Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP Over Constitution in Berlin
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is proposing ideas and actions that amount to an attempt to weaken the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an interaction in Berlin, Gandhi said the Constitution guarantees equality and rights across religions, languages and regions, and claimed that these foundations are being steadily undermined.
Addressing students and academics at the Hertie School, Gandhi said India’s democratic framework was under strain due to what he described as concentration of power and erosion of institutional independence. He argued that constitutional values were being diluted not through a single formal amendment but through a series of political and administrative actions.
Claims on Institutions and Agencies
Gandhi also accused the BJP-led government of misusing central investigative agencies against political opponents. He claimed that institutions meant to function independently were being influenced to serve political interests, and said this trend posed a long-term threat to democratic checks and balances.
He added that opposition parties were attempting to build resistance within constitutional limits to counter what he described as democratic backsliding, and reiterated that political change must come through electoral processes.
BJP Response and Political Context
The BJP rejected Gandhi’s remarks, describing them as misleading and damaging to India’s image abroad. Party leaders said there has been no proposal to scrap or abolish the Constitution and accused Gandhi of making exaggerated claims during an overseas visit.
Political observers note that Gandhi’s comments come amid heightened domestic political tensions, with debates over institutional autonomy, federalism, and governance dominating national discourse. There has been no official move or draft legislation introduced by the government seeking to eliminate the Constitution.
