Exclusive Interview: Inside Congress’s ‘Samvidhan Rakshak’ Campaign to Safeguard Indian Constitution

New Delhi- On the occasion of Constitution Day on November 26, the Indian National Congress is organizing a seminar at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium. To gain exclusive insights into this event, The Mooknayak Editor-in-Chief Meena Kotwal spoke with Rajesh Lilothia, Chairperson of Congress’s Scheduled Caste Department.

What preparations has Congress made for Constitution Day?

Rajesh Lilothia : We are celebrating Constitution Day across the country as a festival. Congress has launched an initiative called ‘Samvidhan Rakshak’ (Constitution Protector). All those who revere Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, protect the Constitution, and value democratic principles are invited to this discourse in Delhi.

He elaborated, “The BJP and RSS seek to weaken the Constitution because they know it enshrines the rights of the marginalized and backward communities. Babasaheb drew from his personal experiences of suffering and oppression to guarantee equality and justice in the Constitution. But the RSS and BJP’s ideology is rooted in a casteist worldview. They believe in the hierarchical varna system and aim to dismantle the rights embedded in the Constitution. Over the past decade, the BJP government has consistently undermined it.”

Will only Congress members participate in the seminar?

Rajesh Lilothia: The ‘Samvidhan Rakshak’ campaign is inclusive, involving anyone committed to protecting the Constitution. We have invited participants beyond the Congress party.

He added, “Thousands of people committed to safeguarding the Constitution are coming to Delhi for this event. It’s not limited to Congress members. This program is an attempt to unite everyone in preserving the Constitution’s rights and values.”

What topics will the seminar cover?

Rajesh Lilothia: The Congress is advocating for a caste census, and a panel discussion on this issue will be held. We firmly believe in the principle of “Jiski jitni sankhya bhaari, uski utni hissedari” (Representation proportional to demographic strength).

The discussions will address the rights of marginalized communities and topics like water, forests, land, and other resources. Lilothia noted, “The BJP government is stripping away rights to water, forests, and land and handing them over to corporate entities. We aim to establish ‘Constitution Protection Committees’ at the village level to extend this campaign to every corner of the country.”

Do you believe the Constitution is under threat?

Rajesh Lilothia: Absolutely. When freedom of speech is being stifled and constitutional rights are eroded, it’s clear that the Constitution is endangered. Efforts to saffronize education persist. Farmers’ and laborers’ rights are being stripped away. It’s crucial to fight these attempts to undermine the Constitution.

Congress has spoken about breaking the 50% reservation ceiling. What is the plan?

Rajesh Lilothia: At the Raipur convention, the Congress resolved to ensure 50% reservation in organizational roles for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, minorities, and women. In states where Congress governs, we are working towards implementing this decision. It is a tangible step towards ensuring social justice.

The RSS and BJP are engaging in religious politics, while Congress emphasizes social justice. Do you think this strategy will outweigh BJP’s approach?

Rajesh Lilothia: Religion has no place in politics. Even Dr. Ambedkar emphasized this. The BJP and RSS propagate religious politics, but the country needs education, employment, healthcare, and development.

He remarked, “The BJP talks about temples, while those who believe in the Constitution talk about schools and education. BJP misleads Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. Their religious politics cannot sustain in the long term.”