constitution

The Congress chief said B R Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru, in collaboration with the Constituent Assembly, not only crafted the Constitution but also built an India where democracy reigns supreme. “Justice, equality, freedom, mutual brotherhood, secularism, and socialism have become the hallmarks of India,” he said.

He said today, these “hallmarks are under threat”.“When the Constitution was enacted, organisations like the RSS openly declared that it was based on ‘Western values’ and that their ideal was the Manusmriti. History bears witness that they opposed the Constitution,” said Kharge.

“The irony today is that those who once held the Manusmriti in higher regard than the Constitution are now, after coming to power, compelled by necessity and political expediency to claim it as their own,” he added.

The Congress said it was marking the day as “Samvidhan Bachao Divas” across India.

‘Constitution a protective shield’

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the Constitution “is not just a book; it is a sacred promise made to every citizen of the country”.

“A promise that no matter what religion or caste one belongs to, whichever region one comes from, whatever language one speaks, whether poor or rich, one will receive equality, respect, and justice,” said Gandhi.

He said that the Constitution is a “protective shield” for the poor and the deprived, their strength, and it is the voice of every citizen. “As long as the Constitution is secure, the rights of every Indian are secure. Let us pledge that we will not allow any kind of attack on the Constitution. It is my duty to protect it, and I will stand first in front of every assault on it,” he added.

Congress MP and communication in charge Jairam Ramesh claimed the RSS “had no role whatsoever” in the making of the Constitution. “On Saturday, November 26 1949, the Constituent Assembly met at 10 am with Dr Rajendra Prasad in the Chair. Before formally putting the motion for the adoption of the draft Constitution of India that had been moved by Dr Ambedkar the previous day to the vote, Dr Rajendra Prasad made his remarks,” said Ramesh.

Since 2015, Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas, has been observed on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.