BJP and Congress Spar Over ‘Blank’ Copies of Constitution Distributed at Rahul Gandhi’s Nagpur Event

In Maharashtra’s Nagpur, an event held by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi sparked a significant political row on Wednesday after BJP leaders alleged that “blank” copies of the Indian Constitution were distributed. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was among those who criticized the incident, claiming it reflects Rahul Gandhi’s alleged disregard for the Constitution. BJP’s Maharashtra unit shared a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showing what they claimed were copies of the Constitution with blank pages. BJP officials condemned the Congress for allegedly “wanting to erase the Constitution” and accused the party of planning to “cancel reservations,” referencing statements made by Gandhi in the past.

BJP’s Fadnavis went further in his criticism, saying, “Rahul Gandhi’s disloyalty to the Constitution of India was seen yesterday.” He alleged that Gandhi’s event with the “red book” — a copy of the Constitution — was a signal seeking support from “urban naxals and anarchists.” He also accused the Congress of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, suggesting that the Congress’s actions were anti-constitutional.

In response, the Maharashtra Congress issued a strong rebuttal, accusing the BJP of deflecting from real issues and focusing on political theater. In a social media post, the Maharashtra Congress labeled the state government as the “‘Khokhe Government,'” a term referencing alleged corruption and scams within the ruling NDA government. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe defended Gandhi’s use of the Constitution at the event, asking, “If Rahul Gandhi carries a copy of the Constitution, why does it disturb the BJP?” Londhe also dismissed BJP’s statements as an attempt to create a “fake narrative.”

Addressing the crowd at the event, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the historical roots of the Constitution, describing it as a modern embodiment of principles taught by leaders like Buddha, Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Phule. He asserted, “This book [the Constitution] is a way to live and a way to die.” Gandhi also criticized BJP and RSS, accusing them of undermining the Constitution’s values, which he claimed are essential to India’s diverse identity.

The incident highlights an increasingly polarized debate on the role of the Constitution in Indian politics, with both parties sharpening their narratives ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While BJP leaders claim the Congress is diminishing Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, Congress leaders argue that BJP is veering away from the Constitution’s principles.