In a fiery political confrontation, the Indian National Congress has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over its recently drafted labour policy that surprisingly references the ancient Manusmriti text. The opposition party has condemned this move as a dangerous departure from constitutional values and a nod to regressive social hierarchies.
The Controversial Reference
The draft National Employment Policy, which has sparked widespread debate, contains direct references to the Manusmriti - an ancient legal text that has long been criticized for endorsing caste discrimination and social inequality. Congress leaders argue that invoking such a text in modern labour policy directly contradicts India's constitutional principles of equality and social justice.
Political Firestorm Erupts
Senior Congress leaders have vehemently opposed the policy draft, stating that it represents the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) ideological influence on the current government. "This isn't just about labour policy; it's about what kind of India we want to build," declared a prominent Congress spokesperson during a press conference.
The party has accused the government of attempting to "sneak in regressive elements" through policy backdoors, warning that such moves could undermine decades of social reform and progressive legislation.
Constitutional Values vs Ancient Texts
Congress representatives have emphasized that while ancient texts have historical significance, they cannot form the basis of modern governance. "Our Constitution is our guiding document, not texts that legitimize social discrimination," argued one parliamentarian.
The controversy has reignited debates about the role of ancient scriptures in contemporary policy-making and the continuing tension between traditional values and constitutional morality in Indian politics.
Government's Defence
While the government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the specific criticism, sources suggest that the reference might have been included to highlight India's ancient economic traditions. However, critics maintain that any invocation of Manusmriti in official policy documents is unacceptable in a democratic, egalitarian society.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing ideological battle between the Congress and BJP, with labour rights and social justice becoming the latest battleground in India's intense political landscape.
