For the strength of democracy, awareness of the right issues and educating the society are necessary. These days, opposition leaders are creating an atmosphere of misinformation and fear, confusing the public.
The Indian public is once again getting ready to participate in voting in the Lok Sabha for the government at the Centre. While chanting the glory of the Republic and paying tribute to the framers of the Indian Constitution, it is also essential to remember the goals and sentiments of the Constitution makers. After giving the final form to the Constitution, on 26 November 1949, the President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr Rajendra Prasad, had said, “If the elected people are competent, virtuous, and honest, they will make even a flawed Constitution the best. If they lack these qualities, then the Constitution cannot help the country. Ultimately, the Constitution is lifeless like a machine; the communication of life depends on those individuals who control and operate it. Only honest individuals who prioritize the welfare of the country can perform this task.”
The republic in the Indian context is in the form of Ram Rajya—the ideal republic, where everyone has the right to progress and free expression. The republic, where the struggling poor person in remote villages can expect to get justice.
In the past 75 years, the Indian republic has grown and blossomed. Despite weathering major political storms, its roots have not weakened. India’s political power has increased in comparison to many democratic countries in the world. Although there may be general internal criticism and opposition, wealthy and powerful countries like the United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Japan are praising India’s democracy and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and considering it to play an important role in international peace and development. Even China has acknowledged India’s economic power. A major reason for this is the stability of the government in India and the growing awareness as well as its social, economic, and strategic strength.
The Parliament is called the temple of democracy. From 1952 to 2023, social and economic changes have taken place in the Parliament due to the important role of the MPs. Therefore, it is not appropriate to devalue the Parliament based on the ruckus that takes place there, or any abuse of power by MPs or allegations of corruption against some. The real danger is from external terrorists, Maoist-Naxalite organizations, and extremist organizations. Taking advantage of the constitutional rights and the weakness of the judicial system, such elements try to spread violence and anarchy in society.
A more important issue is that how much effort do the leaders and organizations who compare themselves with the democratic rights of America or European countries and compete with their economic system make to follow the duties necessary for the implementation of the Constitution and to play them with widespread awareness? They also do not hesitate to declare that they will not accept the laws passed by Parliament. It is written in the party constitution of many parties including Congress that it is essential to lead a simple life and avoid casteism, but how many leaders are following them? Some leaders who have taken the oath of the constitution are making shameful demands like protests and referendums through the United Nations against laws passed by Parliament.
In which country in the world do the ruling parties in the states oppose their own national government and policies to this extent? Sometimes they provoke their Army for pension, sometimes they accuse China of entering Indian territory, thus casting aspersions on our soldiers’ ability to defend the border. When leaders themselves continue to make the officers, teachers, doctors, and engineers do wrong things by deviating from their duties, will it not indirectly harm the interests of ordinary citizens under the constitution?
In a democracy, political parties are the lynchpin of political power. Elections hold significance in a democracy, but winning elections cannot be the sole objective of the parties. After becoming the president of the BJP in 1998, during an interview, Kushabhau Thakre told me, “Politics is a mission. Political parties should not exist solely to win elections or attain positions. Our goal should be to strengthen the organization for the welfare of society and the nation.”
When political parties come into power, leaders and workers of many parties get involved in the game of arrogance, breaking alliances for certain positions and benefits. In a democracy, everyone wants to enjoy the fruits of power, but only a few are concerned about the well-being of the trees that bear those fruits. The leaders of some parties that take pride in democracy are turning their organizations into autocratic entities.
In recent years, it is observed that some leaders engage in activities such as belittling their counterparts within their own party, spreading rumours, and creating false narratives about them. They rebel when their close relatives or dear ones do not secure important positions in power. The term ideology is mentioned, but they compromise with parties having completely opposite ideologies. There is no regard for the sentiments of the workers and the public.
Many people these days express disappointment and concern about the current situation. I would like to draw attention to a letter. The letter stated, “I strongly feel that the Congress ministry is working in a very inefficient manner. The place we had created in the minds of the people is eroding. The character of politicians is becoming opportunistic. Party conflicts dominate their minds. They are constantly thinking about crushing this individual or that group.” This letter is not from today’s Congress. Mahatma Gandhi wrote this letter on April 28, 1938, and sent it to Nehru when interim domestic governments were formed in states.
In November 1938, Gandhi wrote in his newspaper Harijan, “If the Congress does not cleanse itself of wrong elements, its power will diminish.” In May 1939, while addressing the workers of the Seva Sangh, Mahatma Gandhi, with a heavy heart, said, “I would consider it better to cremate the entire Congress party, rather than endure rampant corruption within it.” Perhaps the leaders of that time were influenced by Gandhi’s words, but is the Congress working with the same ideals today? Can the party, government, or the nation’s welfare be achieved just by putting up photos? Listening to disagreements in a democracy, understanding them, and rectifying mistakes can protect the interests of the party, the government, and society. Those in charge of managing the political system should introspect and make a resolution for democratic changes in their party structure on Republic Day.
For the strength of democracy, awareness of the right issues and educating the society are necessary. These days, opposition leaders are creating an atmosphere of misinformation and fear, confusing the public. The architect of the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, clearly said, “An educated political person without character and humility is more dangerous than an animal.” It’s sad that upon the selection of the wrong person, some leaders start labeling the public as guilty. In reality, they need to keep themselves active among the people. Only then will they benefit from celebrating the festival of democracy on Republic Day.