Rahul Gandhi takes oath as Lok Sabha member with constitution in his hand
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took oath as Lok Sabha member with a copy of the Constitution in his hand.
Rahul Gandhi won the Lok Sabha polls from two seats-Wayanad and Raebareli.
Rahul Gandhi waved a copy of the Constitution and took the oath in English, marking the beginning of his new term in the Parliament.
Congress and the INDIA alliance put up a strong show in the Lok Sabha polls this year, negating all exit-poll predictions which had predicted their dismal performance.
INDIA, the anti-BJP front which was formed for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, protested with copies of the Constitution in the premises of Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday.
Several opposition leaders including Congress' Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, MP-elects from other parties like TMC, DMK were protesting carrying the copy of Constitution skipping oath-taking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers as the Lok Sabha MPs.
Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi, "The attack on the Constitution by the Prime Minister and Amit Shah is unacceptable. We won't let that happen."
"No power can touch the Constitution of India," he added.
The Congress and other opposition parties are aiming to corner the Modi government, which is back in power for the third consecutive term but with the support of its allies, over the alleged corruption in entrance examinations like NET and NEET, deadly train accident in West Bengal, Manipur violence, the alleged exit poll-stock market scam.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "PM Modi made a longer than usual customary address today. Clearly, even after moral and political defeat, the arrogance remains !
"The nation was hoping that Modi ji would say something on many important issues."
While the Opposition is trading charges against the Modi government for allegedly destroying democracy, the Prime Minister on Monday reminded the Congress of the 1975 Emergency, which was called by then premier, late Indira Gandhi.
The Prime Minister said, "Tomorrow is June 25. For those who are dedicated to the dignity of the Constitution of this country, those who have faith in the democratic traditions of India, June 25 is an unforgettable day.
"Tomorrow, on June 25, it will be 50 years since the black spot was put on Indian democracy. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution was completely rejected, India was turned into a prison, and democracy was completely suppressed."