Upholding the Constitution: Rahul Gandhi's Call to Action

During the Sunday meeting between Rahul Gandhi and civil society activists in Mumbai, there was a resounding appeal for resistance.

The Congress leader reassured activists who were extremely concerned about the continuation of constitutional governance in India, saying, "Don't get too anxious." The Constitution cannot be destroyed. The media has taken notice of them. They make a lot of noise, but the truth and India are on our side. Awaz bahut karte hain lekin sacchai aur Hindustan hamare saath hai.

Following the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Nyay Sankalp Sabha was called, and a public vow to uphold the Constitution was made. Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, delivered the commitment in front of farmers, academics, social activists, women, and young people. Also removed was a "Nyay Sankalp" padyatra led by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Speaking at the gathering were farmers, young people, Dalit, and tribal activists who claimed that the Narendra Modi government had failed to live up to its promises and had instead made their lives miserable. They applauded the Congress guarantees, which Rahul said originated from grassroots complaints about systemic, multi-layered unfairness against the average person. They supported the agenda that centered on bhagidari (representation) and justice for workers, youth, women, and farmers.

On behalf of civil society organizations, Yogendra Yadav, who has been linked to Rahul's Bharat Jodo and Nyay Yatras, urged the audience to make a commitment to refuting the lies propagated by the RSS-BJP. "The contract to preserve the Constitution hasn't been taken by this man in a white T-shirt alone. It is our shared duty. He completed the Bharat Jodo Yatra with 4,000km of walking and the Nyay Yatra with 6,000km. We ought to promise to increase our 10,000 km of effort tenfold during this election.

In order to counter the BJP's rhetoric, Yadav gave the activists advice to "forget the past differences; forget ifs and buts." This is a fight to preserve the Constitution, not an election. You'll mention mudda (problems), they'll say Modi. You say vasooli ka dhandha (extortion racket), and they say chanda (charity). You say mazdoor-kisan, they say Hindu-Musalman. This is char-sau-beesi (fraud), not char-sau-paar (more than 400 seats).

Author and Dalit rights activist Kancha Ilaiah claimed that Rahul was the only candidate who still stood for the ideals of B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi, and that the next election was an opportunity to preserve their principles. He offered a few campaign slogans, including "Vote for Rahul Gandhi," "Vote for Constitution," and "Vote for India of social justice."

"Rahul is not protecting the Constitution alone," Rahul spat out at him. Millions of Indians feel this way. I did not walk the Bharat Jodo Yatra by myself. Alongside me strolled millions. We must battle as a team. I'm glad we're together.

He claimed to have learned that India was a nation of love and respect while on the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Here, it should be difficult to propagate hate. "Injustice is the reason the RSS-BJP is able to propagate hatred. Injustice befalls the underprivileged, farmers, young people, women, old people, Dalits, and Adivasis at every turn.

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