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While the inspiring address by the President of India to a special joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on 26th November, 2024, further strengthened the resolve of the nation to march confidently towards ‘Viksit Bharat,’ the debates in both houses of Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution have shown the unflinching faith of the nation towards the Constitution, its values, and its spirit. The debates featured discussions on the Constitution, its role in shaping Indian democracy, and participation from leaders of various political parties reflecting on the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is to be noted that ‘Constitution Day,’ also known as the ‘Samvidhan Divas,’ is celebrated on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect from 26th January, 1950. This year, 26th November 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
It was highly unfortunate to note that while the debates in parliament to mark this occasion were to set an example for the nation, inculcating in them constitutional values and inspiring them towards their constitutional duty, the Congress-led
The nation has not forgotten the naked misuse of power by Congress when ‘emergency’ was imposed on the nation, fundamental rights were suspended, opposition was incarcerated, the press was censored, the judiciary was hounded, and the constitution was sabotaged
opposition sought to politicise the debate for petty political gains. As any discussion on the Constitution is set to expose Congress’s dark history of undermining the Constitution and killing its spirit, it sought to create issues out of nothing as diversionary tactics. The nation has not forgotten the naked misuse of power by Congress when ‘emergency’ was imposed on the nation, fundamental rights were suspended, opposition was incarcerated, the press was censored, the judiciary was hounded, and the constitution was sabotaged. The manner in which the non-Congress governments in the states were dismissed and destabilised, even in the centre, is still fresh in the memory of the people. The Congress not only misused the constitutional provisions but also, many a time, openly acted against the Constitution and used brute power to silence any voice that was raised against its authoritarianism. In complete contravention to the spirit of democracy inscribed in the Constitution, it sought to establish a dictatorial rule in the country.
It may be noted that on 11th October 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial in Mumbai, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced that 26th November would be celebrated as ‘Samvidhan Diwas’ in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The decision was taken to promote constitutional values among citizens and honour the contributions of the founding fathers of the Constitution, and particularly Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, in framing the Indian Constitution. While the BJP and its governments are known to follow the path shown by Babasaheb, upholding the principles, values, and spirit of the Constitution and working for the welfare of oppressed, exploited, and deprived sections of society while revolutionising the lives of Dalits, tribals, OBCs, women, and youth, it has also worked to preserve and promote the rich legacy of Babasaheb by building ‘Panchtirth’ and propagating his ideas in the society. On the contrary, the Congress has humiliated Babasaheb, made him lose elections, forced him to resign from the cabinet, denied him the Bharat Ratna, not even allowed his portrait in the central hall of parliament, and despised his legacy. The Congress has no moral right to speak anything on the Constitution and on the glorious legacy of Babasaheb; it can only find solace in repenting on its past misdeeds. As the nation renews its faith in the principles, values, and spirit of the Constitution, the legacy of Babasaheb continues to inspire the nation.