Wed Nov 06 19:05:46 UTC 2024: ## Red Constitution Sparks Political Row in Maharashtra
A political firestorm erupted in Maharashtra on Wednesday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi displayed a red copy of the Indian Constitution at a campaign rally, prompting accusations of communist leanings from the BJP.
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis questioned Gandhi’s motives, claiming the red color symbolized communism and insinuated that Gandhi was building a coalition of anarchists.
The Congress, however, vehemently defended the use of the red copy, arguing that the color holds religious significance in Hinduism. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole accused the BJP of being rattled by Gandhi’s event near their stronghold in Nagpur. He stated that the BJP, in its nervousness, was falsely accusing Gandhi and that associating red with communism was an attempt to defame him. Patole also questioned the BJP’s right to dictate the color of a Constitution copy, challenging their claims of patriotism.
The debate intensified as Patole pointed out the presence of Left-leaning governments and leaders across India, asking if the BJP considered their supporters anti-national. He questioned the BJP’s authority to issue certificates of patriotism and anti-nationalism.
The incident highlights the increasingly polarized political landscape in Maharashtra, with the BJP and Congress locked in a heated battle ahead of the November 20 elections. The debate surrounding the red copy of the Constitution is expected to further fuel tensions and become a key talking point in the upcoming campaign.
First Piper 