The political temperature in India soared on November 26, 2024, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) levelled sharp accusations against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting President Droupadi Murmu during the Constitution Day celebrations. The BJP, led by spokesperson Amit Malviya, claimed that Gandhi’s failure to greet the President and his behaviour during the event displayed “arrogance” and a “cheap mentality.”
The controversy began when a video from the Constitution Day event was shared on social media by BJP leaders. In the video, Gandhi was seen not participating in the customary greeting of President Murmu, the country’s first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional office. The footage also suggested that Gandhi appeared distracted during the national anthem and left the stage without acknowledging the President.
BJP’s Allegations and Statements
BJP leaders wasted no time in framing the incident as emblematic of the Congress party’s alleged disregard for marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Amit Malviya, a prominent BJP spokesperson, took to social media to criticize Gandhi, stating,
“What kind of a cheap mentality is this? Rahul Gandhi’s refusal to greet President Droupadi Murmu, a symbol of India’s tribal pride, reflects not just personal arrogance but a broader disdain for marginalized communities.”
Malviya argued that Gandhi’s behavior was part of a larger narrative of the Congress party’s neglect of tribal communities, pointing to historical instances where the party had been accused of sidelining tribal issues. He and other BJP leaders suggested that the perceived slight against President Murmu highlighted the Congress’s inability to embrace the growing representation of marginalized groups in Indian politics.
The BJP’s criticism extended beyond the individual to the Congress party as a whole. BJP leaders framed Gandhi’s actions as a continuation of what they claim is the Congress’s historical indifference towards the concerns of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
The Tribal Factor: A Key Political Narrative
The BJP’s framing of the incident as an affront to tribal dignity is politically significant. President Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader from Odisha, represents a crucial electoral demographic. Tribals form a significant portion of the electorate in many states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of northeastern India. By focusing on this incident, the BJP seeks to strengthen its outreach to tribal communities and position itself as the champion of their interests.
The BJP has made a concerted effort in recent years to appeal to tribal voters, as seen in the decision to nominate Murmu as the presidential candidate in 2022. Her election was celebrated as a historic moment for India’s tribal communities, and the BJP has frequently highlighted this as a symbol of its commitment to inclusivity.
Congress’s Response and Counter-Accusations
As of now, Rahul Gandhi has not publicly responded to the BJP’s allegations. The Congress party has also refrained from issuing an official statement addressing the specific accusations. However, Congress leaders have previously accused the BJP of hypocrisy in its treatment of President Murmu.
Congress leaders have pointed to incidents where the BJP allegedly undermined the President’s dignity. For instance, President Murmu was not invited to inaugurate the new Parliament building earlier in 2023, an event widely criticized by opposition parties. Similarly, she was also excluded from the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an event of immense political and religious significance. Congress leaders argue that these actions demonstrate the BJP’s selective respect for the President and her tribal identity.
In a statement earlier this year, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of using President Murmu’s identity for political gain while sidelining her in critical moments. “The BJP’s respect for the President is performative and selective,” Ramesh said in a past interview, reflecting the opposition’s narrative.
A Broader Pattern of Political Posturing
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the political posturing surrounding marginalized communities in Indian politics. Critics argue that the BJP and Congress have selectively invoked tribal issues to suit their narratives.
The BJP, while championing tribal representation through the elevation of President Murmu, has faced criticism for its policies affecting tribal communities, including forest rights and land acquisition laws. Activists have accused the party of prioritizing corporate interests over tribal welfare in resource-rich states.
On the other hand, the Congress party, which has historically enjoyed support from tribal communities, has been criticized for failing to address systemic issues during its decades-long rule at the center. BJP leaders have accused the Congress of tokenism, pointing to the lack of significant tribal representation in key leadership roles within the party.
Historical Context: Tribal Representation in India
India’s tribal communities, constituting around 8.6% of the population, have long struggled with issues of marginalization, land rights, and access to education and healthcare. While the Indian Constitution protects and promotes tribal interests, implementing these provisions has often been inadequate.
The elevation of Droupadi Murmu to the presidency was seen as a watershed moment in Indian politics, symbolizing a step toward greater representation of marginalized groups. For the BJP, her nomination was a strategic move to consolidate tribal support ahead of critical elections in tribal-dominated states.
The Fallout: Implications for Congress and BJP
The BJP’s allegations against Rahul Gandhi come when both parties are gearing up for the 2024 general elections. For the BJP, the incident provides an opportunity to reinforce its narrative of the Congress being out of touch with the aspirations of marginalized communities.
For the Congress, the incident poses a challenge in countering the BJP’s claims without alienating key voter bases. The party has been attempting to revive its presence in tribal-dominated regions, as evidenced by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which prominently focused on issues of social justice and equality. However, incidents like this threaten to undermine these efforts by giving the BJP ammunition to attack the Congress’s credibility.
Public Reactions and Social Media Debate
The incident has also sparked widespread debate on social media. While BJP supporters have criticized Gandhi’s actions as disrespectful, Congress supporters have dismissed the controversy as a manufactured distraction from pressing national issues.
Many neutral commentators have questioned the politicization of the incident, arguing that genuine respect for marginalized communities should be reflected in policies and actions rather than symbolic gestures.
The accusations against Rahul Gandhi and the broader narrative surrounding the incident underscore the highly charged nature of Indian politics, where symbolism often takes centre stage. As the BJP and Congress continue to trade barbs, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between identity politics and governance in India.
In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, both parties are likely to intensify their outreach to tribal communities, recognizing their critical role in shaping electoral outcomes. For now, the Constitution Day controversy has provided the BJP with a fresh opportunity to question the Congress’s commitment to inclusivity. At the same time, Congress must navigate the fallout carefully to avoid alienating key voter groups.
Whether this controversy will resonate with voters or fade into the more giant cacophony of electoral politics remains to be seen. However, it has once again highlighted the enduring importance of symbolic representation and respect in a diverse democracy like India.
