Kharge Slams Modi and BJP Over ‘Red Book’ Controversy, Defends Caste Census Demand
Mumbai: In a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday condemned the equating of a “red book” version of the Constitution with “urban Naxalism.” Addressing a press conference after launching the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) manifesto for the upcoming November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections, Kharge defended his party’s stance on the caste census and refuted BJP’s allegations.
Kharge took particular aim at a recent comment by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of seeking the support of “urban Naxals and anarchists” by holding up a “red book” of the Constitution during his rallies. Gandhi has been carrying an abridged version of the Constitution, bound in a red cover, at his public events.
Kharge clarified that the red handbook was simply an abridged version of the Constitution and was used as a reference tool, not a complete document. He pointed out that even Prime Minister Modi had presented a similar copy to then-President Ram Nath Kovind in 2017. Kharge displayed a photo of Modi handing over the red book to Kovind, underlining that this was a gesture that had not been questioned at the time.
Reiterating his point, Kharge remarked that the red book was not “blank” as some BJP leaders had suggested, and sarcastically suggested that the Prime Minister might need to go back to primary school for further education on the subject.
The Congress chief also addressed the ongoing debate about the caste census, which the opposition has been strongly advocating. Kharge explained that the demand for a caste-based enumeration was not aimed at dividing society, but at understanding the current socio-economic conditions of various communities. He emphasized that the goal was to ensure that people from marginalized communities received their rightful share of benefits and opportunities.
Kharge also expressed his confidence in the MVA’s manifesto, which he described as an inclusive and participatory document. According to the Congress leader, the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra and offers a blueprint for stability and good governance in contrast to the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which he claimed has failed to meet the state’s needs.
With the election campaign intensifying in Maharashtra, Kharge urged voters to support the MVA for a stable and prosperous future, signaling that the Congress-led alliance was committed to addressing the state’s challenges and ensuring equitable growth for all communities.
As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, political rhetoric continues to heat up, with issues such as caste-based reservations and constitutional symbolism becoming focal points in the battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties.
