New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his heartfelt wishes to the citizens of India on this Republic Day, emphasizing that safeguarding the Constitution is tantamount to safeguarding the Indian Republic, a fitting homage to the sacrifices of the nation’s freedom fighters.

In a post on the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Wishing all our fellow citizens a joyous Republic Day. Our Constitution is the most powerful tool for every Indian – it represents our voice and protects our rights. Our Republic stands upon a solid foundation that thrives on equality and harmony. To protect the Constitution is to protect the Indian Republic – a genuine tribute to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Jai Hind! Jai Constitution!”

Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shared his greetings on X, stating, “Dear citizens, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend my warm wishes to you all on this Republic Day. This year marks 76 years since the Constitution of India was adopted, serving as a steadfast guardian of our conscience and the essence of the Indian Republic. We must be ready to make any sacrifice necessary to defend the Constitution, as this is our truest tribute to our ancestors’ sacrifices. Jai Hind.”

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared her Republic Day greetings on social media, stating, “Wishing all countrymen a joyous Republic Day. On this significant day, our Constitution came into effect, guaranteeing the values of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity to every Indian. Our Constitution is the safeguard of 1.4 billion Indians, and our commitment to protect it is unwavering. Jai Constitution! Jai Hind.”

In the meantime, the spectacular Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path is set to commence shortly and will continue for around 90 minutes. This year’s Republic Day theme is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”. The parade will highlight India’s development journey, rich cultural diversity, and military prowess through various tableaux, performances, and displays by the Armed Forces.

Every year on January 26, Republic Day is celebrated to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution, regarded as the supreme law of the land, binding all citizens. Although India gained independence on August 15, 1947, it did not have its own Constitution at that time. The governance framework initially relied on a modified version of the British-era Government of India Act, 1935, combined with elements of the common law system.

Shortly after Independence, a Drafting Committee was established to formulate a comprehensive Constitution for the nation, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar appointed as its chairman. After extensive discussions and debates, the Constitution of India was finalized and adopted on November 26, 1949, a date now commemorated as Constitution Day.

The Constitution took effect on January 26, 1950, symbolizing India’s emergence as a sovereign, democratic, and republican state. Although the nation achieved freedom from colonial rule on August 15, 1947, it was with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, that India officially proclaimed itself a fully sovereign republic governed by democratic principles and the rule of law.