Pawan Kalyan Sparks Debate: Is Dharma Equivalent to the Indian Constitution?

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A significant political controversy has emerged following Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's remarks comparing Dharma with the Indian Constitution during his speech at Karnataka's Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt.

While addressing the Geetha Utsava gathering, Kalyan expressed his view that Dharma and the Constitution share a complementary relationship. He highlighted, "The original handwritten Constitution of India features a magnificent illustration of Lord Sri Krishna imparting the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the page listing directive principles of State policy. This deliberate inclusion by our Constitution makers symbolizes the moral foundation of our nation—justice, welfare, equality, and righteous governance."

Kalyan further elaborated, "Many perceive Dharma and Constitution as separate entities, but they aren't. Dharma serves as a moral guide while the Constitution functions as a legal framework. These two elements complement each other, both striving toward establishing a just, peaceful, and compassionate society."

His statements, however, triggered strong opposition from Congress party representatives.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad criticized the actor-turned-politician, suggesting that such statements come from celebrities with limited understanding of the Constitution. "The Constitution maintains a secular character; Dharma has no place within it," he asserted.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also contested Kalyan's perspective, claiming he lacks proper comprehension of both legal principles and Dharma. "The Constitution and Dharma cannot be considered equivalent," Kharge stated.

Meanwhile, Kalyan received support from his NDA alliance partner, the BJP. Mahesh Tenginkai defended Kalyan's position, saying, "What Pawan expressed is accurate. The fundamental principles are indeed the same."