Odisha CM, LoP Urge Citizens To Embrace Constitutional Values; Here’s What Other Oppn Leaders Said

Bhubaneswar: On Constitution Day, the anniversary of November 26, 1949, when India formally adopted its Constitution, Odisha’s top political leaders called on citizens to reflect on the founding principles of the Republic.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked the occasion with a social media message, offering “heartfelt greetings and best wishes” to the people of the state. He asked every Odia to honour the Constitution by wholeheartedly accepting their responsibilities toward nation-building and committing themselves to the service of India.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik echoed similar sentiments. He paid homage to the architects of the Constitution, describing it as the bedrock that unites India’s vast diversity into one destiny. “Let us renew our pledge to uphold the ideals enshrined in the Constitution in letter and spirit and discharge the fundamental duties diligently,” he posted on X.

Know what other Opposition leaders of India said:

While paying tribute to the Constitution and its framers, including Dr B R Ambedkar, and members of the Constituent Assembly from Bengal, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee stressed the importance of protecting the valuable guidance that the Samvidhan provides when “secularism is in endangered situation, and federalism is being bulldozed”.

“The Constitution is the backbone of our nation that masterfully weaves together the immense diversity of our cultures, languages, and communities into an integrated, federal whole. On this sacred day, we re-affirm our commitment to the core democratic values enshrined in our Constitution and commit to vigilantly safeguard the sacred principles that define and sustain us as a nation,” she added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP and RSS of “tearing the Constitution to shreds”.

He said that Justice, equality, freedom, mutual brotherhood, secularism, and socialism – hallmarks of India – are under threat. “When the Constitution was enacted, organisations like the RSS openly declared that it was based on ‘Western values’ and that their ideal was the Manusmriti. History bears witness that they opposed the Constitution The irony today is that those who once held the Manusmriti in higher regard than the Constitution are now, after coming to power, compelled by necessity and political expediency to claim it as their own,” he said, adding the Congress said it was marking the day as “Samvidhan Bachao Divas” across India.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the Constitution is a sacred promise made to every citizen of the country and would stand as the first bulwark against every blow struck at it.

“The Constitution is a protective shield for the poor and the deprived, it is their strength, and it is the voice of every single citizen. As long as the Constitution remains secure, the rights of every Indian remain secure. Let us pledge that we shall not allow any assault on the Constitution in any manner whatsoever.” “It is my duty to safeguard it, and I shall stand as the first bulwark against every blow struck at it,” he wrote on X

“India belongs to all its people, not to one culture or one ideology. On this Constitution Day, we reaffirm our resolve to resist every force that tries to shrink Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision. We will do everything required to uphold true federalism as enshrined in our Constitution and protect the rights of every State,” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin posted on X.