On the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (April 11), the 136th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (April 14), Lenin’s birth anniversary (April 22, 1870), and International Workers’ Day (May 1), let us remember not only these personalities but also the rights and achievements attained by human society. Let us understand what has been incorporated in the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, in independent India. It declared India as a sovereign, socialist, secular republic committed to liberty, equality, and fraternity. To achieve these ideals, every citizen above 18 years of age was given the right to vote and elect representatives, thereby forming legislative bodies. These legislatures make laws, which are implemented by the government, while the judiciary ensures that they conform to the Constitution.

The Indian Constitution was framed under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It established the principle of “one man, one value, one vote,” declaring that all human beings are equal. Before the Constitution came into force, people were not treated equally. Discrimination, oppression, and inequality existed based on caste, religion, class and region. The varna system divided society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, while those outside this system were treated as untouchables. The Constitution was adopted with a commitment to eradicate all such inequalities, exploitation, and humiliation.

Every citizen must read, understand, and practice the Constitution. It is one of the greatest philosophical and humanistic documents in the world. Practicing it is our duty. However, even today, some forces are trying to push certain sections of society outside the framework of the Constitution, much like the “untouchables” were once excluded. Among such influences are Manusmriti and Marxism—both ideologically opposed, yet both posing challenges to the constitutional system.

Classification of Movements in India

Movements in India can be broadly classified as:

1. Movements Within the Constitution:

These operate through legal and constitutional means.

• Social: Anti-caste movements, women’s rights movements, environmental movements (e.g., Chipko Movement), trade unions?, peasant movements, 
• Political: Movements for separate states (e.g., Telangana), anti-corruption movements like Lokpal
• Cultural: Linguistic state movements, regional identity struggles
• Methods: Peaceful protests, dharnas, hunger strikes, court cases, and electoral participation. 

2. Movements Outside the Constitution:

These arise from a lack of faith in the Constitution or aim to completely replace the system.

• Left-wing Marxism and extremist movements like Maoism, which aim to seize power through armed struggle. 
• Organizations and ideologies that attempt to alter the Constitution to restore older social hierarchies
• Separatist and militant movements seeking independence from India

Such movements often involve violence, armed rebellion, and defiance of state institutions. As a result, participants face legal action and repression. They become distanced from opportunities for development and political participation provided by the Constitution. While leaders of such movements may gain historical recognition, the common people who follow them often suffer, losing the benefits guaranteed by the Constitution and falling behind in social progress.

When the Constitution already provides so many opportunities, are anti-constitutional movements really necessary? Do they truly benefit the people, or do they harm them?

Movements within the Constitution strengthen democracy, while those outside it challenge the system. This distinction helps us understand which movements are democratic and which are not.

Despite the guarantees provided by the Constitution, some propagate the idea that these rights do not exist, encouraging movements outside the constitutional framework. This creates disrespect and neglect toward constitutional methods, leading people to underestimate the opportunities available to them. As a result, many people—like myself and millions of others—have suffered and faced hardships.

Instead of focusing on the strengths of the Constitution, such forces highlight its weaknesses and irregularities in implementation, arguing that it must be replaced. In doing so, they divert people’s energy and capabilities away from constructive goals, rendering them ineffective and pushing them behind the rest of society.

They promise more than what the Constitution offers but ultimately deprive people even of what they already have. This has been the ongoing reality.

Often, the promises they make are already present in the Constitution, yet they present them separately in election manifestos as if they are new. In reality, these provisions already exist. If something is missing, it should be incorporated through constitutional means. Only then can such efforts be considered truly constitutional.

The positive provisions of the Constitution can be highlighted article-wise and given greater priority. For example, the important Articles of the Indian Constitution can be presented in the form of “promises” or “assurances” in a political manifesto style, making them easier for the public to understand.

Our Goal is to Implement the Directive Principles of the Constitution

Many things can be achieved through the Constitution of India. There are numerous goals that can be realized within its framework. Free rice, free education, free healthcare, housing for all, support schemes for single women and the elderly—these are all achievable within the constitutional system.

Mao said armed struggle is not necessary. To achieve these, there is no need for extra-constitutional forces, movements, or ideologies. As Mao himself said in an interview with Edgar Snow, “If we had the right to vote, armed revolution would not be necessary.”  However, sections of the Left still cling to the 1934 slogan of armed struggle—liberating villages and expanding into cities. After 1934 came the 1935 constitutional reforms, which eventually evolved into the Constitution of 1950.

