When news channels spewed venom, civil society groups in Karnataka got them censured. When the prime minister made incendiary remarks, they approached the Election Commission. In one election after another, civil society activists have tried to restore voters’ faith in the Constitution and fair electoral practices. 

For example, Bahutva Karnataka, a civil society group in Karnataka, releases reports on the performance of incumbent governments to help voters make an informed decision. “Bahutva only bats for the Constitution,” says Poorna Ravishankar, a member of the outfit.

Phaniraj K, cofounder of the Communal Harmony Forum, says the major role activists play is to give an “ideological framework”. What Congress is doing is normal democratic politics of addressing local issues while civil society is framing an ideological framework for this election against Hindutva.”

Speaking on the need for civil society interventions, Vinay Kumar, founder of Reclaim Constitution, says the way the Constitution is being “perceived” and “used” today has to be “reclaimed”.

Watch TNM’s ground report from Karnataka.

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