Constitutional values under threat, says Sonia Gandhi

Taking on the government on the eve of the 71st Republic Day, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi said, on Saturday, the constitutional values were no longer safe

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi
Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi
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IANS

Taking on the government on the eve of the 71st Republic Day, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi said, here on Saturday, the constitutional values were no longer safe.

"Today, the Constitution and its values are being attacked by way of a concerted and vicious conspiracy. Constitutional principles are being systematically encroached upon as also the independence of constitutional institutions is being scuttled at the whims of autocratic authoritarianism," Gandhi said in the statement.

Urging citizens to protect the Constitution, she said, "It's the duty of every citizen to stand united in defence of the Constitution."

Gandhi said agriculture and farmers were on the verge of devastation, the youth were ravaged by unfathomable unemployment and the country was facing recession and closure of factories.


"It has led to unmitigated helplessness on part of small businesses and shopkeepers. The economy is in doldrums, economic progress has been ruined and recession is knocking at the door," the Congress leader said.

To divert public attention from the economic mess, administrative bankruptcy, runaway inflation, recession and unacceptable unemployment, a deep-rooted conspiracy had been hatched to set a discourse to divide the countrymen based on religion, regionalism and language as also to subvert and undermine the Constitution, she said.

An atmosphere of disturbance, fear and insecurity has been foisted upon the country. she said and added, the government was trying to crush dissent. "Every individual voicing dissent is being trampled upon by the state's brute might," Sonia said.

Here's the full text of Sonia Gandhi's statement:


Message of Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi on the eve of 71st Republic Day

My dear Countrymen,

My heartiest felicitations on the eve of 71st Republic Day.

70 years ago, our great Constitution was drafted and adopted by the Nation as per the aspirations and desires of all countrymen & women. The cardinal principles of justice, equality, freedom, secularism and fraternity run through the veins of our Constitution.

Every letter of the Constitution is not a mere a printed word but a living philosophy for every citizen and an eternal path of governance for the democratically elected rulers. This path is laced with the sacrifice of crores of freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi, wherein every Indian’s rights to social, economic & political justice, thought, expression, belief, independence of and right to practice of religion, dignity and opportunity have been guaranteed.

Therefore, this 71st Republic Day is also a day of reaffirming our commitment to the founding values and principles of our Constitution and implementing every phrase inscribed in it in letter and in spirit.


Today, the Constitution and its values are being attacked by way of a concerted and vicious conspiracy. Constitutional principles are being systematically encroached upon as also the independence of Constitutional institutions is being scuttled at the whims of autocratic authoritarianism. It is, therefore, the duty of every citizen to stand united in defence of the Constitution.

Agriculture and the farmer are standing on the verge of devastation today. India’s youth is ravaged by unfathomable unemployment. Recession and closure of factories has led to unmitigated helplessness on part of small businesses andshopkeepers. Economy is in doldrums, economic progress has been ruined and economic recession is knocking at every door. However, every individual voicing dissent is being trampled upon by the brute might of the State.

To draw attention away from economic mess, administrative bankruptcy, run away inflation, all round recession andunacceptable unemployment; a deep rooted conspiracy has been hatched to set a discourse to divide the countrymen based on religion, regionalism and language as also to subvert and undermine the Constitution. An unprecedented atmosphere of disturbance, fear and insecurity has been foisted upon the country. The common citizen is convinced that the constitutional values are no longer safe in the hands of the present dispensation.

Today, the onus of protecting the Constitution is on the shoulders of every Indian.


Let’s leave behind personal prejudices emanating from lust for parochial political gains and take a renewed pledge fornation building. Every countryman and woman must reaffirm and assimilate one’s duty towards guarding the Constitution and defending India’s unity. This is the litmus test for our commitment to the Constitution and our patriotism.

Jai Hind!

(Sonia Gandhi)

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