New Delhi: A controversy has erupted on Constitution Day, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's message on the importance of upholding the Constitution, calling it "hypocritical." The BJP's criticism stems from what they perceive as a contradiction between Gandhi's words and the historical actions attributed to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, whom they accuse Gandhi of implicitly likening himself to.
Constitution Day, observed annually on November 26th, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The day is marked by events and discussions centered on the Constitution's significance and the values it enshrines.
Rahul Gandhi, in his Constitution Day message posted on X, asserted that the Constitution is a "sacred promise" guaranteeing equality, respect, and justice to every Indian, regardless of religion, caste, region, language, or economic status. He urged citizens to pledge to protect the Constitution, declaring that he would be the first to stand up against any assault on it. "As long as the Constitution is protected, the rights of every Indian are protected," Gandhi stated.
The BJP's reaction was swift and sharp. The party's spokespersons and leaders took to social media and news channels to denounce Gandhi's message as "hypocritical" and "opportunistic." They argued that Gandhi's espousal of constitutional values rings hollow, given what they characterize as his party's historical tolerance, and even alleged support, for leaders who have been accused of actions contrary to the principles of the Constitution.
At the core of the BJP's criticism is the historical figure of Aurangzeb. BJP leaders have alluded to Aurangzeb's reign, marked by instances of religious intolerance and discriminatory policies towards non-Muslims, particularly Hindus. They argue that Aurangzeb's actions stand in stark contrast to the values of equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution. By allegedly aligning himself with such figures, the BJP contends that Gandhi is undermining the very principles he claims to uphold.
The BJP's criticism also extends to what they see as the Congress party's selective invocation of historical figures and events. They accuse the Congress of conveniently highlighting certain aspects of history while ignoring or downplaying others that do not align with their political narrative.
This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has faced backlash regarding his statements about the Constitution. In April 2025, the BJP criticized Gandhi for saying that the Constitution is "thousands of years old," with BJP leaders calling the statement ignorant and disrespectful to B.R. Ambedkar.
The Congress party has defended Rahul Gandhi's message, arguing that it reflects the party's unwavering commitment to the Constitution and its values. They accuse the BJP of distorting history and engaging in divisive politics to deflect attention from their own failures in upholding constitutional principles.
The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi's Constitution Day message underscores the deep ideological divide between the BJP and the Congress, particularly regarding the interpretation of history and the meaning of secularism and tolerance. It also highlights the charged political atmosphere in the country, where even seemingly innocuous statements can trigger fierce debates and accusations.
