‘BJP Attempting To Omit Secularism, Socialism From Constitution’

On Friday, July 11, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised serious concerns regarding the BJP-led central government’s alleged attempts to alter the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution. Speaking at the party’s ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ rally in Bhubaneswar, Kharge asserted, “The BJP government at the Centre is attempting to omit secularism and socialism from our Constitution.” He emphasized the need for marginalized communities, including Dalits, tribals, and the youth, to learn to assert their rights under the current regime, warning that “the BJP will wipe out Dalits, tribals and youths unless they learn to fight for their rights.”

Kharge’s remarks came amid rising tensions in Odisha, where he claimed that BJP supporters were targeting Dalits and government officials. He highlighted the historical context of the Congress party’s contributions to the nation, stating, “The Congress government set up 160 PSUs in India, while the BJP dispensation has privatised 23 of those.” This statement underscores the Congress party’s commitment to public sector enterprises and its critique of the BJP’s privatization policies.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a prominent Congress leader, echoed Kharge’s sentiments, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the upcoming elections in Bihar, similar to what he claimed occurred in Maharashtra. “Like Maharashtra, attempts are being made to hijack the elections in Bihar. The BJP is attacking our Constitution across the country,” he alleged during the rally. This assertion reflects the Congress party’s strategy to unite against what they perceive as the BJP’s authoritarian tendencies.

During a recent meeting of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, it was decided to take proactive measures to prevent the BJP from “hijacking” the Bihar assembly polls, which are scheduled for later this year. Gandhi criticized the Election Commission of India, stating, “The Election Commission is not doing its duty, but working for the interest of the BJP.” This accusation highlights the Congress party’s concerns about the integrity of electoral processes under the current government.

Gandhi further criticized the BJP’s governance, claiming, “The BJP runs the government for five-six capitalists. It does not work for the common people of the country.” This statement reflects a broader narrative within the Congress party that positions them as the champions of the common citizen against the interests of a wealthy elite.

In a passionate defense of tribal rights, Gandhi asserted that the “Jal, Jangal, Jamin” (water, forest, land) belongs to the tribals and will remain theirs. He accused the Odisha BJP government of failing to implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which is designed to protect the rights of tribal communities. “Forest right pattas are not provided to the tribals. The Congress has brought the PESA and Tribal Bill. We will enforce these laws and ensure the tribals get their land,” he promised, signaling the Congress party’s commitment to addressing the grievances of tribal populations.

The rally in Bhubaneswar served as a platform for the Congress party to rally support against the BJP’s policies and to reaffirm their dedication to the principles of secularism, socialism, and the rights of marginalized communities.