On December 13, 2024, the Lok Sabha initiated a two-day debate commemorating the 75 Years of Constitution adoption . This discussion, held on December 13 and 14, was a collaborative effort between the government and opposition parties to reflect on the Constitution’s enduring significance.
Initiation of the Debate on 75 Years of Constitution
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the debate, emphasizing that the Constitution embodies India’s civilizational values and is not the product of any single political entity. He criticized the Congress party for allegedly attempting to monopolize credit for the Constitution and accused it of undermining constitutional principles during its tenure. Singh highlighted the contributions of various leaders, including Madan Mohan Malviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and Veer Savarkar, in shaping the nation’s constitutional ethos.
Opposition’s Perspective
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha during this debate. She accused the current government of eroding the protective framework provided by the Constitution. Gandhi suggested that, had the BJP secured a more decisive victory in the recent elections, it might have initiated changes to the Constitution. She underscored the importance of dialogue and discussion in India, asserting that the Constitution serves as the nation’s guiding voice.
Key Issues Discussed
- Constitutional Ownership: The debate featured contrasting views on which political entities can claim credit for the Constitution. The BJP argued that the Constitution is a collective legacy, while the Congress highlighted its historical role in its framing.
- Protection of Constitutional Values: Both sides accused each other of actions that allegedly compromised constitutional principles. The BJP pointed to past instances like the Emergency, while the Congress criticized current policies they believe threaten democratic norms.
- Role of Founding Figures: There was a focus on acknowledging the diverse leaders who contributed to India’s constitutional development, beyond the commonly recognized figures.
Resolution of Parliamentary Deadlock
Prior to this debate, Parliament had experienced a week-long stalemate due to disagreements over various issues, including demands for discussions on topics like the Adani Group controversy and regional violence. The deadlock was resolved when the government agreed to the opposition’s demand for a debate on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary. This agreement facilitated the smooth functioning of both Houses, with the Lok Sabha scheduling the debate for December 13-14 and the Rajya Sabha for December 16-17.
The Constitution debate in Parliament served as a platform for both the government and opposition to reaffirm their commitment to India’s constitutional values. It highlighted the importance of collective ownership of the Constitution and the need for continuous dialogue to uphold democratic principles. The discussions underscored the significance of recognizing the contributions of various leaders in shaping the nation’s constitutional framework and the necessity of protecting it from any form of erosion.
