The opposition this time is determined to seize any opportunity to attack and question the ruling party. But the government has started to criticise Congress over the Constitution, focusing on the Emergency issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had already been critical of Congress on this matter. Recent comments from the Speaker and President Draupadi Murmu have underscored the Emergency issue, leaving Congress without a clear response.
During the Lok Sabha elections, Congress criticised the government for endangering the Constitution and ending reservations, affecting BJP’s majority in certain states. Congress and the opposition aim to weaken BJP’s Hindutva stance by focusing on this Constitution issue. Since the formation of the NDA government, Congress and the entire opposition have aggressively confronted the government starting from the first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha.
On the opening day of the session, the constituent parties of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, led by Congress, staged a demonstration in the Parliament premises holding the Constitution book. They continued to disrupt proceedings by chanting “Save the Constitution” even during the oath-taking ceremony.
During Prime Minister Modi’s oath-taking ceremony, Rahul Gandhi himself, along with the support of the Samajwadi Party (SP), created commotion in Parliament by raising slogans. Congress took every opportunity to criticise the government for allegedly undermining the Constitution. Following this, there was also a direct confrontation during the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Congress fielded K. Suresh, marking the first direct challenge to the government for the post of Speaker. However, due to opposition from the TMC, an ally of Congress, there was no division of votes, and Om Birla was elected Speaker by voice vote. In his inaugural speech, Speaker Birla condemned the Emergency and observed a moment of silence for those affected, prompting criticism towards Congress. Despite expressing opposition through letters and meetings, Congress appeared on the defensive as the government prepared to emphasize constitutional issues.
During the President’s address today, he labeled the Emergency as a dark chapter and a significant assault on the Constitution, leaving Congress without a response. National President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted his intention to address this matter in discussions. However, it appeared from the President’s speech that Modi may not fully grasp the people’s mandate, as it omitted discussions on inflation, unemployment, farmers, and the NEET scam.
Kharge later convened a meeting with I.N.D.I. alliance parties to strategise against the government’s new initiatives. The opposition’s stance suggests parliamentary confrontations will intensify in the future. As Congress intensifies its focus on constitutional issues, the government plans to highlight past emergencies and other concerns of Congress-led governments. With over 100 constitutional amendments, Prime Minister Modi and government assure reservation protection, yet Congress and its allies continue to press the issue, ensuring heightened conflict ahead.