It is a tragic reality that both Left-wing groups and Hindutva forces like the RSS continue to operate with ideas rooted in pre-constitutional times. Both sides need to change their understanding and think in a modern, constitutional framework.

Recently, the slogan of creating one crore (10 million) women millionaires has gained popularity. If, under a Constitution based on liberty, equality, and fraternity, such a goal is achieved, it would bring tremendous transformation. Women would rise as industrialists, entrepreneurs, contractors, builders, and bankers—becoming economically empowered.

Left movements have historically worked for workers, peasants, laborers , women, and marginalized communities. They have led many struggles and improved lives. Yet, they have never raised the slogan of transforming these sections into millionaires, entrepreneurs, or national bourgeoisie. Their aim has largely been to improve conditions within the existing structure rather than transform it fundamentally.

As a result, Left groups—including Maoists—have remained status quo-oriented. They did not promote the idea that people from their own movements should grow into economic leaders and support socialism through peaceful transformation. Instead, leaders’ close associates often benefited, while the larger sections remained where they were.

This has prevented them from emerging as national leadership. Meanwhile, capitalists and industrialists face no real competition from these groups and continue to grow, often maintaining indirect relationships with political movements. If we declare—within the constitutional framework—that we will transform millions of women, workers, and employees into millionaires and entrepreneurs, Indian politics would undergo a massive transformation.

Similarly, if RSS and BJP genuinely claim to uplift BCs, SCs, and STs who have suffered under caste oppression, they should openly declare such economic empowerment goals. Only then can they claim to work for a true Hindu society. But they do not. Instead, they serve dominant caste economic interests under the name of religion.

Thus, instead of giving transformative economic slogans, they divert public consciousness towards religion, nationalism, and external threats. The Left, on the other hand, diverts people with the ultimate goal of armed revolution. Both sides avoid discussing how people can grow within the constitutional framework, thereby maintaining the status quo.   

Whether this limitation is due to incapacity or deliberate design, the result is the same: a mindset that neglects constitutional opportunities and perpetuates stagnation.

Our Plan – New India Commitments

1. National Integrity and State Formation (Articles 1–3)

• India shall remain a strong Union of States. Formation of new states and reorganization will be done transparently based on administrative needs.

2. Equality and Dignity (Articles 12–18)

• Government exists to serve people.
• Equality before law for all.
• No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, class or birthplace.
• Equal opportunity in public employment.
• Abolition of untouchability and social hierarchies.

3. Freedom and Protection (Articles 19–22)

• Freedom of speech, assembly, and movement.
• Right to live with dignity.
• Free and compulsory education for children.

4. Exploitation-Free Society (Articles 23–24)

• Ban on human trafficking and forced labor.
• Elimination of child labor.

5. Religious and Cultural Freedom (Articles 25–29)

• Freedom to practice and propagate religion.
• Protection of minority languages and cultures.
• Social Justice and Development Commitments

1. Educational and Constitutional Safeguards (Articles 29–35)

• Minority educational rights.
• Right to constitutional remedies through the Supreme Court.

2. Welfare State – Directive Principles (Articles 36–46)

• Reduction of wealth inequality.
• Equal pay for equal work.
• Strengthening Panchayati Raj.
• Social security for elderly and workers.
• Movement towards Uniform Civil Code with consensus.
• Child nutrition and early education.
• Special focus on SCs, STs, and weaker sections.

3. Empowerment of Backward Classes (Articles 339–342)

• Development of tribal areas.
• Strengthening BC Commissions.
• Transparent inclusion in SC/ST lists.

Our Slogan

“Protect the Constitution – Ensure Equal Representation for All!”

All these goals can be achieved within the constitutional framework. Then why look beyond it?

Political parties like BJP and RSS already use constitutional provisions to gain power. Similarly, BCs, SCs, Left groups, and others can also come to power by prioritizing constitutional issues. For example, the Telangana movement succeeded using constitutional provisions under Articles 2 and 3.

New India – Economic Development is Our Promise.

All this is possible within the Constitution. We can achieve so many within the constitutional frame work. When awareness grows among people, India will begin to transform fundamentally.