Republic Day Should Transcend Parades to Protect Constitutional Values: Mehbooba Mufti
As India commemorated its 77th Republic Day with grand military displays and cultural showcases, People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti issued a powerful reminder about the day's deeper significance. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister emphasized that Republic Day must extend far beyond ceremonial parades and speeches to actively uphold the constitutional principles that define the nation.
Constitutional Rights Over Ceremonial Displays
In a thought-provoking post on social media platform X, Mufti drew a crucial distinction between Independence Day and Republic Day. "While 15 August 1947 granted us freedom from colonial rule, 26 January 1950 bestowed upon us the constitutional right to live that freedom with dignity," she stated. The PDP leader highlighted how the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights including freedom of speech, religious liberty, and most importantly, the power to vote.
Mufti, who attended Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, stressed that the occasion should serve as a moment for national reflection on whether these constitutional guarantees are being fully realized in practice.
Warning About Institutional Weaponization
The veteran politician expressed serious concern about what she described as the weaponization of democratic institutions. "Our Constitution created strong institutions to protect these values. Today, many of these institutions have been weaponized to undermine the very idea of India," Mufti asserted in her social media statement.
This warning comes amid ongoing debates about the independence and functioning of various constitutional bodies and democratic institutions across the country. Mufti's comments suggest a growing apprehension about institutional integrity and their role in safeguarding democratic principles.
Grand Celebrations Amidst Political Commentary
The 77th Republic Day celebrations unfolded with spectacular displays of India's military prowess, cultural diversity, and economic achievements. The parade along Kartavya Path featured missiles, warplanes, newly-raised military units, and weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor, which received prominent attention despite the overarching theme celebrating 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
President Droupadi Murmu took the salute as the parade commenced, arriving in a traditional buggy flanked by her bodyguards alongside distinguished chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Their presence marked a significant diplomatic moment during the celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, numerous Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats, and senior government representatives witnessed the grand spectacle that showcased India's growing global stature.
Broader Context of Mufti's Remarks
Mufti's statements gain additional significance considering recent geopolitical tensions. Earlier, amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the PDP leader had suggested that India should take the first step toward de-escalation, highlighting her consistent focus on diplomatic and constitutional approaches to national issues.
Her Republic Day message serves as both a celebration of constitutional democracy and a cautionary note about potential threats to its foundational principles. By calling attention to the weaponization of institutions, Mufti joins a broader conversation about democratic resilience and constitutional fidelity in contemporary India.
The juxtaposition of grand Republic Day celebrations with political commentary about institutional integrity underscores the complex layers of meaning that this national occasion carries for different stakeholders across India's diverse political landscape.
