Lok Sabha: Day 2 of Constitution Discussion, PM Modi to Respond Today
Today marks the second day of the Constitution discussion in the Lok Sabha, held as part of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address and respond to the deliberations. The two-day discussion began on December 13.
On the first day, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi participated in the debate, presenting their contrasting perspectives. Rajnath Singh highlighted the historical significance of the Constitution and its pivotal role in governance, while Priyanka Gandhi emphasized that fear cannot drive the nation forward.
Rajnath Singh Criticizes Congress Over Constitution Changes
In his speech, the Defense Minister took a strong stance against the Congress party, asserting that the Constitution was not the product of any one political party but rather a collective effort rooted in India’s cultural and civilizational values. He accused Congress of attempting to monopolize the Constitution’s legacy and criticized its amendments over the decades.
Rajnath Singh stated, “Our Constitution is not a gift from any one party. It was crafted by the people of India based on our values. Unlike Congress, we have never used the Constitution for political gains.”
He pointed out the frequency of amendments during Congress rule: 17 under Jawaharlal Nehru, 28 under Indira Gandhi, 10 under Rajiv Gandhi, and 7 under Manmohan Singh, claiming these changes often served political interests.
Priyanka Gandhi Hits Back at the Ruling Party
Responding to the ruling party’s criticisms, Priyanka Gandhi accused them of consistently blaming the past and Pandit Nehru. She emphasized Nehru’s contributions to nation-building, citing initiatives such as HAL, ONGC, IITs, and PSUs, and argued that his legacy cannot be erased.
She also criticized the government’s policies, stating, “Today, those in power speak of the past but fail to address their responsibilities. Farmers are in distress, and resources are being concentrated in the hands of one individual.”
Priyanka accused the government of creating inequality, claiming that ports, mines, airports, and other key resources were being handed over to one entity, exacerbating economic disparity.
The debate continues today with Prime Minister Modi’s much-anticipated response in the Lok Sabha.
