Parliament Debate Updates: Constitution Debate Concludes With PM Modi's Speech

• Union Minister Rajnath Singh initiated the Constitution debate in Lok Sabha, slamming the Opposition for attempting to project that a single party was responsible for the document.

• Singh also accused the grand old Congress party of trying to destroy the basic principles of the Constitution.

• During her maiden speech in Parliament, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi took a swipe at the BJP saying that had it not been for the Lok Sabha election results, in which the BJP scraped through to victory, the government would have begun work on changing the Constitution. 

• Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday alleged efforts are being made to reduce minorities, especially Muslims, to second-grade citizens. Participating in a debate in Lok Sabha on the 'Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India', Yadav said, "Whenever we get opportunity, we will conduct a caste census."

Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution, TMC MP Mahua Moitra slammed the BJP-led Centre on Friday for "bleeding the Constitution from a thousand cuts" and said it is crystal clear that the political executive has "systematically eroded democracy" over the last 10 years.

Moitra asserted that the need of the hour is to ensure that the idea of India survives in its purest form.

As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, the Lok Sabha is conducting a two-day debate involving a fierce political showdown between the government and the opposition. The debate on the Constitution has been the key demand of the opposition for the Winter Session of Parliament.

As per the listed agenda of the Lok Sabha, there is a special discussion on the 75th anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India.

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The adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949, stands as one of the most significant milestones in India's history. This monumental achievement was the result of exhaustive debates, meticulous planning, and the collaborative efforts of the Constituent Assembly. It took 167 days of debates, contributions from 274 members, and over 36 lakh words to frame the longest written constitution in the world, which initially comprised 1.45 lakh words. This document, written by hand and decorated with artistry, stands as a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the Constituent Assembly.

READ FULL STORY HERE

"Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi will be speaking in the Parliament today. We also accused BJP and government of threatening and not respecting the constitution. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also spoke about it in the Parliament yesterday. Today also we will continue”, said Congress leader K Suresh

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with others, protests in the Parliament premises, demanding relief package for Wayanad.

While leading the government's charge in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Indian Constitution is the most inclusive of all Constitutions in the world that allows every individual to practice their religious practices and every citizen has a voice.

Further terming the constitution 'the most beautiful Constitution in the world', Kiren Rijiju said "...I come from such a region where I have seen airplane first and cars later because it was only after I became an MP the roads for cars were built. When the Prime Minister gave me the opportunity to sit in the place where Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had sat. When I became the law minister of this country. Before assuming the post of Law Minister, I first tried to understand what Baba Saheb Ambedkar wanted, what all things and thoughts were in his mind which he could not do. The first thing that came to my mind was that Baba Saheb Ambedkar became the first Law Minister of this country but why did he resign is not often discussed in front of people. I read the letter which Baba Saheb Ambedkar wrote to Pandit Nehru ji who was the Prime Minister....Our Constitution is not only the largest Constitution in the world but also the most beautiful Constitution in the world."

The government has listed two bills related to "one nation, one election" for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Union Law Minister Meghwal will introduce The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lower House.

The ruling BJP took a major step towards implementing its key plank of "one nation, one election" on Thursday as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

(With PTI Inputs)

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Commenting on the politics of discrimination in European countries, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "...A narrative is being created. According to the survey of the Center for Policy Analysis in European Union, 48% people in the European Union have been victims of discrimination. Most of them are Muslims, believers of Islam."

"In France, many discrimination reports were presented. In that, people from the majority Muslim community have objected to those who wear head scarves, burqas and said that this discrimination is being done against them. In Spain, the report of internal hate crimes against Muslims is so high, this has also been mentioned in the report", he further added.

"You know the condition of Pakistan, what happens in Bangladesh, you people know what has happened to Sikhs, Hindus, Christians in Afghanistan, whether it is a problem in Tibet or Myanmar, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, Pakistan or Afghanistan, if there is oppression against the minority or some problem arises, the first country where they come to seek protection is India. Then why is it said that there is no protection for minorities in this country...I am saying that such things should not be said which harm the image of the country, I am not saying this for any one party. I am saying this for the country", Rijiju concluded

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav took their oaths as Members of Parliament while holding the Constitution of India. During the Lok Sabha elections, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the Indian Constitution is blue and suggested Gandhi held the Chinese Constitution—a statement debunked by news outlets. At rallies, Rahul Gandhi defended the Constitution라이브 바카라 role in securing rights for all citizens, while PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to it, comparing it to sacred texts. This ongoing debate, along with historical critiques by the RSS and discusssion about reviews post-Babri Masjid demolition, underscores the Constitution's significance and its contentious role in India's political landscape.

