It's fascist agenda: Sonia

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 14. The Congress(I) president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, today launched a blistering attack on the BJP- led National Democratic Alliance's decision to review the Constitution, saying it was a ``conspiracy'' against democracy. It was aimed at establishing a ``communal and fascist autocracy,'' she said, the Congress(I) would fight such moves tooth and nail and would protect the Constitution at any cost.

Addressing a rally on the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar - christened ``Kranti Diwas'' by the party. Ms. Gandhi accused the NDA of ``twisting'' India's culture and history to give it a communal colour by trying to change the curriculum in educational institutions.

``Whenever communal and fascist forces have come to power, their focus is on such things,'' she said. The real tribute to Dr. Ambedkar would be to prevent such parties from coming to power.

Ms. Gandhi said that the saffron combine did not believe in democracy. ``They don't have a majority in Parliament but they want to change the Constitution. Their attempt is to create an atmosphere of suspicion and tension.''

Paying tributes to Dr. Ambedkar, architect of the Constitution, she said it was reprehensible that those of a particular ideology were trying to attack and denigrate Dr. Ambedkar's contribution. ``Even his intentions are now being doubted.'' It was shameful that the Constitution was under attack at a time when its golden jubilee was being celebrated.

Dr. Ambedkar's basic philosophy aimed at uplifting the Dalits, the poor and the downtrodden. His campaign against untouchability was aimed at social equality for all. He had put social justice and equal rights before economic justice. Mahatma Gandhi had considered him the most appropriate person to be the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution.

The Constitution ``review'' now being undertaken was an insult to the country's founding fathers and a move to destory their dreams and ideals. But the Congress(I) would not allow this to happen.

In her 13-minute Hindi speech, Ms. Gandhi referred to the letters she had written to the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, on the issue of reservation in promotions for the Schedule Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Until now, the Government had not taken a single step to correct the distortions. ``Their intentions are clear. All their promises are only for elections.''

The rally was organised by the AICC's SC/ST department, of which Mr. Ajit Jogi is the secretary and Mr. Jai Kishan is the convenor.

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