When the Union Is Not a Sum of the Parts

Given our fractured polity and institutional atrophy, this isn't a moment to celebrate the Constitution. Instead, we should ponder about the future of our democracy and constitutional culture

- KAPIL SIBAL

IKSIT Bharat is a pipe dream of the pied piper. The question that we have to ask ourselves today is 'whither Bharat'.

We have much to ponder over. The absence of dialogue between the treasury benches and the opposition, unruly scenes within and outside parliament, jostling for vote-bank politics by seeking to appropriate the legacy of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, feeding the environment of hate, and spouting historical inaccuracies to make unsubstantiated allegations. The toxic environment within parliament has reached a situation in which the chairman of the Rajya Sabha is sought to be removed through a no-confidence motion.

All of these are symptomatic of the decline of an institution that saw stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Abul Kalam Azad, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and several others who contributed to civilised discourse within parliament.

The reasons for this institutional atrophy are not far to seek. We have a prime minister who, when abroad, extols the virtues of India's diversity; but while at home, allows a political agenda seeking to foist a majoritarian culture that vilifies minorities. The accompanying public discourse is also echoed within parliament.