Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday stressed the importance of the Constitution as a "shield and guarantee" for the nation's security and freedom of speech.
Speaking during the Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha in her maiden speech, she accused the central government of "eroding trust" in the Constitution over the past decade.
Paying homage to security personnel who lost their lives defending Parliament during the December 13 attack, Priyanka began her speech by expressing heartfelt gratitude toward them.
"Our civilisation, spanning thousands of years, is rooted in dialogue and communication," she remarked, citing traditions from the Vedas, Upanishads, and religions like Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism.
"This tradition of dialogue shaped our unique freedom struggle, which was democratic at its core, involving peasants, labourers, advocates, intellectuals, and people from all castes and communities."
She highlighted the efforts of leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, Rajaji, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others who dedicated years to drafting the Constitution.
Calling the Constitution a "lighthouse," Priyanka said it embodies justice, hope, and aspiration, empowering citizens to demand their rights and hold governments accountable.
"Our Constitution talks about justice, hope, expression and aspiration. It is a lighthouse of all the emotions of millions of Indians. This lighthouse has given us hope that we can fight for our rights and get justice. It has given strength, belief and faith to every citizen of the country to raise their voice before which the government will have to bow down, the citizen can make or break any government," she said.
Recalling the Unnao rape case, Priyanka spoke about the struggles of a victim whose family faced severe retaliation for seeking justice. "She was burned down, her father's crops destroyed, and her family members cruelly beaten," she said, stressing the challenges victims face when seeking justice.
She also mentioned her recent visit to the home of Arun Valmiki, a sanitation worker accused of theft and allegedly beaten to death, leaving behind a young family. Similarly, she referred to the Sambhal violence and her interactions with victims' families, underscoring the need to uphold constitutional values in such cases.
Priyanka accused the ruling government of undermining the Constitution over the last ten years. She argued that the BJP now speaks of the Constitution only because the public has shown determination to protect it.
"Today, people demand a caste census to understand the nation’s reality and shape policies accordingly. But the government evades responsibility, often citing events from 1929 or questioning Nehru's actions. What is your responsibility?" she asked.
She also slammed leaders who switched parties, sarcastically referring to them as "washed in the ruling party's washing machine."
Priyanka accused the government of misusing agencies like the ED and CBI to target opposition leaders, labelling this practice as a reflection of fear.
Priyanka mocked the BJP for avoiding debates and criticism.
"We have long sought discussions, but they lack the courage to engage. They live in fear, so much so that their media machine spreads lies and forges cases against opposition leaders," she said.
She also asserted, "The Constitution is not a document of the Sangh. If not for the Lok Sabha election results, the BJP might have already begun altering it."
New Urban Community Health Centre to reduce patients rush in GBP Hospital: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday laid foundation stone of 50-bed Urban Community Health Center here at Agartala and said that the present government is working diligently to improve health infrastructure and services in the state.
Govt determined to develop sports infrastructure in Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated football turf, athletics track and hockey ground here at Agartala Dasarath Deb Sports Complex at Badharghat and said that the government is determined to develop facilities and platform for sports persons in the state.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.