Tue Nov 26 17:15:11 UTC 2024: ## India Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Constitution Adoption Amidst Political Tensions

**New Delhi, November 26** – India launched a year-long celebration commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday, under the theme “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Self-Respect). The day, observed annually as Constitution Day, marks the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint session of Parliament, officially commencing the celebrations. She highlighted the government’s efforts to uplift weaker sections of society and praised the new law on women’s reservation. She also released commemorative books, a coin, and a stamp to mark the occasion. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of strengthening the bond between citizens and their representatives and warned against disrupting democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending the celebrations, declared that the Constitution is now fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the first Constitution Day celebration there. He paid tribute to the Constitution’s framers and victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by political sparring. The BJP criticized opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly not greeting President Murmu at the parliamentary event, while Gandhi countered with criticism of the Prime Minister’s actions. Other politicians, including Congress’s Shashi Tharoor and KC Venugopal, offered mixed reactions, with some praising the event’s solemnity and others expressing concern over the lack of opposition voices. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav linked the celebrations to recent clashes in Uttar Pradesh, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation. Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal used the day to highlight his party’s growth and commitment to democracy.

The contrasting views underscore the ongoing political debates surrounding the interpretation and implementation of the Indian Constitution. The year-long celebration aims to foster a renewed appreciation for the document’s significance, but the political climate suggests the journey may be marked by continued discourse and disagreement.

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