Dr. Sahibzada Muhammad Usman
January 26th is observed as Republic Day to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, embodying the nation’s core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
It is a day to reflect on India’s democratic ideals and the vision of its founding fathers, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who drafted the Constitution. However, in recent years, this sacred document has faced accusations of being undermined by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for violating its fundamental principles.
India’s Constitution stands as a beacon of secularism, ensuring equal rights and protection for all citizens. However, critics argue that the BJP government has disregarded these principles, advancing a majoritarian agenda that marginalizes minorities and erodes India’s pluralistic identity.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, has accused the BJP and RSS of fostering an “anti-Constitution and anti-Ambedkar mindset.” He also criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for making remarks deemed derogatory toward Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, whose contributions are fundamental to the nation’s democratic framework.
The BJP’s actions stand in stark contrast to the vision of India’s secular founding fathers, who envisioned a diverse and inclusive nation rather than one that suppresses diversity, as championed by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel.
Critics accuse the party of eroding India’s socio-political fabric, with human rights groups and activists warning of a decline in the country’s secular character.
Policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have drawn criticism for allegedly discriminating against Muslims.
Under the BJP government, incidents of mob lynching, hate speech, and discrimination against minorities have significantly increased, raising concerns about the nation’s commitment to pluralism and equal rights.
The BJP’s governance, particularly its use of religion as a political tool, remains one of the most contentious issues. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement linking India’s independence to Hinduism has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that it diminishes the contributions of freedom fighters from diverse religious backgrounds.
Such remarks not only alienate minorities but also distort historical events, disregarding the collective struggle of people from all faiths in India’s fight for independence.
The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a source of pride for many Hindus, but it has also been viewed as a symbol of communal polarization.
India has long upheld its secular ideals enshrined in the Constitution, and there is no historical linkage between the temple and the country’s independence.
Critics argue that the BJP’s Hindutva-driven agenda does not support India’s pluralistic identity but instead fosters an environment that tolerates only those aligned with Hindutva ideology
This has heightened concerns over the country’s democratic decline and growing authoritarianism.
Under the BJP’s tenure, discrimination and violence against religious minorities—including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits—have increased.
Reports of hate crimes, mob violence, and institutional bias have raised serious questions about the role of law enforcement, with accusations of complicity or inaction.
The 2020 Delhi riots, which resulted in over 53 deaths—mostly Muslims—exposed the state’s failure to protect its citizens. Similarly, the heavy-handed response to the largely Sikh-led farmers’ protests, including internet shutdowns and the use of force, demonstrated a troubling pattern of state suppression.
Through such actions, constitutionally guaranteed rights are being violated, undermining the rule of law—a fundamental pillar of democracy.
Both domestic and international human rights organizations have condemned the BJP’s alleged use of state machinery to suppress dissent and target minorities. Calls for accountability and transparency have intensified, urging the government to uphold the principles of equality and justice as enshrined in the Constitution.
These developments pose a serious threat to Indian democracy. The BJP’s efforts to reshape India’s independence narrative, reframing the nation through Hindu nationalism, have fueled concerns about the country’s ability to sustain its diversity and unity.
Critics argue that the BJP is not only rewriting history to fit its political agenda but also erasing the contributions of those who do not align with its vision. This includes vilifying the Congress Party and entrenching RSS ideology in public discourse.
Rewriting history is not a mere intellectual exercise; it has real-world consequences. It fosters a culture of exclusion and intolerance, silences dissent, and relegates minorities to second-class status.
The erosion of India’s secular foundations and the weakening of its socio-political fabric threaten the very basis of its democracy.
These developments raise serious concerns about whether India can continue to uphold the values laid down in its Constitution.
To safeguard India’s democratic ideals, the following measures must be undertaken:
- Promote awareness and understanding of the Constitution among citizens to cultivate a culture of respect for its values.
- Demand accountability from law enforcement agencies and ensure unbiased investigations of hate crimes and violence.
- Foster a balanced and inclusive historical narrative that acknowledges the contributions of all communities.
- Implement policies that protect the rights and dignity of religious and ethnic minorities.
- Encourage open and constructive dialogue between communities to bridge divides and promote mutual understanding.
- Reaffirm secularism as a core principle of the Indian Constitution.
- Strengthen civil society organizations to advocate for democratic values and hold the government accountable.
- Revise educational curricula to reflect India’s diverse heritage and encourage critical thinking.
- Ensure the independence and integrity of democratic institutions to prevent political interference.
Republic Day is a time to celebrate India’s achievements as a democracy, but it must also serve as a moment of reflection on its challenges.
The erosion of secularism, rising communal polarization, and the marginalization of minorities are grave threats to India’s democratic fabric.
Addressing these issues and reaffirming commitment to the Constitution is essential to ensuring that India remains a beacon of diversity, unity, and inclusivity.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”
*The writer holds a PhD in geopolitics from Italy and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Shandong University, China. Dr. Usman is the author of the book Different Approaches on Central Asia: Economic, Security, and Energy, published by Lexington, USA.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any institution or organization.
