The 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution is set to be commemorated in a special debate in Parliament on December 13 and 14, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to respond to the debate on December 14, according to sources. This high-profile discussion will be held in the Lok Sabha, while a similar debate will take place in the Rajya Sabha on December 16 and 17, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading the discussion in the Upper House on December 16. The anniversary marks a momentous occasion in India’s democratic history, and the debates are expected to be closely watched, with both government and opposition parties voicing their opinions on the current state of the Constitution.
The decision to hold these important debates follows a resolution of a prolonged parliamentary deadlock, which has plagued the current winter session of Parliament. This session, which began on November 25, had been marked by frequent disruptions, adjournments, and a lack of progress, frustrating lawmakers and the public alike. The ongoing session, originally scheduled to conclude on December 20, is now expected to focus on the landmark anniversary of the Indian Constitution, with the anniversary discussions likely to be a key highlight of the session. Given the importance of the occasion, this debate is expected to capture the attention of not only lawmakers but also citizens across the country who are invested in the functioning of India’s democratic institutions.
Amidst the preparations for these debates, there are growing concerns within the Opposition regarding the possibility of amendments to the Indian Constitution. These fears have been fueled by recent statements made by senior leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising the specter of changes to the foundational legal framework of the country. The Opposition parties have expressed strong reservations, warning that any such changes could jeopardize India’s democratic structure and undermine the values enshrined in the Constitution. The timing of these concerns is particularly significant, coming in the aftermath of the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the Opposition has voiced growing unease over the ruling government’s approach to governance and constitutional matters.
The upcoming debates in Parliament will provide the Opposition with an opportunity to highlight its concerns regarding the Constitution and the potential threat to its integrity. As discussions unfold, the Opposition parties, including the Congress and regional outfits like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP), are expected to raise a range of issues, from the government’s handling of important socio-economic matters to concerns over the possible erosion of democratic principles. These debates will therefore not only focus on the Constitution itself but also on the broader political context, including the government’s approach to governance and policy-making.
The TMC, in particular, is expected to use the platform to draw attention to the ongoing atrocities and violence against minority communities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. The TMC has expressed its deep concern over the growing violence in Bangladesh and has called on the Indian government to take a more active role in addressing the situation. Given the TMC’s focus on minority rights and human rights issues, this will likely be a central theme of the party’s participation in the debates, as it presses the government to take a firm stand on international issues affecting minority communities.
Similarly, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is expected to raise concerns regarding the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The party is likely to demand accountability for the violence and call for a fair and transparent investigation into the events surrounding the incident. This issue, which has generated significant local attention, will likely serve as a platform for the SP to assert its position on law and order, especially in light of the broader political discourse regarding governance and security. The party’s demand for accountability could also underscore concerns over the state’s handling of communal tensions and violence.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which has been at the forefront of criticism against the BJP, is expected to continue its focus on the Adani issue, which has been a central part of its opposition strategy. The Congress party has accused the BJP of being complicit in alleged corruption and fraudulent activities involving the Adani Group, and it is expected to call for a thorough investigation into these allegations. The Congress's consistent focus on the Adani controversy will likely continue to be a major theme in the debates, with the party pushing for transparency and accountability from the government.
On the other hand, the TMC is taking a slightly different approach compared to its INDIA bloc allies, particularly the Congress. While Congress remains fixated on the Adani issue, the TMC has sought to broaden its criticism to encompass a range of pressing national issues, such as unemployment, inflation, and what it perceives as fiscal discrimination against opposition-ruled states. By raising these concerns, the TMC aims to present a broader critique of the government’s economic policies and highlight what it views as inequalities in the distribution of resources. These issues are likely to be central to the TMC’s contributions in the debates, further expanding the scope of the discussion beyond the Constitution itself.
As the debates unfold, the focus will inevitably shift to the anniversary of the Constitution, which remains one of the most critical milestones in India's democratic history. The discussions will not only serve as an opportunity to celebrate the Constitution’s legacy but also provide a platform for both government and opposition parties to outline their visions for India’s future. The outcome of these debates, particularly regarding potential amendments to the Constitution, will likely have significant implications for the country’s legal and political landscape in the years to come. The political dynamics during this session will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of future debates on constitutional reforms, democratic values, and governance in India.
