Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: MLA of Jamshedpur West Saryu Roy on Monday called for firm action against elements and forces that, according to him, pose a threat to India’s unity and internal security.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national flag at the Republic Day function in Baridih, Roy said that while India has made significant economic progress, a large section of the population is still struggling to become self-reliant, and efforts are underway to bring them into the national mainstream.
Highlighting the spirit of the Constitution, Roy said it is founded on the principle of “unity in diversity” and provides freedom to religious minorities to follow their faith. He alleged that in several instances this freedom has been misused, leading to threats to the country’s unity and integrity and adversely impacting internal security.
He added that governments are attempting to tackle these challenges, but the problem still persists. Referring to certain states, Roy remarked that there are regions which, in his view, do not fully align themselves with the idea of India.
He termed the alleged restriction on the use of Hindi in Tamil Nadu as a serious issue. He cautioned that direct action against such states could fuel separatist tendencies, but pointed out that the Constitution empowers the central government to take strict steps, including dissolving a state government, if it acts against constitutional principles.
“The Constitution embodies both flexibility and firmness, and it is the responsibility of the government to enforce it appropriately,” he said.
Roy further observed that while external threats exist along the borders, internal challenges are even more serious. Drawing a parallel with the 1970s, he said Naxalism was once a major challenge but has now largely been eliminated.
Similarly, he stressed, decisive action is needed against forces seeking to weaken the nation from within.
Speaking later after flag hoisting at his office-cum-residence in Bistupur, Roy said that any law not in conformity with the Constitution is struck down by the courts.
He noted that the Constitution allows for amendments according to changing circumstances and has been amended more than 100 times so far.
However, he argued that the original spirit of the Preamble should not be altered, recalling that the words “socialism” and “secularism” were added during the Emergency.
Roy concluded by stating that India has made remarkable progress in economic and defence sectors over the last 76 years, but continues to face multiple challenges.
“The solutions to these challenges lie within the Constitution itself. The core essence of our Constitution is unity in diversity, and strict action is necessary against those who refuse to uphold it,” he said.
