Nationwide Movement Launched to Defend Constitutional Values Amid Growing Threats

Historic Gathering in Davanagere Calls for Unity Against Authoritarianism

Davanagere, April 26 — In a powerful show of resistance, activists, intellectuals, and citizens from across India gathered at the Beeri Ligeshawara Temple Complex in Davanagere to launch a nationwide movement aimed at safeguarding the Constitution. The event, organized by Eddelu Karnataka and allied progressive groups, saw the formation of a “Constitution Protectors’ Force” to counter rising threats to democratic values.

The day began with a massive rally through the streets of Davanagere, where hundreds marched holding copies of the Constitution’s Preamble, banners, and placards demanding the protection of fundamental rights. The subsequent convention featured fiery speeches condemning both the Central and Karnataka State governments for failing to uphold constitutional principles.

“True Patriots Respect the Constitution”: Intellectuals Sound the Alarm

Eminent thinker and writer Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa set the tone with a stirring address. “True patriots are those who respect the Constitution and stand for equality. When people unite, nothing is impossible. People’s power is supreme,” he declared.

Ramachandrappa warned of the deepening intellectual decay fueled by caste and religious divisions, calling for a united movement to defend democracy. His sentiments were echoed by Noor Sridhar, a key leader of Eddelu Karnataka, who accused the Union government of “mischievous attempts to tamper with the spirit of the Constitution.”

“The ruling powers find the Constitution inconvenient. They want to play with it, bend it, and break it. We must resist this mischief at all costs,” Sridhar asserted. Turning his criticism toward the Congress-led Karnataka government, he added, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration has failed to deliver on its manifesto promises and continues many of the previous BJP regime’s flawed policies.”

“Constitution Is India’s True Social Contract”: Leaders Demand Accountability

Saleem Engineer, a senior leader from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, emphasized that the Constitution is the bedrock of India’s democracy. “It is not religion, not caste, but the Constitution that binds this nation together. Without constitutional values, India cannot survive as a democracy,” he said.

In an emotional appeal, Engineer urged citizens to prioritize constitutional protection over all else. “If the Constitution is weakened, marginalized communities — minorities, Dalits, Adivasis, and farmers — will suffer first.”

Farmer leaders Dr. Sunilam and Darshan Pal of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha reinforced the Constitution’s role in grassroots struggles. “Every home must have a copy of the Constitution’s Preamble. We must treat it as sacred — even more than any religious text,” Dr. Sunilam asserted.

Fragmented Resistance: Calls for Unified Struggle

Guruprasad Keragodu, a senior Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader, lamented the lack of unity among progressive movements. “We are all fighting separately. If we do not unite, we cannot win. This platform must bring together all struggles for justice,” he urged.

Other speakers, including Mohammed Yusuf Kanni (Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka) and Dr. Vijaya (Eddelu Karnataka), stressed the urgency of transcending caste, community, and ideological divides to protect constitutional rights.

Constitutional Betrayal: Unfulfilled Promises and Rising Extremism

The convention sharply criticized historical and contemporary attacks on constitutional values. Speakers recalled the RSS’s early opposition to the Constitution and demanded an apology for past statements questioning its “Indianness.”

Highlighting persistent inequalities, activists cited alarming statistics — including 1.87 crore people still engaged in manual scavenging and rising violence against women and Dalits — as proof of systemic failures. “Had we protected the Constitution properly, we would not be in this situation today,” said senior activist Maavalli Shankar, invoking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warning that the Constitution’s survival depends on the commitment of both rulers and citizens.

“Constitution Protection Force”: A New Frontline for Democracy

As part of its resolutions, Eddelu Karnataka announced the formation of a structured “Constitution Protection Force”, with plans for district-level training, awareness campaigns, and cultural initiatives.

Political analyst Parakala Prabhakar expressed optimism, stating, “Forces have been working against the Constitution for 100 years. But today, seeing the strength here, my fears have vanished. A united army for protecting the Constitution has emerged.”

A Clarion Call: Defend Democracy, Resist Authoritarianism

The convention concluded with a resolute pledge: to combat authoritarianism, communalism, and casteism by placing the Constitution at the heart of India’s political and social discourse. The movement vows to ensure that constitutional values remain the guiding force in shaping the nation’s future.

As democratic freedoms face increasing threats, this gathering marks a crucial step in mobilizing citizens to reclaim India’s constitutional soul.