Parliamentary discussion on Indian Constitution: A missed opportunity for introspection

By Vikas Meshram* 

On the occasion of the 75th year of the implementation of the Indian Constitution, a four-day discussion was held in both Houses of Parliament. This was a golden opportunity for introspection. While drafting the world's largest written Constitution, our founding fathers deliberated on every word and article with utmost seriousness. This was an opportunity to revisit and reflect on the values embedded in our Constitution. The discussion should have focused not only on the structure of the Constitution but also on the progress of our nation, the success of its implementation, and the development of our democracy. Unfortunately, the essence of the discussion was completely lost, and it ended up being limited to personal accusations and counter-accusations.

The Indian Constitution is not just a written document; it is a vital charter of the principles, values, and goals of our nation. The values of "equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity" enshrined in the Preamble are not mere words; they should be reflected in every aspect of our national life. Our Constitution established a secular democratic republic. Beyond caste, religion, gender, language, and economic status, citizens must experience equality, liberty, and justice. But in the past 75 years, to what extent have we realized these values? Have we created an ideal model of accepting and respecting our differences? Have we overcome the past challenges of caste discrimination, religious tensions, and economic inequality? It was imperative to address these questions. However, instead of confronting these issues, the parliamentary debate devolved into political maneuvering.

Parliamentary discussions are supposed to be a platform for intellectual exchange. They serve as a medium for addressing national problems and suggesting solutions through deliberation. However, the quality of debates in recent times has been deteriorating. Personal accusations, political jibes, and criticisms have become the defining characteristics of parliamentary discussions. The debate held on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution was no exception. Both the ruling party and the opposition used this platform to further their political agendas. Instead of revisiting the principles and goals of the Constitution, the discussions resembled election rallies. The ruling party focused on exposing the opposition’s past mistakes, while the opposition spent time criticizing the policies of the government.

During the drafting of the Constitution, India was grappling with severe challenges such as Partition, religious strife, social fragmentation, and economic disparities. Despite these circumstances, the Constitution's architects chose the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity to unify the nation.

Visionaries like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Purushottam Das Tandon, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar contributed to its drafting. Despite differences of opinion, they set aside their disagreements to develop a collective vision for the nation. They embraced the ideals of equality and social justice, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, gender, or language, would have equal opportunities. However, today, our political debates glaringly lack their vision.

The 75th year of the Constitution’s implementation was a chance for us to introspect. Have we made proper use of the rights granted by the Constitution? Have we fulfilled our duties as citizens? Has public participation in democratic processes increased? These are questions that should have been addressed. Parliamentary debates could have provided a meaningful platform for introspection. Instead, these discussions were marred by personal accusations and counter-accusations. Political parties wasted time pointing out each other’s flaws but lacked the courage to acknowledge their own shortcomings.

Leaders must not limit their respect for the Constitution to mere oaths. They bear the responsibility of embodying its principles through their actions. They must take initiatives to ensure freedom, equality, and justice for all citizens.

Political parties need to move beyond electoral politics and focus on national interest. The debates should transcend personal criticism and blame games to formulate actionable strategies for the nation's progress and the realization of constitutional goals. The Constitution sets forth the ideal of fraternity, but today's scenario shows that we are straying from it. Social inequality persists due to divisions based on religion, caste, and language, often exacerbated for political gain. Fraternity must not remain confined to speeches but should be demonstrated through actions. Every citizen must internalize the value of fraternity and foster a sense of unity.

Parliamentary debates should not be restricted to verbal sparring. Discussions must be idea-centric, focusing on national problems and their solutions. By studying the thought processes of the Constitution’s framers, we can chart a path for national progress aligned with their vision.

Both the ruling and opposition parties must engage in respectful dialogue during parliamentary debates. These discussions should not be limited to political accusations and counter-accusations. Respecting the Constitution means embodying its principles in practice. Mere speeches or declarations will not suffice. Strengthening democratic processes and fulfilling constitutional objectives require proactive efforts.

Understanding the spirit of the Constitution and striving for national progress is every citizen’s duty. The Constitution is not just the philosophy of a single nation; it is an inspiring ideology that sets an example for the entire world.

The 75th anniversary of the Constitution was an opportunity for introspection, but it was squandered. Neither the ruling party nor the opposition made proper use of this occasion. The Indian Constitution has provided us with the ideals of fraternity, equality, and justice. These ideals should not remain confined to speeches; we bear the responsibility of realizing them through action. Translating the Constitution’s values into practice and paving the way for the nation’s progress is the true tribute to our Constitution.

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*Senior journalist