Lok Sabha to debate on Constitution today amid BJP-Congress standoff
What's the story
The Lok Sabha will begin a two-day debate on the Constitution on Friday to mark 75 years of its adoption.
The debate will center around the importance of the Constitution and its journey since it came into force on November 26, 1949.
However, the continuing friction between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties may mar the proceedings.
Disruptions
Political tensions threaten parliamentary proceedings
The political standoff is mainly driven by allegations connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Adani controversy and counter-allegations of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's links with billionaire George Soros.
These matters have resulted in several adjournments in both Houses since November 25.
The Congress has been demanding discussions on the Adani issue, creating friction with other opposition allies such as the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, many of whom want to prioritize regional and governance-related grievances.
Debate participants
Key speakers for Constitution debate announced
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will open the debate in the Lok Sabha for the BJP.
About 12-15 MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are likely to speak, including former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Shrikant Shinde of Shiv Sena.
Prime Minister Modi will give closing remarks on Saturday, responding to both the debate and opposition jibes.
Opposition focus
Opposition's strategy and potential risks
As Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi is likely to lead the Congress's attack.
TR Baalu and A Raja of Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, as well as Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool, are also expected to speak.
Moitra's speech will be closely watched given her controversial expulsion in the final weeks of the last Lok Sabha session.
Both the BJP and Congress have issued strict three-line whips to their MPs to ensure their attendance.
Rajya Sabha session
Rajya Sabha debate and opposition's anticipated slogan
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will spearhead the BJP's response on Monday.
The opposition is expected to use a "save the Constitution" slogan against government policies.
This slogan became a rallying cry for the opposition, with several parties trying to frame the government's policies as a threat to the Constitution's foundational principles ahead of Lok Sabha polls earlier this year.