Amid BJP-Congress standoff, stage set for Constitution debate in Lok Sabha today

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The Lok Sabha is set to convene today for a two-day debate marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

A similar discussion will take place in the Rajya Sabha on Monday and Tuesday. While the focus of the debate is expected to be on the significance and evolution of the Constitution since its adoption on November 26, 1949, the sessions are clouded by the escalating confrontation between the ruling NDA and the Opposition, particularly the Congress, which has paralysed parliamentary proceedings for weeks.

The political standoff, primarily fuelled by allegations linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Adani controversy and counter-allegations involving Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s association with billionaire George Soros, has led to multiple adjournments in both Houses since November 25.

The Congress has consistently pressed for discussions on the Adani issue, a stance that has irked not just the BJP but also several Opposition allies like the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, who accuse the Congress and the BJP of holding parliamentary business hostage to their infighting.

The debate in the Lok Sabha will open with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leading the government’s narrative. Around 12–15 MPs from the BJP and its allies, including former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Shrikant Shinde of the Shiv Sena, and Jitan Ram Manjhi, are expected to speak during the session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the concluding remarks on Saturday, addressing both the debate and counterattacks from the Opposition, sources said. Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, is expected to spearhead the Congress’ offensive, maintaining a sharp focus on the Adani issue.

This approach, however, risks further alienating Opposition allies, many of whom are likely to prioritise regional and governance-related grievances during their interventions. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s address will be closely watched, especially in light of her controversial expulsion during the final sessions of the previous Lok Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lead the BJP’s response on Monday, countering the Opposition’s anticipated “save the Constitution” pitch. This slogan emerged as a rallying cry for the Opposition, with various parties attempting to frame the government’s policies as a threat to the foundational principles of the Constitution ahead of the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year.

The BJP and the Congress both issued strict three-line whips to their MPs on Thursday, asking them to be present in the house on December 13-14 during the scheduled debate on the Constitution in India.

FLORAL TRIBUTES PAID TO MARTYRS OF 2001 PARLIAMENT ATTACKS
PM Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Amit Shah and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, among several other leaders, paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attacks ahead of the Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha.

The tributes came on the 23rd anniversary of the Parliament attacks, when five terrorists stormed inside the Parliament complex and killed nine people, including six personnel of Delhi Police. All five terrorists were gunned down by security forces.

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