The Parliament Winter Session is in full swing, with the Lok Sabha convening for the second and final day of the Constitution debate. This special session marks 75 years since the adoption of India’s Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha, offering a sweeping critique of the opposition, while defending the government’s actions on key constitutional issues.
Earlier today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the newly elected Congress MP from Kerala’s Wayanad, delivered her maiden speech. In a fiery address, she criticized the government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over various issues, including the treatment of farmers and laborers. Priyanka, the sister of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, secured a significant win in Wayanad after her brother vacated the seat to retain Rae Bareli.
On the government’s side, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders participated in the debate. The Winter Session, which began in November, is scheduled to end on December 20.
Key Moments from the Debate
- PM Modi Backs Article 370 Abrogation
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the government’s decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a move that honored Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for a unified India. - PM Modi Attacks Congress Over Leadership Issues
Modi took aim at the Congress party, referencing former leaders like Sardar Patel and Sitaram Kesri to accuse the party of neglecting democratic principles and not adhering to its own constitution. - Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate
Modi strongly defended the UCC, asserting that it was in line with the original aspirations of the Constituent Assembly and that leaders like Ambedkar supported it for ensuring equality across all religions. - PM Modi Criticizes Congress for Delay in OBC Reservations
Modi criticized Congress for delaying the implementation of the OBC reservation policies, which were only realized after the party was ousted from power. - Shah Bano Case and Constitutional Violations
Citing the Shah Bano case, Modi accused former PM Rajiv Gandhi of overriding a Supreme Court verdict to appease a vote bank, which he argued was a violation of constitutional values. - Dynastic Politics and Emergency
Modi also highlighted how dynastic politics, especially within Congress, had harmed the Constitution. He described the imposition of the Emergency by Indira Gandhi as a major attack on India’s democracy and constitutional integrity. - Constitution as Foundation of Unity
The Prime Minister underscored that the Constitution was the bedrock of national unity and pointed out the diverse backgrounds of its framers. He hailed the role of women in drafting the Constitution and noted that India granted women the right to vote from the very beginning. - Congress Responds to BJP’s Attacks
Congress MP Kumari Selja defended Rahul Gandhi’s speech, asserting that he has consistently raised the issues affecting the poor, farmers, and workers. Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh emphasized that the party had long been a champion of the Constitution’s values. - Owaisi Questions Government on Waqf Properties
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi responded to claims about Waqf properties, accusing the government of attempting to undermine the rights of religious communities. - Priyanka Gandhi’s Speech Dispute
Priyanka Gandhi raised concerns that the word “Adani” had been deleted from her maiden speech. She questioned why the BJP was allowed to mention names, but her speech was censored.
The ongoing debate in Parliament is expected to continue with more sharp exchanges, as political leaders reflect on the Constitution’s journey and its current relevance.
