Leaving the violence and sedition aside, the recent and continuous upheaval amongst all sectors about CAA or Citizenship Bill is a sign of a robust democracy. CAA a Citizenship Amendment Act which is enacted to provide citizenship to beleaguered citizens of theocratic neighbouring countries is perceived in different light by oppositions, social activists, thinkers, students of universities and colleges and we the general public.
The apposition on many instances is rank political gamesmanship while on other hand it is a genuine concern as to what it will lead to in a country where salient secular principles in the Constitution have already been embedded, defended and held fast during passage of time since Independence. For some it stands as a veiled threat of rising "right" amongst the political class and the bureaucracy in India. But the worst instance is that of those who habitually oppose (sometimes vehemently) every step the ruling dispensation takes...for their political or ideological gains. This in mind of public is creating a "Cry Wolf" situation in India and undermining the possibility of a strong rational opposition in the country.
The Bill which aims to provide refuge for minorities in neighbouring countries under constant threat from overzealous and forced proselytizing at the behest of rabid organizations and Governments is seen as rightly conceived and just. The exclusion of people of faith that upholds these theocracies is based upon the fact that they already have a home with majority of their own kind. What makes this bill somewhat non inclusive is that it does not provide succor to troubled minorities within the the majority in the neighbourhood. This should be a matter of concern if we are true to secularism and a liberal democracy.
Another misconception fiercely denied by the ruling dispensation is that it is against the interests of Muslims in India. Though many have not read the Bill including the author there is lot of confusion and fear perception prevailing in the ecosystem which is based on secular principals and freedom for all concept. However this article only enumerates the reaction to the legislation vis a vis extant of democratic freedom of speech we have in our country.
Another manifestation of this legislation which is already enacted by the majority in both the houses is a deep state tussle between advocates of theocratic Nationalism and those for a greater liberal secular entity. Fortunately the latter dominates in our country, former is perceived as impracticable romanticizing of a Golden past even by those not against theocratization of the State.
Looking into the federal structure and social construct, we will always be a poly cultural and multi religious democracy. In fact all encompassing community cohesion is in our National interest. But we should understand and accept that being a Hindu majority country, its ideological influence and shadow will always be there...what is unacceptable is intrusion into or discrimination of several ideologies prevailing in this ecosystem whether indigenous or foreign.
As the World's largest democracy we should have immense faith in hustings and time and again we have voted to subdue rising authoritarianism and misrule.
