Om Birla stresses on keeping the constitution away from politics ahead of parliament winter session
Ahead of the winter session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday maintained that the Constitution should be kept away from the realm of politics. His statement came ahead of Constitution Day, which the nation will commemorate on November 26. Birla talking to news agencies said the Constitution is a social document and a vehicle of deep social and economic change in India.
"The Constitution is our strength," Birla said, affirming that it is an essential document that has been pivotal in the upliftment of society at large, particularly bringing about the poor, backward classes, and deprived sections of the society. He said that the Constitution of India is inspiring people across the globe as it mentions universal suffrage, where all citizens, irrespective of caste or class, are given their right to vote without any discrimination.
Birla also addressed concerns raised by the opposition regarding changes to the Constitution. He firmly denied any attempts to alter its core principles, stating that while changes have been made over time to ensure transparency and safeguard the rights of the people, the basic spirit of the Constitution remains untouched. He reassured that no political party or government could tamper with this fundamental document.
The Speaker of Lok Sabha pointed out that rules and conventions helped in the formation of Parliament, and decorum was significant. Referring to the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he mentioned, "It is the people's responsibility as also of those who are in power to strengthen the Constitution's integrity." According to Birla, this spirit of the Constitution must govern the actions and behavior of all public representatives.
Constitution Day, on November 26, will be observed by President Droupadi Murmu with a special address in which she will recite the Preamble of the Constitution. "It reminds us of all that Babasaheb Ambedkar gave, his commitment and sacrifice to shape this constitutional framework for the nation," Birla said.
The winter session of Parliament, which began on Monday, will continue till December 20. The session is expected to discuss a few crucial bills among them the Waqf Amendment Bill and is expected to hold 19 sittings during this period.