NEW DELHI—Congress Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has made a powerful pledge to the nation, asserting that he will actively resist any attempt to undermine the Indian Constitution. On the occasion of Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas), Gandhi stated unequivocally that it is his “duty to protect” the charter, and he will be the first to stand against any form of assault on it.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This firm declaration positions the defense of the Constitution as a core political platform for the Congress party, underscoring its commitment to the foundational principles of Indian democracy.
The Constitution: A ‘Sacred Promise’ to Every Citizen
In a message shared widely on social media, Mr. Gandhi described the Constitution not merely as a legal document, but as a “sacred promise” made to all citizens of the country. He articulated its central role as a guarantor of fundamental rights for every individual, irrespective of their socio-economic or religious background.
“The Constitution of India is not just a book; it is a sacred promise… A promise that no matter what religion or caste one belongs to, what region one comes from, what language one speaks, whether poor or rich, one will receive equality, respect, and justice,” Gandhi stated.
He further emphasized the document’s social significance, calling it the “protective shield” and “strength” of the poor and deprived, and the “voice of every citizen.” The core message was clear: “As long as the Constitution is protected, the rights of every Indian are protected.”
Congress Observes ‘Samvidhan Bachao Divas’
The sentiment was echoed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who also greeted citizens on the occasion. Kharge stressed the need to constantly protect the Constitution’s fundamental principles, which include:
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Justice
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Equality
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Freedom (Liberty)
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Mutual Brotherhood (Fraternity)
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Secularism
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Socialism
Kharge quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, noting that the Constitution represents “a way of life” and that its spirit must remain constant.
In a move to galvanize the party’s rank and file, the Congress directed all its state units to observe November 26th as ‘Samvidhan Bachao Divas’ (Save the Constitution Day). The party highlighted that this observance is crucial given “unprecedented challenges facing our democratic institutions,” and the need to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
Political Context and Commitment
Mr. Gandhi’s strong commitment to protecting the Constitution is central to the Opposition’s narrative, which frequently alleges that the foundational principles and institutions of the Constitution are currently under stress.
By framing the defense of the Constitution as a paramount national duty, Mr. Gandhi seeks to rally public support across all communities for the principles of social justice and equality enshrined by the framers of the Constitution. Both leaders paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of the Constituent Assembly members, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