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Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and other MPs protest in premises of Parliament over the alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution in Maharashtra's Parbhani.

Chaos erupted in the Lok Sabha after DMK MP A Raja said that the BJP would alter the Constitution and declare India as a Hindu rashtra. Objecting to the mark, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the DMK MP needed to authenticate his claim. 

"Your Vice President of the party - in an interview before the elections— said if we (BJP) get 400 then we will alter the Constitution and declare this country as Hindu Rashtra," A Raja said. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began his speech by quoting Veer Savarkar and said, "The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshipable after vedas for our Hindu nation... This book for centuries has codified the spiritual and divine march of our nation. Today, Manusmriti is law."

He added: "These are the words of Savarkar...Savarkar has clearly stated in his writings that there is nothing Indian about our Constitution. He has clearly stated that the book India is run by should be superseded by this book. This is what the fight is about..."

"Nice that you say you are defending the Constitution, but I want to ask, do you stand by your leader's words? Because when you speak about protecting the Constitution you are abusing, ridiculing Savarkar," the Leader of Opposition told the BJP.

"Those who gang raped the girl are roaming outside while the parents of the victim are locked inside their house. Parents cannot go outside," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, during the Constitution debate. 

"The family told me that the UP government promised them relocation but it has been four years, they haven't been relocated. Every day they are threatened by the accused," he said, adding, INDIA Bloc will offer relocation.

Quoting the Constitution, "Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised questions on the Sambhal violence in which five were killed.

"This is Abhayamudra. Confidence, strength and fearlessness come through skill, through thumb. These people are against this. The manner in which Dronacharya cut off the thumb of Eklavya, you are busy cutting off the thumb of the entire nation...When you handover Dharavi to Adani, you cut off the thumb of entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses. When you handover India's ports, airports and defence industry to Adani, you cut off the thumbs of all fair play business of India who work honestly," Rahul Gandhi said.

Anurag Thakur, BJP MP from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh opened the Constitution in the Lok Sabha and read the preface out loud. Quoting a line from the preface, he said, the Constitution brought an end to the emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Congress leader KC Venugopal is currently addressing Parliament. Alleging bias towards opposition parties in the House, he said: "If we are discussing the Constitution, this House should be open for everyone. But what is happening is that this House is not for the Opposition, but only the BJP." 

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, during his address to the House, said the results of the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections show that the Opposition cannot "fool the citizens in the name of the Constitution".  

Congress MP Kumari Selja evoked the Farmers’ protest issue in Lok Sabha and said that the BJP-led government has made Haryana-Punjab border like India-Pakistan border.

During discussion on 75th anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, "Read Article 26, it gives religious denomination, the right to establish and maintain institution for religious and charitable purposes. The Prime Minister says that Waqf has nothing to do with Constitution. Who is teaching the PM? Make him read Article 26. The goal is to snatch away Waqf properties...You want to snatch it away on the basis of your strength..."

Manipur MP Alfred Arthur asked in Lok Sabha, "Where was the Constitution on December 4, 2021, when special forces killed six civilians who were returning home to their families after working in coal mines?

"What did this government do at that point in time? This country should hang its head in shame."

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Saturday said his party and India라이브 바카라 first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru strengthened the roots of democracy and the Constitution to the extent that a “tea-seller” could become the country라이브 바카라 prime minister.

“Yesterday, ruling party people were attacking Nehru but I would like to tell the House that the Congress and Nehru strengthened the roots of democracy and the Constitution so much that a tea-seller is a prime minister now. The Congress strengthened the roots (of democracy),” the MP from Jharkhand라이브 바카라 Lohardaga said.

