In the winter session of Parliament, a debate on the Constitution’s role and significance unfolded, yet it quickly veered into a spectacle of political theatrics. What could have been a meaningful introspection of constitutional values was reduced to a volley of accusations and symbolic posturing. This drama, laden with irony and tragedy, exposes the gaps in our political discourse about the very foundation of our democracy.
A Year of Missed Opportunities
The 75th year of India’s Constitution—its amrit moment—should have been a period of profound reflection. Instead, political actors churned up noise rather than meaningful insights. The Congress attempted to make constitutional violations an election issue, but its efforts failed to resonate with the masses or transform into a mass movement. Cynically perceived as a move to court Dalit voters, it lacked depth and clarity.
On the other hand, the BJP retaliated by highlighting past constitutional transgressions under Congress rule. While the Congress critiqued today’s violations, the BJP pointed fingers at yesterday’s sins. This back-and-forth, rather than illuminating the Constitution’s enduring relevance, reduced the debate to a blame game, leaving citizens as passive spectators.
Three Attacks on the Constitution
1. The Intellectual Assault
Since its inception, the Constitution has faced criticism for being insufficiently “Indian.” While initially dismissed as an alien document, the critique has evolved into a more insidious argument against its colonial roots. Today, under the guise of indigenization, some voices question the very legitimacy of the Constitution. This debate, while intellectually stimulating, risks undermining the pride and unity derived from our foundational document.
2. The Practical Undermining
Constitutional values like liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity have often remained ideals, recited but not practiced. Successive governments have weaponized the Constitution to suppress dissent and centralize power, bypassing its moral essence. The erosion of constitutional morality, masked as governance for national interest, has turned the Constitution into a tool of control rather than a protector of rights.
3. Amendments and Overreach
From controversial Emergency-era amendments to recent discussions about electoral streamlining, the Constitution has repeatedly been subjected to political whims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s critique of past amendments, while valid in some respects, overlooks his government’s aggressive consolidation of power. This contradiction underscores the broader pattern of using constitutional debates to serve political ends.
Nehru’s Legacy and the Lessons Left Unlearned
Jawaharlal Nehru’s approach to the Constitution was rooted in an idealistic belief in self-regulation and institutional integrity. While his trust in democratic discretion was misplaced, the lesson here is not to dismantle his legacy but to strengthen safeguards for citizen rights. Political parties must prioritize constitutional morality over short-term gains, pledging to protect dissent, limit state overreach, and uphold justice.
Rhetoric vs. Reality
The irony of today’s rhetoric lies in its stark contrast with reality. The government’s praise for the Constitution clashes with actions that defy its principles—be it stifling dissent or proposing amendments that centralize power. Instead of introspection, political leaders have turned this solemn moment into a stage for theatrical exchanges.
A Cautionary Note
India’s constitutional democracy must navigate tensions between public sentiment and constitutional norms, between rulers’ ambitions and legitimate governance. While public sentiment often appears democratic, disregarding constitutional principles risks authoritarianism. The tragedy of the ongoing debate is not just the failure to honor the Constitution but the dangerous precedent it sets for sidelining its core values.
As the year ends, the real task lies not in debating who violated the Constitution more but in reaffirming its sanctity. Anything less risks turning the world’s largest democracy into a hollow caricature of its founding ideals.