Rajnath Singh: Opposition Has Disrespected Parliament Numerous Times During Constitution Debate

New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) A special two-day discussion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution's adoption commenced in the Lok Sabha on Friday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leading the debate.

He commenced his address by honoring the martyrs of the 2021 Parliament terror attack.

The Defence Minister praised the Constitution, referring to it as a blueprint for uniting the country, ensuring democracy, and fostering self-reliance.

"We the people of India adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949... I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this House and all citizens of the country on this significant milestone of 75 years since the Constitution's adoption... Our Constitution lays the groundwork for nation-building by addressing all facets of social, economic, political, and cultural life..."

He accused the Opposition of attempting to politicize the Constitution.

"The Constitution of India serves as a moral compass for every citizen and instills a profound sense of identity within each individual," stated Singh.

He remarked that some portray it as a byproduct of colonial rule, and merely a compilation of favorable elements from various Western Constitutions.

"The contributions of many involved in drafting the Constitution were overshadowed. It emerged from the sacred fires of the Independence movement, with its essence nurtured by the sacrifices of our soldiers," declared Rajnath Singh.

The Defence Minister acknowledged that numerous individuals, who were not part of the drafting committee, played crucial roles in its formulation, naming Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and Veer Savarkar.

He emphasized that the BJP-led government has consistently aimed to uphold the Constitution, developing several significant schemes in line with its principles.

The Minister criticized the Opposition for having disrespected the Constitution on multiple occasions. Although he did not mention the Congress directly, he implied that one party has sought to hijack the Constitution.

"Our Constitution is a well-crafted and robust framework that encompasses every dimension of our social, political, and cultural existence. It acts as a guiding force in nation-building, fostering cooperative federalism and national unity. It empowers the legislature, executive, and judiciary to collaboratively work for the welfare of the Indian populace," he remarked.

"The Constitution continues to serve as a roadmap for transforming India into a model nation. However, recent attempts have been made to foster the notion that the Constitution belongs to a particular political party. Such assertions diminish the collective efforts of the Constituent Assembly and the sacrifices of the innumerable individuals who contributed to its creation...," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to deliver the concluding remarks on the evening of December 14.

A significant highlight of Friday's session will be the inaugural speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Key members from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including H.D. Kumaraswamy, Srikant Shinde, Shambhavi Chaudhary, Rajkumar Sangwan, Jiten Ram Manjhi, Anupriya Patel, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, are also expected to engage in the debate.

Opposition figures such as DMK’s T.R. Balu and A. Raja, along with Trinamool Congress MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra, are likely to participate.

Both the BJP and Congress have issued a ‘three-line whip’ to ensure their members are present during this vital session.

A similar debate on the Constitution is slated for Monday and Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha, with Home Minister Amit Shah set to lead the discussion.