Samajwadi Party MP calls for Constitution to replace ‘Sengol’; BJP responds.

The ongoing debate over ‘sengol’ has been triggered by Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary’s letter to Speaker Om Birla. The MP has argued that the ‘sengol’ – a handcrafted, gold-plated sceptre about 5-feet long – should be replaced by a copy of the Constitution, emphasizing that the adoption of the Constitution marked the beginning of democracy in the country. Chaudhary’s demand has received support from other political figures, including senior Congress leader B Manickam Tagore and RJD MP Misa Bharti. Chaudhary’s call for the replacement of ‘sengol’ has gained attention due to the symbolism it carries.

The BJP government installed ‘sengol’ next to the Speaker’s chair, a move that has been criticized by the opposition as representing kingship in an era of democracy. This debate also takes place against the background of the INDIA bloc’s push to emphasize the importance of the Constitution and its values. The Constitution has become a prominent symbol for the Opposition, with various leaders staging demonstrations and taking oaths while holding copies of the Constitution. This has sparked a response from the BJP, with a party representative highlighting the cultural significance of ‘sengol’ and calling for clarification from the DMK on its stance regarding the issue.

Overall, the debate over ‘sengol’ and the call for its replacement by the Constitution reflect a broader ideological struggle between different political factions, revolving around the symbols and values that should represent India’s democracy and governance.