Oh, how lucky we are to witness the grand spectacle that is the Modi government’s celebration of the Constitution of india this november 26. For 75 years, that radical, progressive, and exceptionally brave document has stood as the foundation of India's democracy. And yet, in a twist that only India’s great political showman could pull off, we find ourselves at the crossroads of high drama and low sincerity.
**The Big Event: A Show, Not a Celebration**
This year, the Modi regime has outdone itself, organizing a jaw-dropping event in the Central Hall of the old parliament building to mark the "celebration" of the Constitution. How heartwarming, right? The Central Hall—where India’s founders worked tirelessly, debated passionately, and forged a nation—will host the grand show to mark 75 years of that very Constitution. Yet, just last year, the Modi government made a clear statement that they were done with this place. The old parliament building was, apparently, a relic of an inconvenient past, something best forgotten in favor of their shiny, new parliament building, which, with all due respect, may very well have cost more than an average budget for an entire state.
**Irony at Its Best**
Ah, the irony. Let’s take a moment to savor it. This is the same Modi government that snubbed the Central Hall and its legacy last year. After all, why bother with the historical place where India’s Constituent assembly toiled for years, crafting a document that enshrined democracy, secularism, and equality? It seems far more fitting to celebrate the Constitution on the plush red carpets of a gleaming new building, doesn’t it? After all, who cares about the "freedom struggle" and the "tryst with destiny" speeches when there's a brand-new complex begging for attention? What’s history compared to the Instagram-worthy aesthetic of a 21st-century building?
But sure, let’s pretend this is about the Constitution. It’s just another chapter in the Modi government’s series of well-choreographed photo ops, where events are crafted for maximum media coverage, and the actual content is conveniently ignored.
**Constitution as a Prop**
Let’s talk about the Constitution itself for a moment, shall we? The Modi government is keen on basking in its glory, but actions speak louder than words. If you truly wanted to honor the Constitution, you might consider following its spirit—one that guarantees fundamental rights, protects democracy, and values pluralism. Instead, we have witnessed a continuous erosion of these principles.
Let’s start with the *fundamental right to dissent*. Under Modi’s rule, speaking out against the government is practically a criminal offense. The arrests of journalists, activists, and students who dare to challenge the regime have become so routine that it’s no longer surprising, just incredibly sad. Constitutional safeguards? Pfft. Who needs those when you have the unflinching support of the majority in Parliament?
And what about *secularism*, that cornerstone of the Constitution? The constant push for religious homogeneity, the targeting of minorities, and the blatant violation of India’s secular fabric have become the Modi government’s signature. The Constitution doesn’t mention "Hindu first, everything else second," but that’s the narrative that the bjp continues to promote.
**Federalism: The Modi Magic Trick**
Another delightful feature of this so-called Constitution Day celebration is the *flourishing* of federalism under the BJP. Oh wait, did we say flourishing? We meant the gradual withering of any semblance of cooperative federalism. The Modi government has shown an uncanny ability to centralize power, undermining the autonomy of states at every turn. Whether it’s bulldozing state governments’ decisions or imposing its will on them, it’s hard to imagine how any state could feel like an equal partner in this "great indian experiment" when every federal institution is designed to cater to the whims of the central government.
Let’s not forget the *fundamental duty* to preserve the diversity of India’s people, language, and cultures. Under the Modi government, however, there’s been a clear push to homogenize the country. The “one language, one religion, one identity” mantra has permeated the public discourse, directly violating the Constitution’s promise of a pluralistic society.
**The media Circus: Pomp Over Substance**
Of course, we can't forget the media extravaganza. This Constitution Day is just another stage for the Modi government to show off its talents in media manipulation. Glitzy events, extravagant displays, and soundbites that promise to make every citizen feel warm and fuzzy inside—if only for a fleeting moment. The spectacle is all about branding, not substance. But don’t worry, the BJP’s PR machinery is working overtime, making sure the headlines reflect nothing but the government’s "dedication" to the Constitution, while conveniently ignoring the fact that this same Constitution is increasingly under siege.
And just in case we forget, the Modi regime has also perfected the art of *diverting attention*. While Constitution Day celebrations dominate the media, let’s not focus too much on the bills passed without proper scrutiny, the curbs on freedom of expression, or the dismantling of the institutions meant to safeguard our democracy.
**A Photo-Op for Posterity**
In the end, let’s not kid ourselves. The Modi government is in the business of image-making, not nation-building. It’s about making sure the public sees the "great leader" as a champion of the Constitution, while the actual values embedded in it—like justice, equality, and freedom—are pushed aside in favor of shiny events and polished speeches.
So yes, this 26 november, when Modi and his bjp colleagues gather in the hallowed Central Hall to "celebrate" the Constitution, let’s raise a glass to the latest media spectacle. But let’s also remember that the Constitution, much like the country itself, is in grave danger as long as the bjp continues its march toward authoritarianism disguised as democracy. The Constitution might be 75, but under this regime, it’s definitely in peril. And that, my friends, is no photo-op.
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