New Delhi, Nov 26: The Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday hit back at the BJP-led government at the Centre after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Opposition for ‘boycotting’ the Constitution Day event in Parliament, and accused it of ‘trampling’ the Constitution of India.
“Our protest is on the manner in which the government is conducting the state of affairs, enacting laws and making decisions. Remind the people of the country that it is insulting the spirit of our Constitution. The criticism of the Opposition by the PM and his colleagues is unwarranted,” senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here.
Attacking the ruling BJP over its functioning, the Congress MP said, “Every single constitutional institution has been subverted or is under constant attack. Law making has become more ‘undemocratic’. The government has now framed up a dangerous trend to make laws through ordinance.”
Taking a dig at the Centre, Sharma said, “It’s important to remind the government that mere observance of this day when it functions and disrespects the Constitution of India is a very poor reflection. Constitution Day can be meaningfully celebrated, when it ensures inclusiveness and the participation of all public representatives. Mere formal invitation to be part of the audience is unacceptable.”
In a veiled attack on BJP over the Constitution Day celebration, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, in a tweet posted, “Height of hypocrisy! Observing Constitution Day while severely undermining it’s fundamental features. Opposition boycott as a mark of protest against the violation with impunity of fundamental rights guaranteed to all. Resist & defeat these diabolic designs.”
Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he felt hurt when Opposition leaders boycotted the function held in the Central Hall of Parliament.
“I am hurt that the Opposition boycotted an event in Parliament. It was not a political event,” the Speaker told the media in an interaction after the function.
