New Delhi, Feb 11: On Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that the sole authentic version of the Constitution is the signed copy by its framers, which features 22 miniatures, and that only Parliament has the authority to amend it. He insisted that this version should be enforced throughout the nation.
Any infringement should be treated with utmost seriousness by the government, and stringent measures should be enacted, he asserted.
“I am unequivocally stating that the Constitution certified by the founding fathers, with its 22 miniatures, is the one true authentic document, and it alone can reflect amendments made by Parliament. Any alterations initiated by the judiciary or other institutions are inadmissible in this House.
“I urge the leader of the House to ensure that the only promulgated version of the Indian Constitution remains the authentic one. Any deviation from this standard should be rigorously addressed by the government,” Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar declared in the session.
His remarks were in response to BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal’s concern raised during Zero Hour, highlighting that most copies of the Constitution available in the country currently lack the 22 illustrations.
Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to address the matter but was not permitted to elaborate. He accused the BJP of instigating controversy to tarnish the legacy of B R Ambedkar.
Subsequently, members of Congress staged a walkout from the House.
J P Nadda, the Leader of the House, questioned why Congress opposed the issue, suggesting that their support would have been more appropriate.
“It is regrettable that the Congress leader is attempting to politicize the matter by claiming it aims to defame Ambedkar; such statements should be expunged,” he stated, further noting that publishers ought to respect the principles outlined by the framers in their publications of the Constitution.
Nadda remarked that many copies generated by publishers neglect to include the essential illustrations.
He assured that the government would guarantee that only those editions reflecting the spirit of the Constitution are available for purchase.
Later, the Chairman reiterated the gravity of the issue, explaining that the 22 illustrations encapsulate India’s 5,000-year-old tradition and heritage.
“A significant concern has been raised before the Council of States. Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal has correctly noted that the absence of the 22 miniatures—integral to the Constitution architected by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and endorsed by our founding fathers—represents either an act of omission or commission, whether in digital formats or printed books.
“The only modifications permissible within the Indian Constitution must originate from the Indian Parliament, and any alteration approved by the President must be incorporated within the Constitution, irrespective of any judicial intervention,” he explained.
Agarwal emphasized that the 22 illustrations encompass representations of figures such as Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavir, Samrat Vikramaditya, Lakshmi Bai, Shivaji, and Mahatma Gandhi, all of which have been excluded from current editions. (Agencies)
