The mercury may keep dipping but the political temperature is likely to soar ahead of the 72nd Republic Day

With the Weatherman’s forecast that the mercury may dip to 4oC Celsius on the Republic Day this year, probably the politically soaring temperature in the Capital due to the planned tractor rally by the farmers’ unions is the only thing that might get our blood thawed and running. The Indian Meteorological Department data shows the intense fluctuation in the minimum temperatures this month due to factors like a lesser number of western disturbances influencing the plains, rapid change in wind direction and its speed. Delhi’s chilly weather may have troubled the residents a lot but what sends a chill down the Government’s spine is the scheduled tractor rally by the peasants, wherever it finally takes place, and if at all. The Republic Day parade is the showcase of India’s might and grandeur, its military prowess, rich cultural heritage, its research and development, its values, ethics and whatnot. However, a simultaneous protest rally by the cultivators, when marching contingents of our Armed Forces and paramilitary will showcase the nation’s strength on the Rajpath, would definitely not be a feather in India’s hat globally. In fact, it’ll be considered a blot on Indian democracy.

Delhi has become a political hotbed since the past two months, when the farmers angry with the three Central farm laws have been camping at its borders. However, it’s not only the farmer’s rally that is expected to mar R-Day celebrations. In the absence of any chief guest at the parade this year, in over 50 years now, the R-Day celebrations would be a bit insipid. After British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his inability to attend the celebration due to the emergence of the mutant COVID-19 strain at home, India would not be showcasing its military might and prowess to the world leaders, to their person. Also, the celebrations will be low-key due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the number of invitees has been drastically cut short to make sure that all the protocols are followed. The weather forecaster has predicted foggy weather in Delhi for the next three days, including that on the Republic Day. The mercury may dip further but the political temperature is soaring each passing day; is expected to leave a mark on the 72nd R-Day and then reaching a climax during the Budget Session.