Fcat-check| Video clip alters context: Rahul Gandhi's alleged statement on Congress and Constitution misinterpreted

Guwahati: A video circulating on social media purportedly shows Congress leader Rahul Gandhi suggesting the elimination of the Constitution if his party comes to power. A social media user shared the video with a caption (in Hindi) that translates to, "Today, by talking about abolishing the Constitution, Rahul Gandhi proved that the Congress Party is against the Constitution."

However, a closer examination reveals that the video has been taken out of context.

In the original footage, Gandhi is actually quoting remarks made by BJP members regarding their intentions to amend the Constitution.

The original video was posted on the Indian National Congress' YouTube (archived here)  channel and captures Gandhi addressing the public in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

He highlights statements made by BJP leaders about abolishing or amending the Constitution. Gandhi emphasizes the importance of the Constitution in safeguarding people's rights and reservations, particularly for marginalized communities like the Adivasis.

The Hindu reported that during an election rally in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Gandhi criticized the BJP for their remarks on the Constitution and reservations. He stated that the BJP aims to eliminate the Constitution and reservations for people belonging to backward classes.

This speech was in response to controversial remarks made by BJP members, including Anantkumar Hegde and Jyoti Mirdha, who suggested amendments to the Constitution if the party gained power. Gandhi's criticism of these statements was reported by various media outlets.

In March 2024, India Today reported that BJP MP from Karnataka, Anantkumar Hegde, stirred controversy by stating that the party would "amend the Constitution if it came to power." This statement was criticized by Gandhi and other Opposition leaders.

In summary, the video shared on social media misrepresents Rahul Gandhi's stance. He was actually condemning the BJP's proposals to amend the Constitution, not advocating for its elimination. Therefore, the claim is misleading.

This story is republished from Logically Facts as part of the Shakti Collective. Read the original story here.