Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their historic anti-India stance during a Rajya Sabha debate on “75 years of glorious journey of India’s Constitution”. Constitution. Kharge emphasized that during the Constituent Assembly debate, former RSS leaders opposed the Constitution, expressed disdain for the national flag, the Ashoka Chakra, and the Constitution itself.
Kharge accused the BJP of using misleading rhetoric to mislead the people by unfairly accusing the Congress party. He said that the person who insulted the national symbol in the past is now trying to explain the constitutional values.
Highlighting the BJP’s resistance to caste-based census initiatives, Kharge suggested that the opposition indicated the party’s reluctance to address issues of social justice and equality. He indicated that the BJP’s stance on reservation policies was inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Kharge also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments, asking him to focus on current achievements in strengthening democracy rather than focusing on stories of the past. He accused the prime minister of tampering with historical facts, particularly regarding the letter written by Jawaharlal Nehru to the states, and asked him to apologize for misleading the public.
Furthermore, Kharge criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for criticizing Nehru during the debate, pointing out her educational background from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and suggesting a discrepancy between her education and her statements.
In his address, Kharge emphasized the Congress party’s historic role in the freedom struggle and drafting of the constitution, and contrasted this with the RSS’ perceived lack of nation-building efforts. He stressed the importance of accepting and respecting the basic values and symbols of the Indian Republic.
Kharge’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between the Congress and the BJP-RSS over the interpretation of history, national identity and constitutional values, reflecting a deep ideological divide in Indian politics.