India is a timeless civilization and a modern democracy. Our nation has blended tradition and progress commencing its tryst with a democratic destiny after shedding the heavy yoke of British colonialism. The journey since India’s independence in 1947 has seen remarkable milestones and heartbreaking tragedies. But the march of democracy was steady and inexorable.
Over the past decade, the Modi Government has inflicted thousands of cuts on our nation’s democracy. Democracy does not die by a single fatal blow. It dies instead by a thousand small cuts inflicted upon its being. Our democracy’s steady march appears uncertain under Modi’s and the BJP’s influence.
Sample this quote of Shri Rahul Gandhi from his address in the ‘Save Democracy’ Mega Rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on March 31, 2024: “Two leaders, two Chief Ministers were jailed, just a few months before the elections. If they had to be put behind bars, they could have been put in jail after six months, or six months before… No, two Chief Ministers were put in jail two-three months before the elections. You froze our bank accounts. If our bank accounts were to be freezed, you could have done it six months ago, done it a year ago, done it after six months, but it doesn’t matter. What you actually want is that the opposition should not be able to contest elections and hence you freezed the bank accounts of the Congress Party. You have appointed your people in the Election Commission, you are putting pressure on the judiciary because you want the match to be fixed, the Constitution to be canceled and you want to remain in power.”[i]
In the same address, Shri Rahul Gandhi had also said, “This election is an election to save India, to save the Constitution and to save the rights of the poor, farmers, backward classes, Dalits, tribals and poor people of general caste.”
The great gift of democracy that India’s valiant independence struggle bequeathed to us shouldn’t be crushed under the boots of autocracy of a few power-hungry politicians. And their storm troopers high on the intoxication of impunity shouldn’t be allowed to ruthlessly run roughshod over the rights of minorities and vulnerable population segments. India faces the crossroads of the ages. Real issues like unprecedented unemployment and skyrocketing inflation should be on the governance agenda.
During the freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi had taken out the Dandi March against the British and launched a mass movement against the anti-people policies of the British rule. ‘Padyatras’ (Foot marches) have a long history in Indian politics as an expression of solidarity and unification. On September 7, 2022, Shri Rahul Gandhi-led ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY)’ started from Kanyakumari with a similar spirit. A journey of about 3500 km, passing through 12 states and 2 union territories from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, it was a journey to safeguard India’s democracy and the Constitution.[ii]
The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ proved to be a mass awareness campaign concerning the basic issues of the public at large – inflation, unemployment, debilitating politics of hatred and divisiveness, etc. The long road to recovery was engaged. The east to west ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY)’ was the second version of the ongoing journey and it started on January 14, 2024, from Thoubal in Manipur and covered about 6713 kms through 15 states before culminating in Mumbai on March 16th.
The two Yatras advance the vision and promise of the protective fabric of sustainable democracy, genuine human rights and a system that delivers social justice for all. Shri Rahul Gandhi’s capacity to listen to and absorb the people’s pain and stories generated insights and knowledge that shaped Congress’ comprehensive manifesto (Nyay Patra) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
At every stage of its 138-year journey, the Indian National Congress identified itself with the problems, development, aspirations and hopes of all the people of India.[iii] During the freedom struggle, its foremost aim was to win freedom. It was guided by the wisdom and sacrifice of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. After independence, the Congress’ article of faith was and is the Constitution of India of which Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was the prime architect.
The twin and connected Yatras have brought India’s focus back to the essential issues of the nation and showcased the abiding power of love over hatred and violence, continuing and strengthening the Congress party’s ethos. The journey on the road to recovery continues.
References:
[i] https://www.inc.in/congress-sandesh/national/this-election-is-an-election-to-save-india-an-election-to-protect-the-constitution-shri-rahul-gandhi
[ii] https://www.inc.in/congress-sandesh/opinion/shri-rahul-gandhi-s-bharat-jodo-yatra-will-decide-the-national-agenda
[iii] https://manifesto.inc.in/en/introduction/