Prime Minister Modi’s recent gesture of reverence towards the Constitution raises questions about its alignment with his actions. This article examines the Prime Minister’s adherence to constitutional principles, scrutinizing his decision-making and the implications for India’s democracy. It delves into the delicate balance between optics and substance, arguing for a renewed emphasis on constitutional morality in governance.
Symbolic Gestures and Constitutional Realities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent act of touching the Constitution to his forehead, while symbolically significant, raises questions about its alignment with his actions in office. The Constitution, a meticulously crafted document, delineates the powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. However, recent decisions by the Prime Minister, such as sanctioning the release of funds for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and approving housing assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana without the allocation of ministerial portfolios, appear to circumvent established procedures and potentially overstep his constitutional authority.
The Erosion of Collective Responsibility
The framers of the Indian Constitution opted for a parliamentary system over a presidential one, prioritizing the concept of collective responsibility. This entails the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, being accountable to the President and Parliament. However, recent events suggest a growing concentration of power within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), eroding the principles of collective decision-making and accountability enshrined in the Constitution.
Constitutional Morality: A Fading Ideal?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, emphasized the importance of cultivating constitutional morality. This encompasses a profound reverence for the forms and spirit of the Constitution, ensuring that both those in power and the opposition adhere to its principles. However, the current political landscape suggests a disregard for these ideals. The Prime Minister’s actions, including the unilateral extension of the tenures of key officials and his rhetoric during the recent election campaign, raise concerns about the erosion of constitutional morality in Indian governance.
The Rise of Constitutional Dictatorship?
The accumulation of power in the PMO, coupled with the disregard for constitutional norms, has led some to raise alarm bells about the potential emergence of a “constitutional dictatorship.” This refers to a situation where a leader, while operating within the framework of the Constitution, effectively centralizes power and undermines the checks and balances that are essential for a healthy democracy.
The Way Forward: Reclaiming Constitutional Morality
The responsibility to uphold constitutional morality lies not only with the Prime Minister but also with the Council of Ministers, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, and the citizens of India. It is imperative that all stakeholders recognize the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and actively resist any attempts to undermine them. The opposition, in particular, must play a crucial role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the principles of democracy and collective responsibility are not compromised.
Key Learning Points:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Recent decisions by the Prime Minister raise questions about his adherence to constitutional principles. | The sanctioning of funds and approval of schemes without ministerial portfolios suggest a potential overreach of power. |
| The concentration of power in the PMO is eroding collective responsibility. | This trend undermines the parliamentary system envisaged by the Constitution’s framers. |
| Constitutional morality is crucial for a healthy democracy. | It entails a deep respect for the Constitution and adherence to its principles by all stakeholders. |
| There are concerns about the potential emergence of a “constitutional dictatorship.” | This refers to the centralization of power and erosion of checks and balances within the constitutional framework. |
| Upholding constitutional morality is the responsibility of all stakeholders. | The opposition, judiciary, and citizens must hold the government accountable and ensure the protection of democratic values. |
Advanced Vocabulary:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Delineates | Describes or portrays precisely. |
| Circumvent | Find a way around (an obstacle). |
| Enshrined | Preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a form that ensures it will be protected and respected. |
| Erosion | The gradual destruction or diminution of something. |
| Rhetoric | The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. |
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
