Policy Watch: Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions – January 2023

The January 2023 issue of Policy Watch is centered on the theme Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions, focusing on the growing threat to these pillars of Indian democracy. The issue explores the Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, as a significant response to this democratic crisis. The articles, drawn from various sources, trace the Yatra’s progression and its evolving impact.

Sachin Rao, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, offers a poetic and experiential narrative of the Yatra, portraying it as a transformative journey that sheds material burdens and fosters human connections. Pratap Bhanu Mehta presents a critical lens, arguing that while the Yatra challenges the politics of hate, it lacks clarity in purpose and vision. He outlines three political tests for the Yatra: creating an ideological alternative, winning hearts and minds, and building Opposition unity.

Suhas Palshikar questions whether the Yatra goes beyond optics to offer genuine solutions for India’s fragmented society. He urges the movement to articulate non-state approaches and deeper ideological frameworks. Responding to Mehta and Palshikar, Yogendra Yadav, who actively supported the Yatra, underscores its role in confronting the central challenge of reclaiming the Republic. He embraces critique as a tool for reflection and future course correction.

Shiv Visvanathan provides a more empathetic view, describing the Yatra as an inclusive, theatrical expression of hope that overcame cynicism and sparked debate nationwide. Matthew John, a former critic of the Congress leadership, now sees the Yatra as a powerful march against creeping authoritarianism and supports Rahul Gandhi’s vision to revive democracy.

The issue concludes with a video interview of Yogendra Yadav at Lal Chowk and a closing speech by Rahul Gandhi in Srinagar, introduced by Biju Negi, reinforcing the Yatra’s aim to restore unity and democratic spirit in India.