Congress’ Imran Masood, in his speech, recalled the time during which the constitution was being framed by the constituent assembly. He pointed out the dire economic situation of the time. “Even at a time when there was widespread violence, the Constitution was speaking of peace and equality. This was Dr. Ambedkar라이브 바카라 blueprint.”

Speaking during discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, PM Narendra Modi says, "For all of us, for all citizens and for all democracy-loving citizens across the world, this is a moment of great pride..." Modi hailed India라이브 바카라 democracy, saying that the journey of Constitution has been memorable.

The Prime Minister also thanked the MPs who participated in the festivities to celebrate the 75 years of Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the role of women members of the Constituent Assembly in making India's Constitution.

“India gave women the right to vote since the beginning,” noted PM Modi, comparing the position of Indian women with Western democracies.

He said, “Today, women are at the center of every major government scheme. During the G20, we presented the idea of women-led development. Today, the Indian President is an Adivasi woman. The participation and contribution of women are increasing in every sector, including fields like space.”

PM Modi described Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as the roadblock to “national unity” and hailed the move to abrogate it.

“Our policies, decision-making process in last 10 years have been aimed at strengthening India's unity,” he said

Modi said, “The constitution is completing 75 years today, but if we are to look at the previous milestones. When the constitution was completing its 25 years, emergency was imposed. Constitutional rights were denied, and the country was converted into a big jail."

“The sin of Emergency can never be erased from Congress’ forehead,” he added. 

Continuing his address in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi said: "The Constitution allowed me to become a Chief Minister. It was the spirit of the Constitution that allowed people like me to reach here. We didn't have a political background; how could we have reached here? It was the Constitution that allowed us."

Continuing his criticism of Congress, PM Modi said: “At that time, PM Nehru wrote to the Chief Ministers, stating that if the Constitution becomes a hindrance, then we should bring changes to it. This is what Nehru said!”

He added, “The country, however, did not remain silent. The President and Speaker warned Nehru and tried to stop him. But Nehru followed his own Constitution. Congress developed an addiction to tampering with the Constitution, repeating it time and again.”

PM Modi further said, “Over six decades, the Constitution was amended 75 times. The seed planted by the first PM was nurtured by another — Indira Gandhi. Ignoring the Supreme Court라이브 바카라 1971 decision, she amended the Constitution to clip the judiciary라이브 바카라 wings and hand complete power to the Parliament.”

PM Modi said, “When Indira Gandhi라이브 바카라 election to the Lok Sabha was overturned, she imposed the Emergency in 1975 to save her position. She also changed the Constitution to retrospectively protect the positions of the President and others from judicial challenge.”

“Indira Gandhi also ensured that Justice Khanna, who ruled against her election, was not made the Chief Justice of India,” PM Modi added.

“This tradition continued. Rajiv Gandhi disregarded the Supreme Court라이브 바카라 order in favour of Shah Bano and instead followed vote-bank politics.”

PM Modi accused Congress of disregarding its own constitution, saying that as per Congress Committees, Sardar Patel should have been the Prime Minister, but this was ignored in favour of Nehru. Opposition benches protested against his remarks.

“For us, the Constitution is paramount. In 1996, the BJP was the largest party in the Lok Sabha, but our government lasted only 13 days because Atalji respected the Constitution and resigned in 1998. This is our history!” Modi added.

PM Modi accused Congress of frequently using the term “jumla,” adding, “The country knows the biggest jumla was the ‘Garibi Hatao’ movement run by one family for generations.”

Highlighting his government라이브 바카라 efforts, Modi said, “For the dignity of the poor, we began building toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission.”

“Until 2014, there were crores of people who had did not even have a bank account. We changed that. We made the correct use of banks in this country,” PM Modi said.

“The disabled population has also been provided with the correct infrastructure by my government. It was also unfortunate situation that the country did not have a common sign language. We took the initiative to bring this about, and it is now being used.”

PM Modi, speaking about the welfare changes made by his government, highlighted policies aimed at uplifting transgenders and the tribal community. He pointed out that until Atal Bihari Vajpayee라이브 바카라 government, there were no separate ministries for the tribal community or the Northeast states.

“Even the most backward person is granted rights by this Constitution. It also places the duty of implementation on governments. Instead of labelling districts as ‘backward,’ we focused on the development of ‘Aspirational Districts,’” Modi added.