Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often referred to the Indian Constitution as his “holy book,” yet its spirit of equality, fairness, and democracy seems increasingly undermined.
This contradiction becomes stark when the presiding officers of parliament openly disregard the opposition, limiting their ability to raise pressing issues and warning against dissent. The Constitution, designed to uphold democratic values, is now perceived by many as a shield for actions that challenge India’s foundational freedoms.
The BJP has increasingly aligned its governance with the ideology of Hindutva, projecting Veer Savarkar as the ideological architect of a Bharatvarsh rooted in this vision. This ideological shift has coincided with an erosion of democratic norms. For the first time since 1952, the opposition has filed a motion of privilege against the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, reflecting their frustration with how parliamentary decorum has been compromised.
Even some ruling party ministers have been accused of disrespecting opposition members, and the presiding officers’ roles in adjudicating splits and defections have become contentious. Governors, tasked with representing the central government impartially, have often acted as political operatives in opposition-ruled states.
Such blatant partisanship undermines federalism and tarnishes the dignity of constitutional offices. Yet, Modi has neither distanced himself from these developments nor drawn clear boundaries to ensure respect for constitutional principles. The role of the media, once a cornerstone of Indian democracy, has also deteriorated. Today that voice of journalistic spirit is being carried on by independent social media. Diversity of thought, investigative rigor, and critical questioning have largely been replaced by a herd mentality driven by common economic interests and caste or religious affinities.
Before Modi’s tenure, star journalists often criticized the Congress for its perceived “pseudo-secularism.” However, many of these voices have since been sidelined, pushed into obscurity as dissenting media faces increasing hostility.The media’s transformation into a cheerleader for the government is evident in its coverage-or lack thereof-of critical issues.
Faulty policies such as the rushed implementation of GST, the chaotic demonetization drive, and the ongoing crisis in Manipur receive minimal scrutiny. Despite months of violence in Manipur, Modi has avoided visiting the state, sending a message of selective constitutional concern. Meanwhile, opposition efforts to highlight these issues have been dismissed or ignored by presiding officers in parliament. The Adani controversy is another glaring example. Allegations of stock manipulation and a recent bribery scandal involving Rs. 2,000 crore across several Indian states have rocked the country.
However, parliamentary debate on these matters was blocked, despite strong opposition demands. Instead of fostering transparency and accountability, the government appears intent on evading scrutiny. India’s democracy rests on the pillars of the Constitution, an independent media, and a robust opposition.
When these institutions are undermined, the nation’s democratic fabric is weakened. It is crucial for all stakeholders-government, opposition, media, and civil society-to reaffirm their commitment to these ideals. That in principle is desired but in practice the drift has gone a bit far and therefore, the question is whether Constitution will remain a revered document in name only as its true essence has been obscured by political expediency.