During the ongoing session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has raised concerns over the treatment of constitutional chants in Parliament. The issue arose during the swearing-in ceremony of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who concluded his oath with the exclamation “Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhaan” (Long live India, Long live Constitution). His invocation was echoed by opposition members, prompting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene.
Speaker Birla, noting that MPs were already taking their oaths on the Constitution, reminded them of parliamentary decorum. This led to objections from Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who argued against the Speaker’s interference in the chant.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media to criticize the incident, questioning the disparity in handling chants like “Jai Samvidhaan” compared to what she described as unparliamentary slogans from those in power. She expressed concerns about potential threats to the sanctity of the Constitution, emphasizing its pivotal role in parliamentary proceedings and citizen rights.
The controversy underscores broader tensions over parliamentary conduct and the role of opposition voices in the newly constituted Lok Sabha. As the session continues until July 3, opposition leaders have highlighted their increased strength in the House, advocating for neutrality and impartiality from the Speaker.
