Gandhi’s remarks echoed his growing focus on constitutional issues, positioning the document as a central element of his narrative against Modi’s administration. At the event, which highlighted Gandhi’s long-standing criticism of Modi’s approach to governance, he accused the BJP of systematically weakening the institutions designed to protect India’s constitutional values. He suggested that Modi’s administration is increasingly detached from the core tenets of democracy and accused the BJP and its ideological ally, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of prioritizing power consolidation over democratic integrity.
The rally marked Gandhi’s latest move to galvanize public sentiment around constitutional values, with a broader message aimed at reinforcing his calls for a nationwide caste census and expanded social equity measures. He reiterated his commitment to breaking through what he described as "arbitrary ceilings" on reservations, alluding to the 50 percent cap on affirmative action quotas, and promised to push for reforms that would extend opportunities to historically marginalized communities.
However, the rally itself drew controversy after BJP leaders alleged that the Congress party distributed copies of the Constitution with blank pages, arguing it was a symbolic insult to the document. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seized on the incident, contending that Gandhi’s distribution of what he described as “red books” with empty pages aligned with “urban Naxal” sympathies, a term used to suggest Maoist affiliations or anti-state activities. Fadnavis claimed this incident reflected the Congress party's purported lack of respect for the Constitution, with his remarks underscoring the tense political atmosphere between BJP and Congress leaders in Maharashtra.
Congress, however, rebutted the BJP's claims, describing them as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the event. Congress spokespersons clarified that the materials handed out were notebooks intended for attendees, not copies of the Constitution, and accused the BJP of weaponizing the issue to distract from Gandhi’s core message. Congress leaders countered that the BJP’s allegations reflect its hostility toward pro-Constitution narratives, with a Congress official noting that the event’s core message centered on protecting democratic institutions, which they argue are under threat from the ruling administration.
The controversy over the blank books underscores a growing theme in Gandhi’s public discourse, where he frequently accuses Modi and the BJP of undermining democracy. He frames this argument within the context of his broader appeal for inclusivity and transparency, targeting policies he argues restrict the rights and opportunities of India’s disadvantaged groups. Gandhi’s recent speeches have increasingly focused on caste-based issues, with his advocacy for a caste census and reform of reservation policies aimed at appealing to India’s socially and economically marginalized communities.
In response, BJP leaders have intensified their rhetoric, with Fadnavis and other officials portraying Gandhi’s efforts as part of a “divisive” agenda. The BJP’s leadership has argued that Gandhi’s focus on caste-related issues undermines national unity and runs counter to the BJP’s vision of a “new India.” They contend that his allegations about constitutional neglect are part of a broader strategy by the Congress to undermine Modi’s popularity and divide the electorate along caste and religious lines.
As both parties ramp up their campaigns in the lead-up to key elections, Gandhi’s criticism of Modi’s approach to governance underscores his broader electoral strategy of emphasizing democratic values and inclusivity. His advocacy for a caste census and challenges to the 50 percent reservation limit mark a shift in Congress's strategy, focusing on concrete policy issues that directly impact a large segment of India’s population. Political analysts suggest that these moves are intended to broaden Congress's appeal among India's underrepresented communities, framing the party as a champion of constitutional rights and social justice.