Hegde remark assault on India identity: Congress

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday attacked the BJP over Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde’s remarks about changing the Constitution, saying they were a “direct assault” on the composite identity of the nation and the party will oppose any such attempt with all its might.

Congress spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi said that the BJP and the RSS were “unmasked” by Mr Hegde’s remarks and alleged that “abusing the oath of office and denigrating the Constitution and its values have become a distinctive feature of Modi government”.

Mr Hegde, while speaking at an event in Karnataka, had said he respects the Constitution but “it will be changed in the days to come.”

Condemning Mr Hegde’s comments, Mr Gogoi asked if the Prime Minister would break his silence on Mr Hegde’s remarks as the minister had openly spoken about changing the Constitution.

Mr Hegde’s remarks are a “direct assault” on the composite, diverse and secular identity of the nation, Mr Gogoi said.

He alleged that the BJP-RSS school of thought is ingrained in “bigotry, hate, divisiveness and prejudices, that envision a monolithic culture”.

Mr Gogoi told reporters here that Hegde’s remarks were diametrically opposite to the liberal and inclusive traditions of India and the progressive thoughts of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the makers of modern India.