Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took the oath as a member of the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, elected from both Wayanad and Raebareli. Gandhi has chosen to vacate the Wayanad seat for his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Rahul Gandhi’s swearing-in was marked by the chants of “Bharat Jodo” and holding a copy of the Indian Constitution.
To protect the Constitution is the duty of every patriotic Indian.
We will fulfill this duty in full measure. pic.twitter.com/8O1JA24cBa
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 25, 2024
“I, Rahul Gandhi, having been elected a member of the House of People, do solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter. Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan,” Rahul Gandhi declared said taking his oath.
Opposition’s Constitution Focus
The Indian Constitution booklet has been a notable symbol in this Parliament session, especially after the INDIA Opposition bloc’s demonstration yesterday. Several MPs from the Opposition shared photos on social media with the Constitution booklet, emphasizing their stance on safeguarding the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the Opposition will prevent the government from undermining the Constitution.
BJP’s Counterattack
In response, the BJP launched a vigorous counter-narrative. On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top ministers highlighted the Congress’s historical transgressions.
“Today is a day to pay homage to all those great men and women who resisted the Emergency. The #DarkDaysOfEmergency remind us of how the Congress Party subverted basic freedoms and trampled over the Constitution of India which every Indian respects greatly,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
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He criticized the Congress for its actions during the Emergency, stating that the party disregarded democratic principles to retain power, turning the nation into a virtual jail and targeting dissenters. The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of destroying press freedom, federalism, and violating the Constitution.
The political tussle over the Constitution continues, with the BJP accusing the Congress of historical and ongoing disdain for democratic principles, while the Congress, through symbolic gestures and public statements, positions itself as the protector of the Constitution. This ongoing conflict underscores the enduring significance of the Constitution in India’s political discourse.
