Does India Need A Debate On The Constitution? Insights From Sudhanshu Trivedi | Legally Speaking

In a compelling session at the Third Law and Constitution Dialogue, Rajya Sabha Member Sudhanshu Trivedi explored whether India requires a renewed debate on its Constitution. Moderated by Rishabh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief of NewsX, the discussion ranged from parliamentary disruptions to India’s geopolitical strategies.

Parliamentary Disruptions and External Influences

Trivedi addressed the recurring disruptions in parliamentary proceedings, attributing them to controversies often linked to external reports. He pointed to incidents like the Hindenburg report in January 2023, the Manipur video controversy in July 2023, and the Pegasus report in 2021.

“Whenever Parliament is in session, something emerges to create unrest,” Trivedi observed, suggesting a pattern influenced by external entities aiming to disrupt legislative processes.

Constitutional Reforms and Population Dynamics

On the issue of constitutional reforms, Trivedi emphasized the growing complexities of governance driven by India’s population dynamics. He discussed the delicate balance between proportional parliamentary representation and the need for population control policies, acknowledging the challenges of expanding representation without exacerbating inequalities among states.

India’s Geopolitical Strategy

Trivedi commended India’s diplomatic acumen under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting key achievements such as the acquisition of S-400 missile systems from Russia and Predator drones from the United States. These milestones, he argued, demonstrate India’s strategic ability to balance relationships with major global powers.

“India’s robust systems and farsighted leadership have thwarted attempts to destabilize the nation,” Trivedi said, referencing regional instability in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Internal vs. External Threats

When asked about the relative significance of internal and external threats, Trivedi underscored the clarity of external threats while warning about the subtle dangers posed by internal divisions:

“External enemies are clear, but internal threats can weaken a nation from within,” he cautioned, urging vigilance against forces that exploit domestic fault lines.

Criticism of Opposition and Foreign Narratives

Trivedi took aim at opposition leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, for raising issues related to democracy and freedom on international platforms.

“At least Rahul Gandhi is an Indian; his questions should be answered here, not with foreign narratives,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of resolving domestic issues within the country.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to move away from colonial-era practices, such as rescheduling the budget session to February 1 from the British-influenced March timeline, signaling a departure from outdated traditions.

Key Takeaways

Parliamentary Disruptions: Trivedi linked recurring disturbances during legislative sessions to external influences aiming to destabilize governance.
Population and Governance: Addressing population dynamics is critical to balancing parliamentary representation and equitable development.

Strategic Diplomacy: India’s geopolitical moves reflect a careful balancing act between global powers, ensuring national security and strategic autonomy.

Threat Assessment: External threats are straightforward, but internal divisions pose long-term risks to national stability.
Domestic Narratives: Trivedi criticized the tendency to address national concerns on foreign platforms, advocating for internal resolution of such issues.

The dialogue underscored the importance of safeguarding India’s democratic and constitutional framework while adapting to emerging challenges, both internal and external.

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