PM Modi throws gauntlet at Opposition during Constitution Day speech

While paying tribute to the founding fathers of the Indian Republic and those who outlined the Indian Constitution on its anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lashed out at the Opposition, saying that 'family-ruled parties' were against the spirit of democracy. The thinly-veiled jab at the Indian National Congress came after 14 Opposition parties staged a boycott of the Constitution Day function held at the Central Hall in Parliament today.

PM Modi also pointed out that Constitution Day should have been celebrated each year after 1950, when it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, to educate all about what went into the making of the Constitution. "But some people did not do so. This day should also be celebrated to evaluate whether what we do is right or not," he said while addressing the members of the assembly. He also pointed out that the celebration was not to honour any one party but to honour Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution.

"Party for the family, by the family and of the family,…. I don't think I have to say anything more," he said in Parliament. The Prime Minister said that India was headed towards a crisis if political parties lost their democratic character, asking who would protect the democracy if such a thing happened.

The Prime Minister also paid tributes to those who lost their lives in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. "Today on the anniversary of the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, I pay tribute to all brave soldiers of the country who sacrificed their lives while fighting the terrorists," Modi said.

Opposition parties boycotted the event on the basis of their accusation that the ruling BJP party was "routinely insulting" the Constitution and everything it stood for according to a report by NDTV. The event was slated to be attended by President Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders and was organised as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of India's independence.