NEW DELHI: In India, the Republic is envisioned as Ramrajya—an ideal system where every citizen has the right to progress and freedom of expression, where Panch Parmeshwars is revered, where even the poorest person is assured justice and where representatives elected by the people govern and safeguard socio-economic interests. The activism and success of India’s Gram Panchayats are unmatched by those of any other democratic country in the world. The Indian Republic has flourished over the years, and despite facing major political storms, its roots have remained strong. Today, we celebrate the 77th Republic Day with pride.
In a democracy, political parties form the axis of political power. In recent years, vested interests have spoiled the essence of some parties. Against this backdrop, the recent election of the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party was conducted in a highly planned and orderly manner. There was no visible conflict or bitterness. Certainly, Nitin Nabin may be regarded as a weaker leader compared with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Amit Shah. However, to strengthen an organisation, following the example of calm-natured leaders such as Kushabhau Thakre or Shankar Dayal Sharma can also prove beneficial.
Political analysts and party members have raised the question of how successful Nitin Nabin will be in winning upcoming Assembly elections. Elections are important in a republic, but winning them alone cannot be the sole objective. In an interview after becoming BJP president in 1998, Kushabhau Thakre told me “Politics is a mission. Political parties should not exist solely to win elections or gain positions. Our goal should be to strengthen the organisation for the benefit of society and the nation”. Seen in this light, Nabin’s biggest challenge will be to maintain the organisation’s effectiveness in the future.
Especially after coming to power, leaders and workers of many political parties become consumed by ego and manoeuvring for positions and benefits. Their expectations—beyond those of the public—rise steadily. This is one of the reasons why the Congress party’s strength has gradually weakened in the states. In a republic, everyone wants to enjoy sweet fruits, but few care for the trees that bear them. Leaders of some parties, who take pride in democracy, are increasingly turning their own organisations undemocratic. Despite the Constitution, rules and regulations, and Election Commission standards, political parties themselves are being hollowed out.
In recent years, it has been observed that some leaders actively work to belittle their own party colleagues, defeat them politically, and spread rumours against them. They rebel when their family members or close associates do not receive important positions. Ideology is invoked, yet compromises are made with parties holding completely opposing views. The sentiments of workers and the public cease to matter.
This is not a new phenomenon. Many people today express concern and disappointment over the prevailing situation. For them, I would like to draw attention to a letter which stated: “I strongly feel that the Congress Cabinet is functioning in a very inefficient manner. The place we had created in the hearts of the people is slipping away. The character of politicians is becoming opportunistic. They are obsessed with party feuds and remain preoccupied with crushing one individual or faction”.
This letter was not written by a contemporary Congressman. It was written by Mahatma Gandhi on 28 April 1938 and sent to Jawaharlal Nehru, when interim provincial governments had been formed. Later, in November 1938, Gandhi wrote in his newspaper Harijan: “If the Congress is not purged of its evil elements, its power will be lost”. In May 1939, while addressing workers of the Gandhi Seva Sangh, Mahatma Gandhi said with deep anguish: “I would prefer to cremate the entire Congress Party rather than endure the corruption prevalent in it”. Perhaps Gandhiji’s words influenced the leaders of that era. But are today’s parties, or any other political formations, working with the same ideals? Can merely displaying photographs or worshipping idols bring welfare to the party, the government, or the nation?.
These days, opposition leaders are seen misleading the public by creating an atmosphere of misinformation and fear. Constitution maker Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar stated clearly: “An educated political person without character and humility is more dangerous than an animal, such a person becomes a curse to society”. It is distressing when leaders blame the public for electing the wrong individuals. In reality, they must correct their own functioning, guide their parties in the right direction, and remain actively connected with the people.
While hailing the glorious saga of the Republic, we must also remember the aims and sentiments of the framers of the Indian Constitution. After the Constitution was finalised, on 26 November 1949, the President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr Rajendra Prasad, said: “If those elected are capable, of good character and honest, they will make even a flawed Constitution the best. If they lack these qualities, the Constitution cannot help the country. After all the Constitution is lifeless like a machine, its vitality depends on those who control and operate it. Only honest people, keeping national interest paramount, can perform this task”.
More importantly, leaders and organisations that compare India with the democratic rights of the United States or Europe, and seek to compete with their economies, must ask how seriously they fulfil constitutional duties and promote awareness of them. They show little hesitation in rejecting laws passed by Parliament. Rahul Gandhi and supporters of confrontational politics have launched campaigns that generate unnecessary confusion across society. Several parties, including the Congress, mandate prohibition and a simple lifestyle in their constitutions, yet how many leaders actually follow these principles?.
In a republic, the executive is closely linked to the legislature. The third pillar is the judiciary. Serious tension and conflict are currently visible between the government, Parliament, and the judiciary; this is a warning signal. Such conflicts must be resolved through dialogue; governance cannot function on assertions of absolute authority alone. While the Constitution’s framers accorded primacy to the elected Parliament, they also empowered the judiciary to ensure balance and oversight. This is why former Chief Justices of India Venkatachalaiah and J S Verma recommended the creation of a judicial appointments commission with government representation. The system of judges appointing judges has carried risks of bias and nepotism. However, the judiciary’s credibility cannot be undermined on the basis of isolated concerns. Even today, millions place their faith in the justice system.
