New Delhi (Agency): Jignesh Mevani, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Congress party, led a protest rally in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The rally aimed to demand the removal of Bibek Debroy, who serves as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Debroy had recently authored an article advocating for a “new Constitution,” which he described as a replacement for the current “colonial legacy.”
The rally concluded with Mevani submitting a memorandum to the district collector, Praveena D K. The memorandum calls for Debroy’s removal from his post and seeks clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.
Last month, Debroy wrote an article with the provocative title, “There is a case for ‘we the people’ to embrace a new Constitution.” In this article, he argued that the existing Indian Constitution is a “colonial legacy” that should be replaced.
The memorandum submitted by Mevani and his supporters stated that Debroy’s words are “unbecoming” of someone in such a high-ranking position. The document further questions how Debroy could offer guidance on following the Constitution when he himself appears to have no faith in it.
Debroy’s article has stirred a significant public debate and led to criticisms from various corners. The notion of replacing India’s Constitution is a sensitive issue, particularly in a country with a diverse population and a complex history. Critics argue that Debroy’s statements undermine the sanctity of the Indian Constitution, which serves as the cornerstone for the nation’s democracy and governance.
While Debroy is an influential figure, serving as an advisor to the Prime Minister, his remarks are generating more questions than answers. If someone who holds a position of such importance suggests a fundamental change in the country’s guiding document, it raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to uphold the Constitution.
Jignesh Mevani, known for his activism and representation of the Dalit community, seems to have struck a chord with the public by leading this rally. The event underscores the heightened sensitivity around constitutional matters and adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the role and relevance of India’s founding document.
The question now is whether the government will respond to the demands set forth in the memorandum and what steps will be taken to address this contentious issue. With the rally and memorandum, the ball is now in the government’s court.