New Delhi |
A heated argument broke out in Rajya Sabha after BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal pointed out that 22 pictures from the original Indian Constitution are missing from newer copies. These pictures, created by artist Nandlal Bose, featured important historical figures like Ram, Buddha, Mahavir, Shivaji, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Agrawal claimed that these changes were made without following proper procedures and demanded that the government restore the original version.
Government and Opposition Clash Over Issue
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar supported Agrawal’s demand, saying that the Constitution should be kept in its original form and that any changes should be made only through proper parliamentary procedures. He asked the government to take the matter seriously and ensure that future copies include the missing pictures.
However, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the issue, calling it an unnecessary controversy and accusing the government of using it to target Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This led to a heated exchange, with Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda holding up an old copy of the Constitution to show that the pictures were indeed missing from the new versions.
Congress Walks Out, More Questions Raised
As the argument continued, Congress MPs walked out, saying that this was a distraction from more important issues. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien also pointed out that even the digital copies of the Constitution provided to MPs do not have these pictures, questioning whether those versions should also be considered incorrect.
Chairman Dhankhar, unhappy with the walkout, said,
“Walking out on this issue is an insult to Dr. Ambedkar. Why would anyone oppose keeping the Constitution in its original form?”
What’s the Real Issue?
Kharge later responded on social media, explaining that the pictures were added on Mahatma Gandhi’s request, but over the years, simplified versions of the Constitution were printed for easier public access. He accused the Modi government of changing constitutional values and claimed that this was why they failed to achieve a massive election victory.
The government insists that this is about preserving history, while the Opposition believes it is a diversion from real issues. The debate continues—was the removal of these pictures a mistake, or just another political fight.
