During a visit to Mumbai on Sunday, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar took veiled shots at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and former prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, accusing them of being “anti-reservation.” Dhankhar was speaking at the inauguration of a ‘Constitution temple’ at Elphinstone Technical High School and Junior College, part of a broader initiative to establish 434 similar institutions across Maharashtra.
Dhankhar referenced the delay in implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations, which advocated for increased reservations for backward classes, stating that the non-implementation for nearly a decade occurred under the leadership of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. He further alleged that this prejudice continues, singling out Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on reservations during his recent visit to the US. Rahul had suggested that reservations could be reconsidered only “when India becomes a fair place.” However, he later clarified, stating he was misquoted and emphasized that Congress would increase reservations beyond 50%.
Dhankhar criticized political leaders, including Rahul, for merely “flaunting” the Constitution, accusing them of showcasing the document without respecting or understanding its essence. He also questioned why Dr. B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, was not awarded the Bharat Ratna earlier, attributing the delay to an “anti-Ambedkar mindset” in past Congress leadership.
The Vice-President also revisited the 1975 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, stating it had “shattered the dreams of Dr. Ambedkar” by subverting the Constitution. He mentioned that the current government now observes June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) to remind the nation of the dark period when democratic processes were undermined.
Dhankhar urged the youth to defend India’s democratic and constitutional values, quoting Ambedkar’s warning about the dangers of placing creed above the country. The event was attended by Maharashtra governor C P Radhakrishnan, union minister Ramdas Athawale, and others. Despite the significance of the occasion, the attendees faced discomfort due to rainwater leaking inside the venue.
