PM Narendra Modi chose December 10, marked as International Human Rights Day around the globe, for inaugurating the new Parliament premises.
The work of the new Parliament is slated to be complete by August 2022- the year which marks the commemoration of our 75th year of independence. Honestly speaking, I had more questions in my mind rather than answers after going through the speech of Prime Minister Modi on national television.
Maybe the inauguration of the new Parliament building will instil in us a patriotic and nationalistic fervour. But how would it reaffirm our commitment and dedication to constitutional rights, duties and morality as for the ratcheting of the rhetoric of populism, polarization and communalism which has created ranks and divisions in our society?
Aren’t we equally responsible for allowing this failure to crumble the existence of our democratic consensus and civility making us utterly distasteful to the divergence of opinions, ideas and views?
I am afraid Modi ji will never afford to speak on these issues influencing the expansion of his political base and constituency. It would unsettle the fascination and fantasy of right-wing Hindu nationalism as he is the political custodian of the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party government at the Centre. It is for this purpose that the Prime Minister chooses the occasion, place and time for underlining his connect and conduct with the people whom he seeks to directly address.
I want to ask him if there is any compensation for the systematic and structural abuse and violation of the rights of the common and ordinary. Disparity, discrimination and inequity are restricting their access to the availability of basic resources. Look at the growing disquiet of the farmers, peasants and workers on account of the draconian laws framed by the centre. Has our democracy proved to be a leveller for this section of the society?
As for their disempowerment which seeks to collectively mobilize and organize them for achieving their guarantees from the state, maybe we can differ in terms of our perception and perspectives Modi ji, but I do know that the ideals of our Independence can only be accomplished when we restore their faith in our system instead of obsessing over a building that is yet to take shape.
Let see if we can abide by the basic conventions of Human Rights!