New Delhi [India]: After the INDIA Bloc wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker requesting the Leaders of the Opposition (LoPs) in both Houses be allowed to speak on Constitution Day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Monday that the opposition had reacted without understanding the actual arrangements.
Speaking at a press conference, Rijiju said, “The problem with some opposition parties is that they have started reacting without knowing the actual arrangements. The Prime Minister is not even speaking at the function tomorrow. Only the Lok Sabha Speaker, Vice President, and the President of India will speak. Secondly, we have made arrangements for the opposition leaders of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to sit on the dais. Without knowing anything, this kind of reaction on a very solemn occasion is itself condemnable.”
The INDIA Bloc has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow the LoPs of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to speak during the Constitution Day event on November 26.
Union Minister Rijiju also shared that President Droupadi Murmu would address members of both Houses of Parliament on Constitution Day. He emphasised that the event was a tribute to the makers of the Constitution.
The celebration marks 75 years since the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. However, the Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950.
“I want to tell every citizen of the country that this is not just a celebration of the Parliament of India. This is a celebration of the country. In a way, we are honouring the Constitution of India and bringing its contents before the people. Secondly, we are paying tribute to the makers of the Constitution. This celebration will continue for a year. Tomorrow, when the President addresses the members of both Houses, I believe there will be no party politics or ideological differences. As Indians, we will celebrate Constitution Day. This evening, we will visit the President and formally invite her to tomorrow’s programme,” Rijiju said during the press conference.