The clash between the BJP and Congress over the alleged distribution of "blank copies of the Constitution" at Rahul Gandhi’s Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Nagpur has brought national attention to an already tense political atmosphere in Maharashtra, where elections are on the horizon. The event, centered on the theme of upholding the Constitution, became the backdrop for a dramatic exchange of accusations that highlight the deep ideological divide between India’s two largest political parties.
The controversy began when the Maharashtra BJP posted a video showing what appeared to be Constitution copies with only the preamble printed, while the remaining pages were blank. The BJP quickly seized on the footage, claiming that this symbolic emptiness reflected Congress’s true disregard for the Constitution and its values. "Congress wants to erase the Constitution of India like this," the Maharashtra BJP tweeted, framing the alleged incident as evidence of Congress’s intention to disregard the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. BJP leaders further suggested that Congress’s actions reflected its anti-reservation stance, an issue of critical importance to voters, especially in the context of Maharashtra's diverse electorate, which includes significant representation from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes.
The Congress party, however, hit back, accusing the BJP of manufacturing a false narrative to distract voters and undermine Rahul Gandhi’s message. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar clarified that the distributed books were, in fact, notebooks with the preamble printed on the first page, meant for participants to take notes, along with a pen for convenience. Congress spokespersons argued that the BJP had deliberately misrepresented these notebooks to discredit the event. They further accused the BJP and its ideological partner, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of being the true opponents of the Constitution. According to Congress, the BJP has historically sought to dismantle India’s secular and democratic framework, a narrative that Congress claims the BJP is now trying to project onto their own party.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intensified the debate by drawing attention to the red-colored cover of the Constitution copy held by Rahul Gandhi at the event. Fadnavis suggested that this color choice signaled an affinity with "urban Naxals and anarchists," a term often used to describe far-left and anti-establishment elements in India. He claimed this symbolic gesture was proof of Gandhi’s alignment with what he described as anti-national forces, echoing a broader BJP narrative that frames Congress as ideologically aligned with groups opposed to the Indian state. "Rahul Gandhi indulges in such drama regularly," Fadnavis remarked, adding that Gandhi’s actions amount to a daily insult to the Constitution, which BJP leaders argue they are striving to uphold and protect.
In response, the Maharashtra Congress strongly rejected Fadnavis’s allegations, accusing the BJP of twisting facts and engaging in divisive rhetoric. They alleged that the BJP’s goal is to dismantle the constitutional safeguards established by Ambedkar, especially those that secure reservations for marginalized communities. Congress leaders argued that BJP’s attempts to portray themselves as protectors of the Constitution ring hollow, given their alleged long-standing associations with groups that advocate for a Hindu nationalist state over a secular, democratic framework. Congress also framed their gathering as a commitment to Ambedkar's vision, accusing the BJP of using selective and misleading symbolism to paint Congress as "anti-constitutional" and divert attention from real issues facing voters.
Adding another dimension to the debate, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his call for a nationwide caste census, a hot-button issue that the Congress party has actively championed recently. Gandhi argued that a caste census is essential to ensure accurate representation and social justice for marginalized communities. He emphasized his party’s commitment to breaking the 50% reservation cap, a legal ceiling on affirmative action policies, which he believes is necessary to address social inequities comprehensively. In contrast, the BJP has been more reserved on the issue of expanding reservations, often supporting the status quo, which has led Congress to portray the ruling party as resistant to progressive social change.
The blank Constitution controversy, therefore, has rapidly escalated beyond a simple misunderstanding about notebooks and blank pages. It has grown into a broader ideological confrontation between the two parties, with each accusing the other of endangering the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution. As both BJP and Congress mobilize their bases in Maharashtra, the incident serves as a microcosm of their larger battle over national identity, social justice, and constitutional integrity. The coming weeks may see these issues further amplified as both parties work to capture the support of Maharashtra’s diverse voter base, using the Constitution as both a symbolic and practical tool to argue their vision for India’s future.
