Constitution Reclaimed

The infamous 42nd Amendment sought to fundamentally alter the Constitution's character, centralising power and eroding its checks and balances. It was a moment when democracy held its breath and dictatorship crept through the corridors of power in constitutional disguise. This was not just a political power grab, it was a philosophical betrayal of the Republic. The centralisation of power under Indira Gandhi stands today as a cautionary tale of what happens when a leader places dynasty above democracy

- PRATYUSH KANTH The writer is National Spokesperson of the Bhartiya Janata Party

In the grand journey of Indian democracy, the Constitution has always been more than a mere document; it is our moral compass and national conscience. Framed by visionaries, it was envisioned as a shield against tyranny, a covenant of liberty, and a roadmap to social justice. Yet, there came a time when this sacred charter was trampled upon, not by foreign invaders, but by a democratically elected Prime Minister.

The Emergency of 1975-77 remains one of the darkest chapters in Indian history. Under Indira Gandhi's regime, the Constitution, intended to safeguard the people, was turned into an instrument of control. Civil liberties were suspended, the press was muzzled, opposition voices jailed, and the judiciary browbeaten into submission.

The infamous 42nd Amendment sought to fundamentally alter the Constitution's character, centralising power and eroding its checks and balances. It was a moment when democracy held its breath and dictatorship crept through the corridors of power in constitutional disguise.

This was not just a political power grab; it was a philosophical betrayal of the Republic. The centralisation of power under Indira Gandhi stands today as a cautionary tale of what happens when a leader places dynasty above democracy.

The process of disrespecting the values of the Constitution continued even after the rule of Indira Gandhi. From Rajiv to Sonia to Rahul, the Gandhi family has displayed a consistent pattern of undermining constitutional propriety for political convenience.

Rajiv Gandhi, following in his mother's footsteps, overturned the Supreme Court's progressive Shah Bano judgment, sacrificing justice at the altar of appeasement.

Sonia Gandhi, during the UPA years, operated as an extra-constitutional authority, often overshadowing the elected Prime Minister and subverting institutional integrity.