Let’s speak on Constitution Day: Opposition; government rejects demand | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The year-long celebrations to mark 75 years of adoption of the Constitution will begin on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session at the Central Hall of the Old Parliament.
However, the event reignited political tensions, with opposition parties urging LS chairman Om Birla to allow their leaders to address the festive event. This comes against the backdrop of repeated boycotts, with 14 opposition parties skipping the event in 2019 and 2021, citing concerns over alleged violations of constitutional principles.
The government rejected the opposition’s request, saying the event was apolitical. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that only the President, Vice President and Speaker would speak, saying: “This is an opportunity to honor the Constitution, not a platform for politics.” He added that Prime Minister Modi would not address the meeting despite his presence.
“The problem with some opposition parties is that without knowing the actual settlement, they started making comments. The Prime Minister will not even speak in office tomorrow. Secondly, we have made sitting arrangements for the opposition leaders of both LS and RS at the meeting. Without knowing anything, this kind of reaction on a very solemn occasion is condemnable,” Rijiju said.
The celebration of November 26 as Constitution Day was formalized through a government gazette in 2015, following Modi’s announcement during the inauguration of BR Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality monument in Mumbai. Previously celebrated as Law Day, the occasion highlights the importance of the Constitution and the vision of its architect, Ambedkar.
To mark the occasion, a commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released and the President will lead a ceremonial reading of the Preamble of the Constitution. It will also result in the publication of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili languages.