India at 76: Celebrating the Republic's Resilience and Evolution

The skies are clear, the outlook appears promising, but the undercurrents of discontent are steadily gaining strength.

IAs we celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India, it is a time to reflect on the extraordinary journey from a fragmented polity to a unified, resilient Republic. Over the decades, India has navigated formidable challenges—ranging from coalition politics to institutional tensions—emerging stronger and more cohesive, firmly anchored in the constitutional ethos that defines its sovereign, democratic character. This milestone invites us not only to honour the Republic’s enduring spirit of unity and adaptability but also to revisit the pivotal events and trends of the past year, offering a lens to envision the road ahead.

Ram Mandir Consecration: A Watershed Moment in Indian History

On January 22, 2024, a few days before the Republic Day last year, the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked a pivotal moment in India's history. The event was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who performed the Prana Pratishtha sacred ceremonial rituals, symbolizing the infusion of life into the deity's idol. This ceremony was the culmination of decades of anticipation and was celebrated by millions across the nation.

While the occasion was met with widespread jubilation, with many viewing it as a moment of collective healing transcending religious lines, there were isolated voices expressing concern over the implications for India's secular framework. Critics argued that the prominence of the event signaled a shift towards majoritarianism, potentially eroding the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. However, it's noteworthy that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, established to oversee the temple's construction, operated independently of government funding, relying solely on private donations. The consecration of the Ram Mandir stands as a significant chapter in India's narrative, reflecting the nation's complex interplay between tradition, religion, and constitutional values.

Modi 3.0: A New Era of Coalition Politics

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections reaffirmed Narendra Modi’s leadership as he secured a historic third term as Prime Minister. However, with the BJP winning 240 seats—far short of its previous tallies and the magical midway mark—the party now relies on the support of two key allies. Modi 3.0 signifies a transition from single-party dominance to coalition governance, requiring a more inclusive approach to policymaking. This evolving political landscape underscores the adaptability of India’s democratic institutions and their capacity to reflect the will of a diverse electorate.

Milestones in Constitutional Reforms: Women’s Reservation and Unified Elections

In a landmark development, the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in 2024, amending the Constitution to reserve one-third of seats in Parliament and state legislatures for women. While its implementation is contingent upon the next delimitation exercise, the legislation marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in India’s political landscape. Simultaneously, the government tabled constitutional amendment bills aimed at facilitating the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, proposing synchronized elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This ambitious reform seeks to streamline electoral processes, reduce costs, and minimize policy paralysis caused by staggered polls. Both measures represent critical milestones in India’s constitutional evolution, signaling a focus on structural efficiency and greater representation, even as debates on their long-term implications continue to unfold.

Murmurs of Discontent: The Middle Class Becomes Increasingly Vocal

The traditionally BJP-aligned middle class is becoming increasingly vocal about its growing discontent, driven by unchecked inflation and limited employment opportunities, even for educated youth. A key source of frustration lies in India’s indirect taxation system, with high GST rates affecting both the rich and the poor. Compounding this is the stark disparity in income tax contributions: out of over 140 crore people, only 6 crore file income tax returns, and of these, a mere 2 crore effectively pay taxes, the remaining filing returns merely to claim TDS refunds. The salaried middle class, already burdened by rising living costs, feels further alienated by the fact that newly established companies enjoy lower tax rates than the highest individual tax brackets, especially after factoring in cesses and surcharges.

While old-timers argue that the middle class remains staunchly loyal to Prime Minister Modi, the murmurs of discontent are growing louder. With the Union Budget on the horizon, the Finance Minister faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and restore the middle class’s faith in the government’s economic policies. We hope the new Income Tax code would bring more than mere cosmetic relief or this crucial class of citizens.

Emerging India: Balancing Act on the Global Stage

In 2024, India continued to assert its role as a pivotal player in global diplomacy. Its active participation in BRICS highlighted a delicate balance between maintaining historical ties with Russia and aligning with Western allies through platforms like the QUAD. While relations with China showed signs of improvement, tensions with Canada escalated under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration. Amid these shifts, India strengthened ties with neighbors like Maldives and Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability. These developments reflect India's ambition to emerge as a responsible and influential global power.

Strains Amid Transitions: India and the United States

India’s relations with the United States encountered nuanced challenges during the transition to a new administration. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UN General Assembly in June 2024, while significant, faced diplomatic undercurrents, including the absence of a meeting with Donald Trump, then the Republican nominee. This omission drew attention, particularly when PM Modi was not invited to Trump’s presidential inauguration, despite the attendance of leaders from smaller nations—a development some interpreted as a subtle diplomatic snub. Adding to the complexities was the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun episode, with the self-styled Khalistan ideologue making an appearance at an exclusive pre-inauguration event, where notable Indian representation was otherwise conspicuously limited. Further complicating ties was the indictment of Adani Group executives on U.S. securities-related charges. These episodes have highlighted the need for recalibrating and strengthening the India-U.S. partnership amidst evolving political dynamics.

