New Delhi: India is witnessing a steady erosion of constitutional values and a drift towards conditions reminiscent of the Manusmriti era, marked by inequality, discrimination, and suppression of dissent, speakers warned at a national convention held in the capital. The concerns were raised during the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Lecture organised by the OBC Department of the Delhi Congress.
Addressing the gathering, OBC department chairman Dr Jain Hind said that even today wealth and positions of power remain concentrated within the same social groups described as dominant in the Manusmriti. He argued that this reflected a continued imbalance in social and economic power, contrary to constitutional ideals of equality.
Paying tribute to veteran socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav described him as a freedom fighter and a two time Chief Minister of Bihar who played a crucial role in advancing social justice. He recalled that Thakur introduced 26 per cent reservation in education for backward classes and followed a policy of justice for all to maintain social equilibrium.
Rajendra Pal Gautam, chairman of the SC Department of the Delhi Pradesh Congress, said that despite forming a large segment of the population, Dalits continue to struggle for social justice and dignity. He said structural discrimination remained deeply entrenched.
The convention brought together social activists, lawyers, political leaders, and representatives of minority and marginalised communities. Participants expressed concern over what they described as the systematic weakening of democratic institutions and civil liberties. Several speakers said caste and religious divisions were being deliberately sharpened for political gain, replacing constitutional values with hierarchical ideas drawn from Manusmriti.
The shrinking space for civil society and independent media was also discussed. Speakers pointed to intimidation, arrests, and prolonged legal cases against journalists and activists, creating an atmosphere of fear. Legal experts criticised the use of stringent laws to curb protests and silence dissent, warning that such practices undermine rule of law.
The convention concluded with a resolution reaffirming faith in the Constitution and pledging continued peaceful efforts to defend democracy, social justice, and secularism.
