Congress party is fighting for what Shivaji Maharaj fought for, says Rahul Gandhi
Kolhapur: Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha slammed the BJP and stated that people of "anti-Constitution ideology" had not invited President Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration of the new Parliament in New Delhi and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Speaking in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur on Saturday, Gandhi noted that there are two types of ideologies: one seeks to destroy the Constitution, while the other aims to protect it. Referring to Modi government, he remarked, “They did not invite an Adivasi President for the inauguration of new Parliament and Ram Mandir.” He expressed his belief that the Constitution embodies the principles articulated by historical figures Shivaji and Shahuji.
The senior Congress leader noted that Shivaji Maharaj's teachings are reflected in the Constitution. "Constitution is the voice of Shivaji Maharaj. Country belongs to everyone was Shivaji Maharaj's message to the world," he asserted, adding that the Congress party is committed to fighting for what the Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj fought for.
Gandhi also criticised the CM Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti government over the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which occurred after it was inaugurated by Modi, which led to massive controversy. "There is no use of bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people and destroying Constitution, institutions,” he said. He further stated that their intentions were wrong, and the statue gave them a message that honouring Shivaji Maharaj with a statue requires a commitment to protecting his ideology.
Gandhi's visit to Kolhapur comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, scheduled for later this year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
