Is accepting Constitution itself nationalism, asks Hegde

Union Minister of State for Skill Development Anantkumar Hegde, who recently courted controversy for seeking an amendment to the Constitution, on Friday sought to know if one's nationalism was limited to merely accepting the Constitution.

Hegde, who addressed his BJP workers after hoisting the national flag to mark the Republic Day, at the party office in Bengaluru, said, "When India got independence, the royal families thought they attained freedom. Others thought they were freed from the clutches of the British. The Constitution was framed to put in place an administrative system. But, is accepting Constitution itself nationalism? It is important to embrace even our culture and heritage. Only those who respect the culture of the land, truly respect the Constitutions."

He said that unlike the BJP members, who had understood this sentiment, "others" were finding it difficult to do the same.

"It is meaningless for those who don't respect the culture of this land to talk about the Constitution. No matter what I speak, it is made out to be a controversy. But, some people cannot digest facts. Just because they don't agree with you, you don't have to try and appease them. One should stick to facts and not go round about," Hegde added.

He said that it was impossible to understand the Indian heritage in one lifetime. "Earlier, people were fascinated by the American people. But, now the entire world has begun to look towards India," he said.