Maharashtra’s political landscape heated up on Wednesday when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi displayed a red-colored copy of the Indian Constitution at a rally in Sangli, prompting a sharp exchange between the BJP and Congress. The red hue, commonly associated with communism, became the focal point of criticism from BJP leaders.
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis questioned Gandhi’s intentions, accusing him of attempting to build a coalition of “anarchists.” “What message did Rahul Gandhi want to send by showing a red copy of the Constitution?” Fadnavis asked during the rally.
In response, the Congress dismissed the BJP’s claims, with Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole defending Gandhi’s choice. Patole emphasized that red is also significant in Hinduism, where it is considered auspicious. He accused Fadnavis of making “false allegations” out of nervousness, as Gandhi campaigned in Maharashtra’s Sangli, near BJP strongholds. “Do those who oppose the Constitution have the right to judge whether its copy should be red, yellow, or black?” he added.
Gandhi, who was campaigning for the Congress-NCP(SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance ahead of the state elections, also addressed the BJP’s stance on nationalism, particularly concerning Left-leaning ideologies. He pointed out that Kerala has a Left-leaning government, and West Bengal has been ruled by the Left for years. “Does that make those who support them anti-national?” Gandhi asked.
The BJP’s accusations were further challenged by Patole, who questioned the party’s authority to issue certificates of patriotism, considering they hold power at the Centre. The row comes ahead of the Maharashtra state elections, with voting scheduled for November 20 and results to be announced on November 23.