The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS of reinforcing barriers that obstruct the paths of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs. 

Addressing the Samvidhan Rakshak Abhiyaan (Save Constitution Campaign) event at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, the Senior Congress leader said that while the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government made efforts to dismantle these barriers, it did not weaken the wall to the extent it should have.

Rahul Gandhi further said that he can guarantee that PM Modi has not read the Constitution. He continued that if the Prime Minister had read the Constitution, that he would not do what he does daily. The Leader of Opposition asserted that the Constitution is not merely a document but embodies India’s values of truth and non-violence, cultivated over thousands of years.

He also pointed out that the country’s whole system is pitted against Dalits, Adivasis, and backward class people, mentioning that a wall stands in the way of Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs, and PM Modi along with the RSS are strengthening that wall by adding cement to it.

The Congress leader also reflected on the UPA’s initiatives, such as MGNREGA and the Right to Food, which he said aimed to weaken these barriers. The BJP are strengthening that wall by adding concrete, he continued.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also praised the ongoing caste census in Telangana as a significant step forward, promising that the Congress will do the same wherever it comes to power.

Additionally, Rahul Gandhi also said that many want to pursue careers in engineering or media, but systemic barriers often deny them opportunities. He added that today, there is hardly any representation of backward communities in media ownership or among anchors, which reflects the skewed opportunities available to them.

Describing the Constitution as a tool for justice, Rahul Gandhi called for a renewed focus on its values, which he said were being undermined. He mentioned that the entire system in this country is working against Dalits, Adivasis, and backward-class people, and it is their responsibility to restore the vision of the Constitution.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday expressed concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Issuing an official statement, the Ministry said that this incident comes amid a series of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including arson, looting, theft, vandalism and desecration of religious sites.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, Bangladeshi Hindu monk was arrested on charges of sedition, and his bail application was rejected by the Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Court. Reportedly, the court noted that the police did not request Das’s remand, and directed his transfer to judicial custody. Furthermore, it also directed that the monk be granted all religious privileges during his detention.

The MEA in its statement urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. India also pointed out that the perpetrators of these acts remain at large, while charges have been pressed against Das for peacefully voicing demands. It added that the ministry has noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das.

As per Bangladeshi media reports, Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu was arrested on charges of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally he addressed in October. The President of Pundarik Dham in Bangladesh, was one of the 18 charged with sedition over the hoisting of a saffron flag in Bangladesh. Reports said he had organised multiple rallies in Bangladesh to condemn what the protestors called atrocities against fellow devotees.

Meanwhile, Hindus in West Bengal have announced plans to protest and block the Petrapole Border if bail is not granted to ISKCON’s Chinmoy Das. Furthermore, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said that the party would hold protests today and tomorrow in front of the West Bengal Assembly over the situation in Bangladesh. A torch rally is also planned for this evening.

Amid major suspense over Mahayuti’s choice for the top post, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resigned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Tuesday. He tendered his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, were also present at Raj Bhavan.

Eknath Shinde will continue to serve as the caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed. In the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won a landslide victory, bagging 235 seats in the 288-member Assembly. At present, the coalition has failed to arrive at a consensus on who should be the next chief minister.

The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has maintained that he should continue to lead the state, emphasizing that the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which proved to be the game-changer in the elections, was his brainchild. Notably, on the counting day, Eknath Shinde too stated that the results are the reflection of the hard work they have done in the past 2.5 years.

Meanwhile, the BJP leaders, which recorded its highest ever tally in the state, have been pitching for Devendra Fadnavis to take oath as the chief minister for a third time. Also, NCP’s Ajit Pawar has backed BJP’s claim. In the elections, the BJP secured 132 seats, its best performance in Maharashtra, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively.

Furthermore, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has urged the BJP leadership to replicate the Bihar pattern in Maharashtra for appointing Shinde as the chief minister. The MP said that Nitish Kumar was made the Chief Minister of Bihar even though his party didn’t have the majority.

Earlier on Tuesday, Eknath Shinde took to X and urged his supporters not to throng his official residence to pitch for his continuation as the chief minister. He said that out of love for him, some people have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai, but he appeals that no one should come together in his support in such a manner. He also expressed gratitude.