A Month-Long Celebration for 75 Years of Constitution: An Attack on the Opposition

Bhartiya Janta Party and the Modi government has been constantly accused for not following the law of the constitution and trying to change the constitution following the path of dictatorship and fascism. This is seen as an attempt of the Modi government to gain back trust as they seem to lose many seats in the Lok Sabha election 2024 and the run off election as well due to this narrative.

Context

The government has announced 25^th June to be seen as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” to mourn about the Emergency that was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for 21 months from 25^th June 1975 to 21 March 1977 cause of the internal disturbances. During this period civil liberties was taken away, press was censored, most of the opposition leaders was imprisoned, a forced vasectomy drill also prevailed in the country.

On the contrary, now, the government has announced that they’ll aware people about the value of constitution. They will also tell how the government has taken step to strengthen the constitution.

Constitution Celebration

A month-long event to celebrate the constitution is set to take place. Ministry of Culture has been given the responsibility to make this event successful. The ministry was also the nodal officer for a similar event “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” which mark 75 years of Independence. The details about the event is still in fog but as per the government insiders events, exhibitions are likely to take place all over India an youth of the country will be encouraged to participate in a large number.

Union Ministers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are told to be joining these events. Sources have told that all the speeches and efforts that PM Modi have made will be compiled and played in a video. Such as Modi’s ‘Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra’ of 2010 which he conducted as a chief minister of Gujarat.

The government has also launched a dedicated portal called “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” to spread awareness among citizens about their legal rights that are provided by the constitution.

Opposition On Constitution

The opposition’s campaign to save the constitution gained major political support and turn out as a weapon against the BJP government in the Lok Sabha Election. The campaign was a reaction on the claims of the BJP government to win 400+ seats and statements of few BJP candidates about changing the constitution.

The opposition, particularly the INDIA alliance, cautioned the public that the BJP intended to abolish the existing reservation system and undermine the Constitution.
The “Save the Constitution” narrative gained significant traction, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where the opposition was able to convert it into votes and seats. The campaign resonated strongly with Dalits, minorities, and others who view the Constitution as a guarantee of their rights.

The opposition, however, continues to vigilantly safeguard the constitutional principles, as seen in their protests and slogans during the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha.  The “Save the Constitution” campaign appears to have formed a strong public opinion against any perceived attempts to undermine the Constitution by the government.