BJP leaders praised Savarkar, who apologized to the British; sacrifices of our freedom fighters were not even mentioned-Kang
Bahadurjit Singh/ Sri Ananadpur Sahib/ December 13,2024
AAP MP Malvinder Kang, during the parliamentary discussion on the Constitution, expressed deep disappointment at the BJP leaders’ failure to honor great freedom fighters such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Rajguru, and Chandrashekhar Azad. Instead, they chose to glorify Savarkar, who apologized to the British. “It is deeply unfortunate that the sacrifices of our freedom fighters were not even mentioned,” Kang said.
Kang expressed pride in the Aam Aadmi Party’s efforts to honor the Constitution’s creator and the martyrs of the freedom struggle. “In Delhi and Punjab, AAP governments ensured that photos of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh are displayed in all government offices,” he said.
He accused the BJP government of trying to crush the very Constitution that guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom and equality. “The Constitution defines India as a socialist state, but the BJP government is doing the opposite. Over ₹13 lakh crore of corporate loans are being waived, while farmers, the backbone of the nation, are left to struggle on the streets,” he said.
“The Constitution establishes India as a secular state, but today, riots are being orchestrated on the basis of caste and religion. People are being discriminated against based on their food, attire, and beliefs,” Kang stated. Citing an example, he noted that the central government rejected the recommendation of two senior turbaned Sikh lawyers for judgeship in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, allegedly due to their religious identity. He also mentioned the labeling of Sikhs as Khalistanis and traitors during the farmers’ movement.
Kang further criticized the BJP government for weakening the federal structure enshrined in the Constitution. “The Constitution advocates federalism, but today, the states are being consistently discriminated against. The federal structure is being undermined, and the powers of elected governments are being curtailed. Despite Delhi’s overwhelming mandate for Arvind Kejriwal, the central government introduced undemocratic amendments to reduce the powers of the Delhi government,” he said.
BJP leaders praised Savarkar, who apologized to the British; sacrifices of our freedom fighters were not even mentioned-Kang stressed the urgent need to preserve India’s democratic and constitutional framework and to strengthen the nation’s secular fabric.
Kang also addressed the ongoing violence in Manipur and the disputes across the country over temples and mosques. Highlighting the divisive and inflammatory speeches by some leaders, he said, “The communal situation in the country is deeply alarming and goes against the very spirit of the Constitution.”
He pointed out that the autonomy of India’s democratic institutions is under threat. “Investigative agencies are being misused, and the independence of institutions must be safeguarded. Whether it is the Election Commission or the judiciary, every institution is under scrutiny. Recently, a judge publicly delivered a speech that incited communal and religious sentiments. This is a clear indication that the independence of our democratic institutions must be protected at all costs,” Kang asserted.
Concluding his speech, Kang raised the issue of Chandigarh, saying, “Punjab made the greatest sacrifices during the freedom struggle. The state suffered the most losses along with West Bengal. Yet, it is shocking that Punjab has not been given its rightful capital, Chandigarh. It is time for us to reflect on this.”
