As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on November 26, top leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will address the nation at a special event. The Prime Minister will not be addressing the event, instead a commemorative coin and stamp will be released. However, the Opposition has raised objections over their leader Rahul Gandhi not being invited to speak at the event. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed these claims, stating that arrangements have been made for the Leader of Opposition in both houses of parliament to be present on the dias.
At a BJP rally in Jharkhand's Palamu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing a "fake" copy of the Constitution, void of any content and with "Constitution of India" written on the cover, in order to mock the sacred document and its makers. Shah also accused Congress of trying to take away reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and give it to minorities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 26 November as Constitution Day.
The iconic statue of Lady Justice at the Indian Supreme Court's judges' library has been reimagined to align with a more indigenous legal identity. The statue, traditionally depicted with a sword and blindfold, now holds a copy of the Indian Constitution with her eyes unveiled. This shift symbolizes a move towards fair and equal treatment for all citizens, placing emphasis on the Constitution as the foundation of justice. This change, overseen by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, is part of a broader effort to shed colonial symbols and traditions. Additionally, Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang recently attended a State-Level International Labour Day celebration, marking the state's commitment to indigenous practices and traditions.
While speaking to Reuters, Sajeeb Wazed, son of Bangladesh Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, revealed that his mother did not have the time to formally resign before fleeing to India due to violent anti-quota protests by students. He also claimed that she is still the Prime Minister of the country according to the constitution. The formation of an interim government without her resignation may face legal challenges. This development comes on a day when protesting students demanded the resignation of all judges, including the Chief Justice, after he called for a full-court hearing without consulting the newly-formed interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The BJP-led central government has declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the imposition of the Emergency by the Congress-led government in 1975. Home Minister Amit Shah shared a gazette order by PM Modi, stating that the day will honor the struggles of those who endured the inhuman pains of the Emergency. The decision also aims to reaffirm the commitment of the people of India to never support such gross abuse of power in the future. PM Modi also emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the consequences when the Constitution is trampled over.
In a show of protest against the ruling coalition government, members of the opposition held up copies of the Constitution of India during the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers in the 18th Lok Sabha. The NDA holds a majority with 293 seats, while the BJP has 240 seats, just shy of the 272 majority mark. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of attacking the Constitution, while MPs showcased India's linguistic diversity by taking their oaths in various languages. The Parliament session has been adjourned for the day and will reconvene tomorrow.
BJP leader Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar drew sharp criticism after proclaiming 'Jai Hindu Rashtra, Jai Bharat' during his oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha. The opposition leaders raised objections, terming it "against the Constitution." Earlier, the second day of the Parliament session also saw pro-Palestine slogans raised by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, which further stirred controversy. Meanwhile, members of the opposition INDIA bloc including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Kanimozhi, took oaths on Tuesday with a copy of the Constitution in their hands, ending it with 'Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan' slogans.
On the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary, NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh has stated that people are determined to not let the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) make any changes to the Indian Constitution. Amidst talks of changing the Constitution if BJP secures 400 seats, Deshmukh has reassured that the people will not let this happen. Deekshabhoomi, a pilgrimage centre of Buddhism in India, also holds great significance among the followers of Dr. Ambedkar on this day.
In honor of International Women's Day, India Post and Save Constitution have collaborated to release a series of postcards featuring women who were part of India's Constituent Assembly. These postcards, which include the likes of Sarojini Naidu and Sucheta Kriplani, serve as a means of showcasing and remembering the important historical role these women played in drafting India's Constitution. Coinciding with the highly anticipated 96th Academy Awards, there is also excitement for the Indian documentary To Kill a Tiger, directed by Nisha Pahuja, which has been nominated for an Oscar in the Documentary Feature Film category.
In the city of Belagavi, district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other senior officers participated in the Republic Day celebrations. Minister Jarkiholi highlighted the significance of the Constitution in shaping India into a modern nation and praised the contributions of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasized on the values of social justice, equality, and freedom of expression which are the gifts of the Indian Constitution.