Hindutva – Ravi Accuses Congress of Drifting Away From Constitutional Values

Hindutva –  BJP MLC and former national general secretary C.T. Ravi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party is moving away from constitutional principles and increasingly adopting an anti-Hindu stance. His remarks came in response to criticism directed at the BJP during a recent political gathering held in Bengaluru.

BJP Responds to Congress Criticism

Addressing journalists in Bengaluru, Ravi reacted to statements made by senior Congress leaders, including former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and newly appointed Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President B.K. Hariprasad. According to Ravi, the allegations levelled against the BJP during Hariprasad’s assumption of office event lacked factual basis.

He argued that Congress leaders were wrongly portraying the BJP as being opposed to democracy and the Constitution. Instead, Ravi maintained that the Congress itself had a history of actions that, in his view, contradicted constitutional values.

Reference to India’s Cultural and Spiritual Traditions

Ravi highlighted that the Constitution reflects elements of India’s cultural heritage, referring to depictions of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Gautama Buddha. He said the philosophies associated with Buddha and Basavanna promote coexistence and mutual respect among communities.

He further stated that Indian traditions have historically embraced different beliefs and paths. Referring to past observations made by the Supreme Court, Ravi said Hindutva has been described as a way of life rather than a narrow religious concept. He accused Congress leaders of making accusations without fully understanding these perspectives.

Hindutva and National Identity

During his interaction with the media, Ravi asserted that Hindutva remains closely linked to India’s national identity. He claimed that preserving the country’s cultural foundations is essential for its future.

At the same time, he said the BJP’s focus remains on welfare initiatives, development programmes and public service. Ravi also credited the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for maintaining strong grassroots engagement across the country.

Constitution Amendments Become Political Flashpoint

The BJP leader also accused Congress of repeatedly altering the Constitution to serve political interests. He claimed that a large number of constitutional amendments were introduced during periods when Congress governments were in power.

According to Ravi, these changes were often motivated by the desire to strengthen political control rather than uphold democratic principles. He argued that Congress cannot claim to be the sole defender of the Constitution while facing questions about its own historical record.

Emergency Period Brought Into Debate

Ravi referred to the Emergency imposed in 1975, describing it as one of the most significant challenges to democratic institutions in independent India. He alleged that civil liberties were restricted and opposition leaders were jailed during that period.

He questioned the Congress party’s current position on safeguarding constitutional rights, arguing that its actions during the Emergency continue to attract criticism from political opponents decades later.

Remarks on Constitutional Changes

The BJP leader also raised objections to the inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Constitution, claiming they were added without sufficient national discussion. He further alleged that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was not supportive of such alterations.

Ravi questioned how Congress could invoke Ambedkar’s legacy while, according to him, deviating from aspects of his original vision for the Constitution.

Debate Over Political Leadership

Turning to the subject of leadership, Ravi said democratic systems function best when leaders emerge through public participation and grassroots experience. He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example of a leader who rose through political work and public support.

In contrast, Ravi criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, arguing that his political journey was shaped by family legacy. He cited the succession of leadership within the Nehru-Gandhi family as an example of dynastic politics.

Congress Accused of Anti-Hindu Politics

Concluding his remarks, Ravi alleged that Congress has increasingly pursued policies and political narratives that he described as anti-Hindu. He claimed that this approach has contributed to the party’s declining influence in several states, while continuing to fuel political debate between the two national parties.