The last seven years have been marked by a consistent attack on the democratic fabric of our country. Constitutional and human rights of people, most notably – the fundamental right to equality, the right to live with dignity, to question the state and dissent – have been trampled with impunity. Institutions of oversight have been systematically emaciated, with the independence of the judiciary under a serious cloud and the functioning of the Parliament gravely compromised.
Rise of fascism and crony capitalism, and the concomitant increase in violence in society have had a devastating impact on the lives of people, especially those belonging to the Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim and other marginalised communities. The COVID 19 crisis has exposed the apathetic and anti-poor nature of the state. The pandemic has been famously likened to an X-Ray that has exposed the bare bones of our system and amplified the terrible inequalities it has perpetuated. The afflictions gripping the nation have exponentially multiplied in the last year and a half.
Amidst the oppression and intimidation, however, the country has witnessed strong peoples’ movements against injustice and tyranny. In December 2019, people all over India rose to protect the Constitution when religion was made a basis for giving Indian citizenship through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), NRC and NPR. Exactly one year after the CAA protests shook the country, millions of farmers took to the streets to protest against the anti-people farm laws passed by Parliament.
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