By: Shashanka Das
As the political pendulum swings towards the upcoming general elections, the Congress party has unfurled its electoral sail, touting promises of change and progress. However, beneath the veneer of lofty pledges lies a collage of contradictions and questionable intentions, casting a shadow over the party’s manifesto – Nyay Patra.
The Congress party’s strategy of pointing accusatory fingers at the BJP for purportedly attempting to ‘change the constitution’ while simultaneously proposing significant constitutional amendments in its own manifesto is akin to a theatrical performance of political hypocrisy. While Congress leaders, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, cry foul over BJP’s alleged constitutional transgressions, their own manifesto reveals a laundry list of proposed constitutional alterations.
In the Equity section of the Nyay Patra, Congress vows to shatter the 50% cap on reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities, ostensibly in the pursuit of social justice. While the intent behind this promise may be noble, the feasibility and repercussions of such a drastic measure remain shrouded in ambiguity. Additionally, the promise of a nationwide Socio-Economic and Caste Census raises questions about the practicality of conducting such a mammoth exercise and its potential impact on governance and resource allocation.
Furthermore, the manifesto’s commitment to amending Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on disability, impairment, or sexual orientation is commendable in principle. However, the devil lies in the details, and the implementation of such amendments poses significant challenges in a diverse and complex society like India.
The Congress party’s proposal to amend the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution to curb party defections appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power and stifle dissent within its own ranks. While defection may indeed undermine the democratic process, the proposed solution of automatic disqualification raises concerns about the erosion of political autonomy and the stifling of dissenting voices.
Perhaps the most contentious proposal in the Nyay Patra is the plan to split the Supreme Court of India into two divisions – a Constitutional Court and a Court of Appeal. While the idea of streamlining the judicial process and ensuring swift justice is laudable, the feasibility and implications of such a drastic restructuring merit thorough deliberation and scrutiny.
The Congress party’s promise to amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to include Ladakh and its commitment to enforcing the Women’s Reservation Bill raise pertinent questions about regional representation and gender equality. However, the timing and motivation behind these proposals raise doubts about their sincerity and efficacy.
In conclusion, while there is merit in amending the constitution and enacting laws to reflect changing societal norms and needs, the Congress party’s manifesto raises more questions than answers. From contradictory rhetoric to questionable proposals, the Nyay Patra paints a picture of a party grappling with its own identity and intentions. As voters navigate the political landscape, it is imperative to approach such promises with a critical eye and hold politicians accountable for their actions. For in the labyrinth of electoral politics, discernment must prevail over deception, and substance must triumph over spectacle. (The author can be reached at shashankadas0007@gmail.com)
