New Delhi: In a sharp political attack ahead of the upcoming electoral season, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to “claim ownership” of the Constitution despite having historically opposed it.
Speaking at a public event in the national capital, Kharge said that justice, equality, freedom, harmony, secularism, and socialism form the true identity of India—an identity he believes is now “under threat.”
Kharge alleged that when the Constitution came into effect, the RSS had openly criticised it, claiming it was rooted in “Western values” and asserting Manusmriti as their ideal text. “History is witness that they stood against the Constitution. Today, it is ironic that the same people who once elevated Manusmriti are now trying to project themselves as guardians of the Constitution—purely out of political compulsion,” Kharge remarked.
The Congress chief further accused the ruling establishment of disrespecting constitutional values through divisive politics and weakening democratic institutions. He said the opposition will continue to fight to safeguard the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
