The damage caused internationally by the Gujarat riots is incalculable. The worldwide advantage over Pakistan earned after years of effort was squandered in days. Now India and Pakistan are at par. Both have governments that tolerate genocide. India has reached a defining moment in its history. Neither the government nor the opposition recognises this truth. It is not enough for the Gujarat government to go. The system must go. It has failed.
Speaking at the Secular Rally in New Delhi last week, CPI leader A.B. Bardhan said the Constitution was being attacked by 'fanatics'. That's true. But it is also true that this Constitution allows itself to be exploited by fanatics.
Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy said the PM had committed a "coup against the Constitution of India". He said: "The PM has lost his credibility with regard to his sectarian neutrality." Does that surprise anyone?
The opposition criticised reform of the Constitution. It's the Constitution that impedes redressal of the Gujarat situation. Two observations will indicate how.
Against all evidence to the contrary, the PM defended the Gujarat chief minister. Well, which central ruling party today would sacrifice its state unit to uphold the Constitution? The one authority with the mandate to decide the fate of state governments has been rendered a rubber stamp by our present system. The President, not the prime minister, is elected by all the state legislatures. The President, not the PM, can in the natural course rise above partisanship in centre-state relations. That's the way it is in a multi-party democracy. Just think. Had the riots occurred in Madhya Pradesh, would the Centre have adopted a similar approach?
Now the second observation: if in response to questions about his impartiality, Narendra Modi dissolves the assembly to seek a fresh mandate he would be constitutionally correct. In the present polarised atmosphere, could he not sweep the polls? Yet, opposition leaders dismissed the suggestion of fixed five-year terms for legislatures even if the prime minister or the chief minister is removed.
Our Constitution has degenerated because malpractice has destroyed checks and balances in the system. It is possible to reform the Constitution to restore its original intent. No party will attempt that. The politicians seek to replace a government that allowed genocide against Muslims by one that allowed genocide against Sikhs. Good luck to them.
Time we showed some vision,
Mutual abuse won't take us far,
The system needs revision
For India to become a star!
