Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked Constitution Day with sharp criticism of the Congress party, accusing it of undermining the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution during the Emergency in 1976. Speaking at a ceremony at Lok Bhawan on Tuesday, he alleged that the inclusion of the terms "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble betrayed the vision of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Constitution's framers. "The original Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, did not include these words," Adityanath said.
"The people of India ultimately taught those who strangled the Constitution a lesson," he added, referring to electoral defeats faced by Congress in the aftermath of the Emergency.
Leading the reading of the Preamble, the Chief Minister lauded the Constitution as one of the strongest in the world. He attributed its enduring strength to Dr. Ambedkar, crediting him with building the framework for "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat," a united and prosperous India.
Adityanath highlighted November 26, 1949, as a historic milestone when the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. He praised the meticulous work of the Assembly under the chairmanship of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and its committees, led by Ambedkar, which rigorously debated and finalized its provisions.
"The debates of the Constituent Assembly are the essence of our Constitution," he said, urging lawmakers, the judiciary, and the executive to revisit these discussions for guidance. He also highlighted India's pioneering move to adopt universal adult suffrage from its first general elections, calling it a testament to the vision of Ambedkar and the framers.
Adityanath accused Congress of fostering a "dictatorial and fascist mentality," particularly during the Emergency, and alleged that the party continues to marginalize disadvantaged groups. "Whenever given the opportunity, they have deprived socially and economically backward sections of their constitutional rights," he charged, citing both historical actions and recent political statements.
He contrasted this with the BJP's approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing initiatives aimed at strengthening constitutional values. He specifically mentioned the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, reserving one-third of legislative seats for women, calling it a global first and a reflection of Modi's commitment to equality and empowerment.
