The Congress has criticized Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for allegedly objecting to Shashi Tharoor raising the 'Jai Samvidhan' (hail Constitution) slogan while taking his oath in the Lower House. On Thursday, Shashi Tharoor concluded his oath in English while holding a copy of the Constitution, saying, "Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan," before shaking hands with the Speaker.
As Tharoor walked away, Om Birla reportedly commented, "You are taking the oath of the Constitution only." This drew objections from Congress MPs present in the gallery, with Deepender Hooda stating, "What's wrong in saying 'Jai Samvidhan'? You shouldn't have any objections to this."
In response, Speaker Birla replied sharply, "I don't need your suggestions on what needs to be objected to and what not. Now sit down."
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the Speaker's actions, questioning on Twitter, "Can't 'Jai Samvidhan' be chanted in the Indian Parliament?" She expressed concerns about attempts to undermine the Constitution and silence opposition voices.
Supriya Shrinate, Congress's Social Media chief, also weighed in, remarking, "Now the Speaker has a problem even with saying 'Jai Samvidhan' in Parliament." She highlighted the irony of objections to a slogan that celebrates the very Constitution governing parliamentary proceedings.
It's worth noting that several MPs, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, had earlier taken their oaths on June 25 and raised the 'Jai Samvidhan' slogan. Om Birla had previously objected to members raising slogans during oaths and expunged remarks that were not part of the oath itself.
