Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Centre during a debate on the Constitution on Saturday. He accused the BJP of prioritizing the Manusmriti over the Indian Constitution.
Eklavya Analogy To Criticize Government
Gandhi drew a comparison between the Eklavya episode in the Mahabharata and the governance of the Modi government. He claimed the Centre was “chopping the thumb” of India’s youth, much like Dronacharya chopped off Eklavya’s thumb.
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He said, “There was a boy (Eklavya) who did tapasya, woke up early, and practiced with his bow and arrow,” triggering laughter in the House. He continued, “Just like Dronacharya chopped the fingers of Eklavya, you (the government) have chopped the thumb of the youth of the country.”
His comments were met with sharp criticism from the ruling party, which accused him of distorting facts.
Savarkar And Manusmriti Remarks
Gandhi also raised the issue of Veer Savarkar, quoting him as saying that there is “nothing Indian” about the Indian Constitution. He also referred to Savarkar’s views on Manusmriti, calling it a scripture that is “most worshippable” after the Vedas.
He asked the BJP if they agreed with Savarkar’s remarks, adding, “When you speak in Parliament about protecting the Constitution, you are ridiculing, abusing, and defaming Savarkar.”
In response, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared a letter from Indira Gandhi about Savarkar on social media.
Adani Allegations In Lok Sabha
Gandhi also raised the Adani issue again, accusing the government of handing over key sectors to the industrialist. He said, “When you hand over Dharavi to Adani, you cut off the thumb of entrepreneurs and small businesses. When you hand over India’s ports, airports, and defence industries to Adani, you cut off the thumbs of all fair business people in India.”
His remarks sparked further debate in the House, with opposition members continuing to challenge the government’s policies.