'There is Nothing Indian in Constitution ..,' Rahul Gandhi Drags Savarkar in Constitution Debate, Anurag Thakur Hits Back

India’s Parliament is witnessing a crucial two-day debate on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, taking place on December 13-14 in the Lok Sabha and December 16-17 in the Rajya Sabha. The debate aims to reflect on the significance of the Constitution and its evolution since its adoption on November 26, 1949. The discussion has sparked a political storm, especially with Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi making bold remarks about the Constitution and its association with Veer Savarkar. BJP MP Anurag Thakur swiftly countered these remarks during the heated debate.

Rahul Gandhi' Remarks on Savarkar During the Constitution Debate

Rahul Gandhi quoted, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighterand ideologue, while speaking on the Constitution.

I want to start my speech by quoting your Supreme Leader Savarkar and his ideas on the Constitution of India and how he thought India should be run.

Savarkar writes:

''The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that… pic.twitter.com/JD14AFU7zb

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 14, 2024

Rahul Gandhi questioned the essence of the Indian Constitution, stating, “I want to start my speech by quoting your Supreme Leader Savarkar and his ideas on the Constitution of India.” He referenced Savarkar's criticism of the Constitution, which he believed was disconnected from India’s ancient traditions. Gandhi cited Savarkar’s statement: "The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it." Gandhi further emphasised that Savarkar revered the Manusmriti as the foundational law of the land, which he argued contradicted the current Constitution.

The Congress leader posed a direct challenge to the ruling party members, asking, “Do you stand by your leader's words? When you defend the Constitution, you are ridiculing Savarkar and defaming him.”

Anurag Thakur’s Strong Response to Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks

BJP MP Anurag Thakur didn’t hold back in his response to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. Thakur took to the floor, slamming Gandhi for his views and accusing him of ignorance about the Constitution. “Those who wave the copy of the Constitution don’t even know how many pages are there in the Indian Constitution.” He also praised the power of the Constitution, citing it as a force that led to significant political changes, such as the end of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde Joins the Fray, Defends Savarkar

The Constitution debate also saw a sharp retort from Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, who defended Veer Savarkar’s legacy. Shinde quoted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s appreciation of Savarkar, emphasising that even leaders from opposing political backgrounds had recognised his contributions.