New Delhi [India]: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi delivered her first speech in the Lok Sabha during a discussion marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Her address, which focused on issues like constitutional integrity, women’s safety, and economic disparity, received widespread praise across party lines.
Highlights from Priyanka Gandhi’s Speech:
- Constitution as a Shield:
- Priyanka described the Constitution as a “suraksha kavach” (safety armour) safeguarding citizens’ rights, justice, and unity. She expressed concern over alleged attempts by the ruling government to weaken this shield through privatization and policy changes.
- Criticism of Economic Policies:
- She accused the government of favoring industrialist Gautam Adani at the cost of the broader populace, citing examples from agriculture and infrastructure.
- “For one person, everything is being changed. Businesses like railways, airports, and cold storage are being handed over, ignoring the interests of 142 crore Indians,” she said.
- Women’s Safety and Justice:
- Priyanka emphasized the lack of protection for women and criticized the government for allegedly misusing constitutional provisions.
- Tributes and Historical Context:
- She paid homage to the soldiers who defended Parliament during the 2001 attack, linking their sacrifice to the enduring strength of the Constitution.
Reactions to Her Speech:
- Congress Leaders:
- Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, applauded her for presenting facts clearly. “We are very happy about her performance,” he said.
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, quipped that her speech was better than his.
- Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, called her address “excellent.”
- BJP MP Ravi Kishan:
- He congratulated Priyanka for her debut and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address her concerns in his response.
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into Parliament followed her comfortable victory in the Wayanad bypolls, where she secured a margin exceeding four lakh votes. Her speech has set a strong tone for her parliamentary journey and marked her as a prominent voice in the ongoing discussions about the future of India’s governance and policies.