Opposition Leaders Demand Two-Day Debate on Constitution in Parliament
Opposition leaders in India have called for a two-day debate on the Constitution in both Houses of Parliament, stressing the importance of engaging in such a discussion in light of recent developments across the country. The proposal, put forth by Congress leaders, aims to provide every Member of Parliament (MP) with the opportunity to express their commitment to the Constitution and its principles.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, who initiated the call for the debate, emphasized that similar discussions have taken place in the past on significant occasions, such as the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. He highlighted that the debate would allow MPs to reflect on the importance of the Constitution and ensure that the country witnesses a strong reaffirmation of its values.
The proposal has been formally presented through letters to the Chair of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. Gaurav Gogoi stated that the request had been made after consulting with opposition leaders, and the aim was to discuss both the positive aspects of the Constitution and the challenges the nation faces today.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, supported the call for a debate, noting that he and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also written to the Speaker and Chairman of the respective Houses. “Time should be allotted to discuss both the positive aspects of the Constitution and the challenges we face today,” Kharge said, adding that they were awaiting a response from the government on this matter.
The demand for the debate comes as the country marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh raised concerns about the implementation of the Constitution’s Preamble, questioning whether the country was truly fulfilling the ideals of justice, liberty, and fraternity. He pointed out the rise of communal tensions in the country, calling for a more genuine commitment to inclusivity and development.
Singh also referred to the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, which occurred during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, believed by some to be built atop an ancient Hindu temple. Singh expressed concern that such incidents, as well as the perceived leniency in legal oversight, were indicative of a failure to uphold the principles of the Constitution.
The call for a two-day debate also received support from Congress Lok Sabha MPs K. Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi, and Manickam Tagore, who met with Speaker Om Birla to reinforce the need for a discussion. They hope that the debate will not only address these concerns but also send a powerful message of the nation’s commitment to constitutional values and rights.
The opposition leaders are now awaiting the government’s response to their request, with the aim of ensuring that the discussion reflects the core values of the Indian Constitution and its continued relevance in addressing contemporary issues.
