‘Tapasya Means…’: Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya Episode In Lok Sabha, BJP Counters

Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya addressed the Lok Sabha during the Constitution debate and alleged that the government has “chopped the thumb” of youths in the country with its policies.

Constitution Debate Lok Sabha: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Centre during the Constitution debate in Lok Sabha and alleged that the BJP considers “Manusmriti above Constitution”.

He also drew a parallel between the Eklavya episode in Maharashtra and the governance of the Narendra Modi government and claimed that the Centre was “chopping the thumb of the youth of the country”.Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya

What Did Rahul Gandhi Say?

Addressing the House during a debate on the 75 years of the Constitution of India, Rahul Gandhi cited an instance from the Indian epic Mahabharat stating that Dronacharya sought the thumb of Eklavya as an honorarium.Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya

“There was a boy (Eklavya) who did tapasyawoke up early in the morning with bow and arrow. Tapasya means generating heat in the body (penance means creating warmth in the body),” he said, triggering laughter across the House. Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya

“Just like Dronacharya chopped the fingers of Eklavya, you (the government) have chopped the thumb of the youth of the country,” the LoP said.

The remark drew sharp criticism from the treasury ben hes who countered the LoP stating that he was presenting wrong facts. Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya

Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP Over Savarkar, Manusmriti

Raising Veer Savarkar in the House, the LoP claimed that the freedom fighter said that there is “nothing Indian” about the Constitution of India.

“Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshippable after Vedas for our Hindu nation and from which our ancient times have become the basis for our culture, customs, thought, and practice. This book, for centuries, has codified the spiritual and divine march of our nation. Today, Manusmiriti is the law.” These are the words of Savarkar,” Rahul Gandhi said.

He further asked the BJP if the party leaders agreed with Savarkar’s purported quotes. “Because when you speak in Parliament about protecting the Constitution, you are ridiculing Savarkar, you are abusing Savarkar, you are defaming Savarkar,” he said. Rahul Gandhi Invokes Eklavya

Rahul Gandhi Rakes Up Adani In Lok Sabha

Rahul Gandhi raked up Adani in the Lower House again stating that the government is “cutting off” the thumb of youths by “handing over” various sectors to the industrialist.

“When you hand over Dharavi to Adani, you cut off the thumb of entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses. When you handover India’s ports, airports, and defence industry to Adani, you cut off the thumbs of all fair play business of India who work honestly,” he said.

(With ANI inputs)