Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha, described India’s journey since the adoption of the constitution in 1949 as ‘’extraordinary’’. He underlined that the nation’s ancient democratic heritage has served as a guiding light for the world for a long period. PM Modi highlighted that India is not only a democracy but the mother of democracy, his statement reflected India’s historical roots of democratic values in India.
Recognizing the milestones gained in India’s democratic journey, PM Modi stated that the Constitution has been the foundation of the nation’s unity. Despite early doubts related to its ability to sustain democracy after gaining independence, the country has proven its strength has progressed rapidly. He attributed the vision of the Constitution’s framers and the citizens who played a crucial role in upholding its spirit over the decades. He also quoted leaders like Purushottam Das Tandon and Bhim Rao Ambedkar and reminded the House that India’s democratic roots come from its independence.
Modi while speaking in a two-day debate in the Lok Sabha criticized the Congress party, blaming it for continuously undermining the Constitution after ‘’tasting power’’. On the contrary, he said that his government has been making efforts since 2014 to empower India’s unity and protect the principles of the Constitution.
He also blamed the previous Congress administration for dividing the country’s diversity and weakened its unity. Targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family for undervaluing the Constitution. ‘’The family has left no opportunity to damage the Constitution,’’ he stated and justified his criticism by pointing out that they held the power for 55 years. The prime minister also highlighted the actions taken by the former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi for asserting their decisions which most of the time went against the principles of the Constitution.
PM Modi also took an indirect jab at Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, mentioning that the current generations of the family are also following the same pattern. He emphasized the role of the Constitution as it enabled leaders from modest backgrounds like himself to take on the key role.
Empowering women through the Constitution
PM Modi also underscored a major achievement in women’s empowerment, when the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed. Under this Bill, seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were reserved. He also hailed the Constitution for permitting voting rights to women from the beginning. The country is also witnessing unparalleled women-led development.
Modi also asserted India’s resolution to become a developed nation by 2047, underlining that unity continues to be the main source for achieving this ambitious goal. He also paid tribute to the architects of the Constitution and affirmed its key role as the cornerstone of India’s democracy.
(With inputs from PTI)