New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu marked the 75th Constitution Day of India by unveiling a commemorative coin and stamp, alongside releasing two books dedicated to the Constitution today.
The ceremony, held at the Central Hall of the Old Parliament Building, was attended by prominent leaders, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, among others.
The event also saw the launch of two books: “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India and its Glorious Journey.” The President addressed a joint session of Parliament, celebrating the historic adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949.
While the occasion was marked by solemnity, it sparked controversy as opposition leaders raised concerns over being excluded from addressing the session. In a letter to Speaker Om Birla, they urged that the Leaders of Opposition in both Houses be allowed to speak at the event, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary democracy. The opposition argued that the tradition of including the Leaders of Opposition in such commemorations should be upheld.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded on behalf of the government, dismissing the opposition’s concerns. He stated that the Prime Minister would not be speaking at the event, and the Speaker, Vice President, and President were the scheduled speakers. Rijiju also pointed out that seating arrangements had been made for the Leaders of Opposition, calling their reaction unfounded and inappropriate for such a significant occasion.
The event also served as a backdrop to ongoing political tensions, particularly between the Modi government and the Congress party. In recent months, the Constitution has been at the center of political discourse, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urging voters to oppose the BJP to “save the Constitution.” The Congress party had also been embroiled in controversy following allegations from the BJP that it distributed “blank copies of the Constitution” during a campaign event in Maharashtra. The Congress swiftly dismissed these claims, accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation.
As the nation celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, the day served as a reminder of the document’s enduring significance in India’s democracy, while also highlighting the ongoing political divides surrounding its interpretation.
