NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the Constitution. Addressing a range of issues, she highlighted the 2017 Unnao rape case and last month's communal violence in Sambhal.
Gandhi shared a poignant account of meeting bereaved families from Sambhal. "A few days ago, members of the bereaved families came to meet us. Among them were two children—Adnan and Uzair. One was my son's age, and the other was about 17 years old. Their father, a tailor, had a single dream: to see his sons educated," she said.
She continued, "The police shot their father. Adnan told me he dreams of becoming a doctor and fulfilling his father's aspirations. This dream was nurtured by the Indian Constitution, which serves as a protective shield for our citizens. It provides justice, unity, and freedom of expression. Unfortunately, my colleagues in the ruling party, who boast of their achievements, have spent the last decade attempting to dismantle this protective shield."
Demand for a Caste Census
Priyanka Gandhi also emphasized the need for a caste census. The ruling party references it now because of the Lok Sabha election results. A caste census is essential to understand the condition of all communities and to frame policies accordingly," she said.
Criticism of the Adani Controversy
The Congress MP also targeted the government over the Adani issue. She alleged that the ruling government avoids debating U.S. allegations regarding the Adani Group in the House. "The government has sold everything to them. The nation is witnessing how 1.4 billion people are being ignored to protect one individual. Ports, roads, mines, and public assets have all been handed over," she said.
Gandhi accused the government of attempting to weaken the reservation system through lateral entry and warned, "Had it not been for the Lok Sabha election results, efforts to amend the Constitution would have already begun. The truth is, they are talking about the Constitution now only because they have realized the people of this country will safeguard it."
She urge quick Implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill
During her speech, Priyanka Gandhi also demanded the swift implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.
Defending the Congress-led governments of the past, including those under Jawaharlal Nehru and her grandmother Indira Gandhi, Gandhi also addressed the controversial Emergency of 1975. "I urge you to learn from it. Conduct elections using ballot papers, and the truth will emerge. When will the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections be held together? What is the roadmap for 'One Nation, One Election'?"