Rahul Gandhi: The Rebel or the Reformer?

Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that the Congress Party is fighting not only the BJP and RSS but also the "Indian State" reignited political debates in 2024. While the BJP accused him of rebellion, defenders of the Leader of the Opposition cited Article 12 of the Constitution, contending that his critique was aimed at systemic inequalities rather than the nation itself. They argued that every instrumentality under the control of the Central Government, as well as those in BJP-ruled states, had been deployed to target opposition leaders. The passage of the Uniform Civil Code and the Waqf Amendment Act further fuelled the controversy, underscoring the ideological tensions shaping India’s democracy.

Allegations of Institutional Capture: ECI and the Judiciary Under Scrutiny

2024 witnessed heightened concerns about institutional capture, particularly within the Election Commission of India (ECI), raising serious questions about its impartiality and autonomy. Critics argued that its decisions increasingly appeared aligned with the ruling establishment, undermining public trust in one of India’s most venerated democratic institutions. The controversy surrounding electoral bonds intensified these concerns, as the landmark Supreme Court judgment declared them unconstitutional but failed to quell apprehensions about their potential misuse for opaque political funding. This decision rekindled debates about the fairness of elections and the ECI’s critical role in ensuring a level playing field.

Outgoing Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud also faced scrutiny, albeit on different grounds, with some critics questioning the judiciary’s independence under his leadership. Known for his eloquent rhetoric and his emphasis on constitutional values, Justice Chandrachud’s critics often labeled his pronouncements as performative, more frequent in public forums than reflected in decisive judicial outcomes. However, his judgments suggested an effort to navigate a delicate middle ground, striving to balance competing interests in a polarized political climate.

In a symbolic gesture, Justice Chandrachud proposed replacing the sword of Lady Justice with the Constitution of India, underscoring the judiciary’s role as a guardian of constitutional morality. Yet, his legacy remains debated—praised by some for his progressive vision while critiqued by others for perceived institutional shortcomings. As the Republic marches forward, the onus remains on institutions like the ECI and the judiciary to restore public confidence and uphold their legacy of independence, fairness, and integrity.

In Memoriam: Eminent Indians We Lost in 2024

The year 2024 saw the passing of several luminaries whose contributions enriched India’s cultural, political, and intellectual heritage:

Dr. Manmohan Singh (1932–2024): The architect of India’s economic reforms and a former Prime Minister whose leadership left an indelible mark on the nation.

Ustad Zakir Hussain (1951–2024): Legendary tabla maestro who brought Indian classical music to the global stage.

Ratan Tata (1937–2024): Industrialist and philanthropist who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.

Bibek Debroy (1955–2024): Eminent economist who shaped India’s economic policies.

Shyam Benegal (1934–2024): Pioneer of parallel cinema, known for his socially conscious films.

Sitaram Yechury (1952–2024): Veteran politician and advocate for social justice.

Natwar Singh (1925–2024): Diplomat and former External Affairs Minister.

Sharda Sinha (1952–2024): Celebrated folk singer who preserved and popularized Bhojpuri and Maithili music.

Fali S. Nariman (1929–2024): Stalwart jurist and constitutional expert.

Ramoji Rao (1937–2024): Media baron and founder of Ramoji Film City.

Their contributions and legacies will continue to inspire generations, even as their absence is deeply felt. We take this opportunity to pay them our heartfelt homage.

The Republic of Bharat at 76: A Stronger, More Unified Nation

As India, that is Bharat, steps into its 76th year, it stands as a beacon of resilience and unity. The realignment of quasi-sovereign entities within India’s polity and their conformity with constitutional principles have fortified the Republic’s foundation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014 has been instrumental in consolidating governance, transcending nominal existence to a more effective form, and not merely as a loose Union of States, as Article 1 of the Constitution envisages.

Saluting the Resilient Republic

The skies are clear, the outlook appears promising, but the undercurrents of discontent are steadily gaining strength. Yet, there is optimism that Prime Minister Modi’s astute and firm leadership will help us navigate these treacherous waters with determination and purpose, ensuring that the Republic stays on course toward growth and stability.

The Indian Republic, navigating myriad challenges and triumphs, emerges stronger and more unified with each passing year. As we commemorate this Republic Day, we celebrate the unyielding spirit and resilience of our magnificent nation. With the dawn of this auspicious day, the sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic Republic of India stands firmer and more stable than ever, asserting its strength on the global stage.

Heartiest felicitations on the occasion of Republic Day. Long live the Indian Republic!

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!