BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi for Skipping Chief Justice Oath Ceremony

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly criticised Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his absence at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. The BJP claims that this absence demonstrates a lack of respect for the Constitution and B R Ambedkar, who is regarded as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

National spokesperson for the BJP, Shehzad Poonawalla, labelled Gandhi's decision to skip the ceremony as a 'boycott' of a significant constitutional event, one that was attended by prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Poonawalla stated, "While the entire country, especially Haryana, celebrated the Chief Justice's oath-taking, Rahul Gandhi chose to be absent, possibly on a foreign trip or a jungle safari."

Justice Surya Kant took his oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, in a ceremony that also featured the presence of several senior dignitaries including Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and former Chief Justice B R Gavai. Justice Kant, who is known for being part of pivotal benches addressing major issues like the abrogation of Article 370 and electoral reforms in Bihar, will serve until February 9, 2027.

Poonawalla accused Gandhi and the Congress party of prioritising family interests over democratic values, asserting that they often talk about the Constitution but fail to respect its foundational principles. He added, "It is clear that they do not honour Ambedkar or the Constitution."

Justice Kant was administered the oath in Hindi, invoking the name of God. His swearing-in marks the beginning of nearly 15 months at the helm of the Indian judiciary, succeeding Justice Gavai. During this period, he is expected to oversee significant judicial matters and uphold the rule of law in India.

The ceremony also drew attention from international judicial representatives, with delegations from countries such as Bhutan, Kenya, and Nepal attending to witness the proceedings. The presence of these international figures underscores the importance of the Indian judiciary on a global scale.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Justice Kant following the ceremony, expressing his best wishes for the Chief Justice's tenure ahead. Justice Kant's appointment is seen as a continuation of his distinguished career, having previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and contributed to numerous significant judicial rulings throughout his career.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's absence is likely to resonate within ongoing discussions regarding respect for the Constitution and the responsibilities of public office holders in India.