PM Narendra Modi’s hundred-minute speech in the Lok Sabha that concluded the two-day discussion on the Constitution was a gripping one, despite the fact that much of it was a reiteration of what had already been said by other BJP MPs. For some, however, it was a ‘double period of math’, as described by Priyanka Gandhi. Yes, serious factually heavy narratives can be difficult to follow when the subject is of little interest to the listener. However, for those concerned about the direction the nation is taking, it was important to understand how and why things are unfolding as they are. As always, the PM concluded with a clear articulation of what he expects from the citizens by spelling out the ‘11 Sankalp’ – duties and pledges for the future.
This is what has always been the emphasis of the PM’s approach to governance – public participation – ‘Sabka Prayas’. Unlike electoral freebies, his schemes that focus on welfare require effort from the recipients even if in some small way. This is because that gives true ownership to the beneficiaries. It generates self-respect and encourages one to make further effort.
While the debate shed some light on the manner in which the Constitution came about and has functioned so effectively till now, it was still heavily politicised. It could have done with some more erudite speeches on the diverse thinking that went into its formulation. The trend was to project it in terms of present-day electoral priorities, so it focused on Adivasis, caste reservations, the rights of minorities, etc. One significant omission, as a result, was the contribution of the ‘royals’ – the rulers of the principalities who gave up power and privilege and acceded to the new republic. It may be felt that they were compelled to do so by the will of the public (as happened in Tehri) but even during the freedom struggle, they contributed much to transforming the country. Later, even their titles and privy purses were taken away.
Some members of opposition parties did raise pertinent issues in the present context, particularly with regard to the situation in Manipur and Bangladesh, and these certainly need to be addressed. The discussions also highlighted the fact that corruption has been a major challenge and still hinders the nation’s growth. Unfortunately, the romanticisation of Socialist ideology was a recurrent theme. Many politicians today revere it, probably because it is a good way of appropriating what belongs to others. Many more such debates are needed in Parliament to raise the awareness level of the common citizen.
