The BJP opposed the resolution moved in the Assembly on Tuesday by the chair to commemorate Constitution Day, alleging that it had been turned into a “political pamphlet” aimed at discrediting the BJP-led Centre.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, in his 20-minute speech in the Assembly, also criticised the Mamata Banerjee government for allegedly suppressing fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, a date now celebrated as Constitution Day. The year 2024 marks 75 years of the nation having adopted
the Constitution.

Addressing Speaker Biman Banerjee, who moved the resolution, Adhikari said: “While your chair and its dignity carry immense significance, the inclusion of political statements in this resolution has effectively turned it into a political pamphlet. Since the resolution directly targets the central government, it cannot be accepted unanimously.”

The leader of the Opposition was referring to paragraph 7 of the resolution that stated that the central government and the political party at the Centre were busy in their efforts in trying to vitiate the Constitution, destroy the secular fabric of the nation, do away with the constitutional institutions and jeopardise the cooperative federalism enshrined in it.

The discussion on the resolution is set to continue for a second day on Wednesday.

It is expected to see a divided house with chief minister Mamata Banerjee likely to speak on the issue.

Adhikari accused the Trinamool-ruled state government of engaging in the politics of “we” versus “they,” undermining the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

He also claimed that BJP MPs were excluded from government events.

“I had to approach the high court 77 times just to obtain permission for my
political programmes,” Adhikari added.

Ruling party Trinamool countered Adhikari, alleging that the central government was trying to change the nature and the spirit of the Constitution.

“There were efforts to remove two words — secular and socialist — included in the Preamble in the 42nd amendment in 1976 but the Supreme Court thwarted the effort. We are happy that the basic character of the Constitution is preserved,” minister of state for finance (independent charge), health and family welfare Chandrima Bhattacharya said.

Bhattacharya termed the BJP’s women reservation bill as a political gimmick.

She said that Mamata was the only chief minister fighting for the social, economic and political rights of women and ensuring their 50 per cent representation in panchayats.

State minister for urban development Frihad Hakim alleged that places of worship were being surveyed and the minority community was being tortured in all BJP-ruled states.

“Article 153 speaks about the spirit of religion being hampered and the latest Waqf amendment bill is an example of that. It is only in Bengal that there is no religious discrimination. We need to understand our duties and responsibilities and that can only make our country better,” Hakim said.