Where is the Republic for the Aam Aadami ?

The preamble is the Identity card of our constitution as Nani palkhiwala said. The opening line of the Preamble says - "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC". These five words denote the nature of the polity of ours.

"We the people of India" feels proud for being the world's largest democracy. We are doing well on that front as Voting turnout reached the 70% mark which is a great mark of the success of democracy. Politicians make tireless efforts during the election campaign to seek votes which reflect the success of the democracy. But what about a republic? Does the Republic of the Aam aadmi (we the people) exist?

What does mean of the being "Republic"? In simple words, It denotes two things about the polity:-

(1) A state in which supreme power is held by the people

(2) Equality among the citizen and no class having privileges

The word "Republic" is the antonym of the word "VIP". But the irony is that we have "VIP lounge" in the celebration of the "Republic day". In fact, there was great controversy regarding the sitting arrangement of the Rahul Gandhi outside the VIP enclosure last year. Congress made the allegation on BJP for doing cheap politics and BJP defended its position by citing the history of the sitting arrangement during UPA era where BJP leaders not given the VIP seats. And These political parties and Leaders holding key position of the "Republic of India" where nobody cares about "Aam Aadami" !

In 20117, the Union Cabinet decided to amend the Motor Vehicle Rules to end the use of red or any coloured beacon by all, including the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. But the "VIP" mindset is deeply ingrained in an establishment which reflect in the campaign of the FASTag starring Akshay Kumar. Government's advertisement says that citizen can feel like "VIP" if they use FASTag. This it shows that, there is certain "Privilege" class in the "Republic of India".

Republic means equal treatment to all. But Do "The Republic of India" do treat all equally? The answer is NO! Big no! Poor Farmer of the Marathwada forced to commit suicide over the loan of the 1 lakh while Banks took years to publish the name of the defaulters having thousands of crore dues. Government demanding the Aadahr number to poor kids to get the Midday meal ( Pilot project) while MPs, Minister and Lyutens staff need no Aadhar card to Enjoy Subsidise food of the Parliament canteen. Is this the Idea of India of Patel, Nehru and Ambedkar for the Republic of India?

Gandhi used to say that Swaraj for the all cannot be possible without Economic equality. But today as per the Oxfam report - India's 9 richest people hold wealth equal to that of the bottom 50%. On a similar line, French economist Thomas Piketty wrote a paper titled 'Indian income inequality, 1922-2014: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj?'. When such grave economic inequality prevails in society, you can find republican spirit on in the graveyard and not in the air of the nation.

Populism is the Buzzword today among the Global Political thinkers and Students of the Politics. Populism is the outcome of the Revolt of the "Aam Aadami" against Elite dominance. Out Honourable chief Guest on Republic Public day Jair Bolsonaro and Host Our Honourable PM Modi both consider as the Populist leader by the Political writers. Negligence of the Common man form the Socio The economic development of the country contributes a lot in the success of both Bolsenaro and Modi. But yet ""Elitism" prevails in Republic of India that I explained above. I wish to see the Republic of India which Provide equal treatment to Poor and President, Beggar and Billionaire, Mining labour and Ministers.