As the countdown begins for the crucial two-day debate in the Lok Sabha marking 75 years of India’s Constitution, tensions are running high between the BJP and Congress. The debate, set to begin at noon today, is expected to be a heated one, with both parties gearing up for a major face-off. The session, however, is overshadowed by an ongoing war of words between the BJP and Congress, fueled by controversies surrounding Sonia Gandhi’s alleged links with George Soros and the US indictment of the Adani Group.
Key Highlights of the Debate:
- BJP’s Strategy: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will kick off the debate on behalf of the BJP, with speeches from key allies, including HD Kumaraswamy, Shrikant Shinde, Jitan Manjhi, and Shambhavi Choudhary. The BJP’s focus will be on attacking the Congress, particularly over the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the alleged “fake narratives” propagated during the April-June federal elections. The party also aims to counter accusations that it intends to alter the Constitution.
- Prime Minister’s Role: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have the final word, responding to both the debate and opposition’s counter-attacks on Saturday evening. His speech is expected to underline the BJP’s aggressive stance in confronting its rivals.
- Congress’ Counterattack: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, making her debut speech in Parliament, will spearhead the opposition’s response. The Congress is likely to continue its focus on the Adani issue, which has been central to its criticism of the BJP. The Congress will also frame its narrative around the need to “save the Constitution,” countering the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic principles.
- Opposition’s Unity in Opposition: While Congress leads the charge, several of its allies, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Samajwadi Party, have expressed frustration over the focus on Adani, arguing that it has hampered effective governance. Key figures like TMC’s Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, and DMK’s A Raja will also speak, adding further layers to the opposition’s discourse.
- The Whip: Both the BJP and Congress issued three-line whips late Thursday, urging MPs to be present for the debate. This high-stakes session will continue in the Rajya Sabha next week, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lead the BJP’s charge.
As the debate unfolds, expect sharp exchanges and fierce accusations as both parties aim to make their case in what promises to be a defining moment in India’s constitutional journey.
