At the ‘Legally Speaking’ event organized by NewsX, Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal delivered a thought-provoking address on topics ranging from the significance of Constitution Day to the contentious “One Nation, One Election” initiative. His remarks spanned electoral reforms, parliamentary challenges, and pressing national issues.
Constitution Day: A Vision of PM Modi
Union Minister Meghwal highlighted the evolution of Constitution Day, an initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “When PM Modi assumed office in 2014, prior to this, November 26 was observed as Law Day. It was PM Modi’s vision, stemming from his days as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, to honor the Constitution. He proposed that this day be observed as Constitution Day.”
Meghwal elaborated on the origins of this observance, stating that in 2015, during Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary celebrations, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a circular declaring November 26 as Constitution Day. He credited PM Modi for transforming the day into a national celebration of the Constitution’s legacy.
Debate on One Nation, One Election
Addressing the controversial “One Nation, One Election” proposal recently approved by the Cabinet, Meghwal responded to opposition criticism that the government should instead focus on “One Nation, One Health System” or “One Nation, One Education System.” He dismissed these objections as unrelated, emphasizing the historical precedent for simultaneous elections between 1952 and 1967.
“The cycle was broken due to mid-term polls and Article 356 misused to dismiss state governments,” he stated. Meghwal argued that the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct disrupts governance and development. “PM Modi called an all-party meeting in 2019 on this subject, attended by leaders from all major parties except Congress,” he revealed. He pointed to countries like Indonesia and the U.S. as examples of streamlined electoral processes, urging opposition parties to support the reform.
Census, Delimitation, and Women’s Reservation
On the upcoming Census and its implications for the Women’s Reservation Act, Meghwal clarified, “The delimitation process is constitutionally frozen until 2026. After 2026, a Delimitation Commission will determine which seats are reserved for women and reassign SC/ST seats based on population changes. The Women’s Reservation Act, granting 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, will be implemented in subsequent elections.”
Parliamentary Decorum and External Threats
Meghwal also addressed allegations of conspiracies aimed at destabilizing India, citing recurring international controversies like the Hindenburg and Pegasus reports. “Some entities seem agitated by India’s rapid economic growth and stable government. They act through international reports or controversies, often surfacing days before Parliament sessions. This is a pattern to disrupt our institutions,” he asserted.
Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman
Meghwal criticized the opposition for filing a no-confidence motion against the Rajya Sabha Chairman, terming it “unprecedented.” He condemned their actions outside Parliament, stating, “They hold press conferences and malign the Vice President, which the Constitution doesn’t permit. Discussions should happen inside the House. This shows disrespect toward the Vice President.”
Concerns Over Bangladesh and Minority Safety
On the issue of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, which has garnered attention on social media, Meghwal stated, “This is a matter of concern. Even Dr. Ambedkar, during the partition, had warned about minorities facing atrocities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The government is taking necessary action, and we are also exploring legal avenues to address this issue.”
A Call for Democratic Consensus
Reflecting on the challenges of managing Parliament as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Law & Justice, Meghwal remarked, “It is one of the toughest jobs to ensure consensus and functioning in Parliament. These debates are crucial for our democracy, and I believe we are taking steps in the right direction.”
The event showcased a comprehensive exploration of India’s pressing legal and political issues, underlining the government’s priorities and its firm stance against opposition criticism. From electoral reforms to safeguarding minority rights, Meghwal’s address was a testament to the complexities of governance in a diverse democracy.
