News Report by Qalamtimes News Network
Kolkata, June 2, 2025 — A powerful chorus of voices emerged from Kolkata today as political leaders, civil society members, journalists, and youth activists gathered at the ‘Save Constitution, Save India’ convention held at Moula Ali Yuva Kendra. Despite space constraints, the convention witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with hundreds spilling out into the open, underscoring the urgency and resonance of the theme.
The convention opened with a hard-hitting play ‘Gulaper Kuchkawaj’, written and directed by Shatadal Chakraborty and performed by Prachyo Theatre. A sharp critique of India’s contemporary political environment, the play set the tone for an intense afternoon of political reckoning.
CPI(M)’s Kallol Majumdar inaugurated the proceedings with a brief yet evocative address, followed by economist and political commentator Prasenjit Bose. He emphasized that the Indian Constitution, once a beacon of hope post-Independence, is now under siege by forces driven by communal and corporate interests. “The same sectarian mindset that led to Partition is once again raising its head,” he warned.
Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of “The Wire”, spoke candidly about the systematic erosion of free speech in India. Referencing the targeting of journalists like Siddique Kappan, scholars like Ali Khan Mahmudabad, and activists such as Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi, he warned, “We’re in a time when speaking the truth invites punishment. Silence is rewarded. That is the death of democracy.”
Kanhaiya Kumar of the Indian National Congress, delivering the convention’s closing speech, was scathing in his criticism of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Referring to Shah’s recent accusation that the West Bengal government is aiding infiltration by Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, Kumar retorted sarcastically, “Is Dipankar Bhattacharya the Home Minister now?” The remark drew laughter, including a smile from Bhattacharya himself, general secretary of the CPI(ML).
“Who controls the international borders—the state or the Union government?” Kumar asked. “If the Centre fails to prevent infiltration, who should be held accountable?”
Kumar also attacked the recently introduced Waqf Act 2025, accusing the BJP of using claims of corruption as a pretext for targeting minorities. “Where has corruption been rooted out? In fact, it is flourishing—rewarded even. The more corrupt, the more powerful,” he remarked.
CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, speaking earlier in Bengali, addressed foreign policy failures under the Modi government. “After the Pahalgam attack, not a single nation apart from Israel stood with India. Even Nepal distanced itself. Is this the diplomatic strength we were promised?” he questioned.
Veteran journalist Siddharth Varadarajan echoed similar concerns, invoking Idi Amin’s infamous quip: “Freedom of speech is guaranteed, but not freedom after speech.” He noted that India is approaching a similar crisis where dissent is criminalized.
Ali Imran Ramz, one of the event conveners, spoke in Urdu, invoking constitutional ideals and warning against their steady erosion. Saira Shah Halim of CPI(M) linked domestic repression to international alignments, criticizing Prime Minister Modi’s vocal support of Israel amidst its Gaza offensive. “Supporting Netanyahu’s aggression betrays India’s non-aligned legacy,” she said.
ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui and SDP’s Subhas Babu both condemned the betrayal of Dalits and minorities under the guise of populist governance. CPI(M) state secretary Md. Salim and Bheem Army’s Imtiaz Mollah called for mass mobilization across identities to reclaim democratic values.
A resolution adopted at the convention demanded the immediate rollback of unconstitutional laws, a reconvening of Parliament, and greater transparency on national security issues like Operation Sindoor. While the resolution affirmed support for the armed forces, it sharply criticized the RSS-BJP alliance for using nationalism as a tool of polarization.
Due to administrative restrictions, organizers were denied a larger venue, forcing the convention into a packed Yuva Kendra hall. However, this logistical hurdle did little to deter attendance or dilute the message. A collective pledge was made to hold a larger public rally in the near future, uniting against what the participants called the “communalization, corporatization, and fascist drift of Indian politics.”
The event was jointly convened by Prasenjit Bose, Ali Imran Ramz, Atanu Chakraborty, Biswajit Maiti, Umar Awais, and Kallol Mazumdar.
