Constitution Versus Communalism

The assembly elections have brought a mixed bag for the Congress. We have managed to retain power in Jharkhand but the outcome in Maharashtra was not what we expected. But we must not get disheartened. Victories and defeats are a natural part of the democratic process. We should however pay careful attention to the campaign that the BJP undertook in these elections. Their single point agenda was ‘Religious Polarization’. Their only message was fear; embodied in their divisive slogan ‘Batenge to Katenge’. The BJP did not speak of development, empowerment, unity, or even Narendra Modi. It is clear that their stock of political ideas has run dry. Now they will rely only on hate and fear to fight elections.

This is a very dangerous turn for our politics. The BJPs hate-filled rhetoric is a threat to India’s social fabric. The only antidote of this hate is the message of the Constitution. It is the one idea that binds Indians on the basis of mutual respect, love, and a commitment to work together to uplift everybody. Under the leadership of Hon. Congress President and Shri Rahul Gandhi, it is this idea that the Congress Party has made the basis of its political philosophy. However, it is clear that much work needs to be done to convert this message into votes. Our leaders are repeating the message of the Constitution in their speeches, programs, and policies. But our workers too need to take the message into the grassroots and develop programmes that build the spirit of an India united under the Constitution. This is not a campaign that can be limited only to the time of the election. It must be a year-round mission that workers, leaders, and the organization must undertake. It must involve strong training of our workers, development of new leaders, outreach to places where we do not reach, and innovative programmes to engage the community. This will require new thinking, strong decisions, some difficult choices, and renewed energy. The Congress can and must take up the challenge. The future of India depends upon it.

Jai Congress. Jai Hind. Jai Jagat.