Constitution Day 2024: Opposition Demands Rahul Gandhi’s Address; Government Responds

By taazalive24.mahaenokari.com/

Nov 25, 2024 | 4 Min Read

Constitution Day 2024: Opposition Demands Rahul Gandhi’s Address; Government Responds

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As India prepares to commemorate Constitution Day on November 26, marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, tensions between the government and the Opposition have escalated. The event, to be held at the historic Samvidhan Sadan (Central Hall of the old Parliament building), will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ceremony will feature the release of a commemorative coin and stamp, along with Constitution copies in Sanskrit and Maithili. Additionally, a mass reading of the Preamble by citizens across the globe will take place under the President’s guidance.

However, political friction has taken center stage as the Opposition demands an opportunity for Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, to address the event.

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Opposition's Demand for LoP’s Address

The INDIA Bloc, led by Congress, has raised questions about the absence of LoP Rahul Gandhi in the program lineup. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Opposition emphasized the constitutional importance of the LoP position, stating,

"When the Prime Minister is asked to speak, why not the LoP?"

The Congress party highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to protect democratic values, citing his “Save Constitution” campaign as an apt reason for his inclusion in the event.

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Government’s Response

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Opposition’s claims, asserting that their objections were baseless. He clarified,

"The LoP of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been given seats on the dais. The Prime Minister himself is not delivering a speech at this event, so the Opposition’s argument holds no ground."

Rijiju reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a respectful and inclusive celebration of Constitution Day.

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PM Modi’s Separate Address

While the Prime Minister will not speak during the Constitution Day ceremony, he is scheduled to address a separate event later in the evening. This gathering will include Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. PM Modi’s address is expected to focus on the Constitution’s enduring role in shaping India’s democratic framework.

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The Historical Significance of Constitution Day

First declared in 2015 during Modi’s tenure, Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a sovereign democratic republic.

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Event Highlights and Preamble Reading

• The event will feature mass Preamble readings at Panchayat levels and rural sites like Amrit Sarovar locations.
• Citizens worldwide are encouraged to participate in the Preamble reading to honor the Indian Constitution's principles.
• Dignitaries, including the President and Vice President, will address the nation on this occasion.

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While the Constitution Day celebration focuses on unity and democratic values, the dispute over the LoP’s participation underscores the ongoing friction in India’s political arena. All eyes are now on the event as it unfolds, with citizens eager to witness how both government and Opposition navigate these tensions.

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Authored by Jitendra Gawali, committed to delivering in-depth, balanced coverage of key events shaping India's future.