Cartoons 11
Cartoons 11
(ii) Both the songs ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ were accepted as national
heritage. The first is our national anthem and the second is our national song. All the
Indians show respect and sing both the songs. Despite so many diversities of
languages customs, cultures, festivals the whole country has the same respect for
national song and the tricolour. They balance the diversity of India
Questions:
(i) Why does the cartoonist describe the new Iraqi Constitution as the castle of cards?
(ii) Would this description apply to the Indian Constitution?
Answers:
(i) Because it is being prepared by pro-US. The people as well as the Constituent
Assembly of Iraq is not representing the all ethnic groups of the country. Hence, the
Constitution is imposed and will be scattered as a castle of cards.
Indian Constitution is not imposed on Indians, but it was framed from among
different shades of opinion after a long discussions and debates.
It was adopted by people willfully.
It is a living document to be amended from time to time at par aspirations of
people.
Questions:
(i)What do these different people stand for?
(ii) Compare the conflict depicted here with that depicted in earlier cartoons for the
European Union and India.
Answers:
(i) The cartoon refers to three different ethnic groups in Iraq, i.e. Shiites, Sunnis, Kurdis.
The above groups stand for their own philosophies, ideologies and interests.
(ii) The Iraqi people expect to frame a new Constitution and to be accepted by all ethnic
groups of Iraq. In the European Union the attempt of the people failed but in India, the
same attempt got success.
Q 1. They say elections are carnival of democracy. But this cartoon depicts chaos
instead. Is this true of elections always?
2. Is it good for democracy?
Answers:
1. No, this is not true of elections always. Generally, maximum elections are conducted
peacefully in a democratic way.
2. The cartoon represents the role played by opposition party and the ruling party is
making efforts to hear its voice.
Questions:
1. Why is the Universal Adult Franchise compared to an elephant?
2. Is it unmanageable?
3. Or is it like the story in which everyone describes the elephant only by its parts?
Answers:
1. An elephant is of a giant size and in such a manner, all adult of a country (above 18
years) prepare a very big electoral vote.
2. Yes, it is quiet difficult to manage such a big group, but it is not unmanageable as
since 1952, our election commission has been managing it successfully till date.
3. Yes, in India, such a huge group of adult voters in different areas, belonging to
different castes are described by every political party in different groups or sections or
interests. Except elections of Lok Sabha, different elections are conducted by Election
Commission in different phases also.
1. The Netaji is afraid of EC. Why do leaders fear the Election Commission?
2. Is this good for democracy?
Answers
1. The leaders fear the Election commission because they want to win the election by
hook or crook but election commission keeps check on them not to try money or muscle
power to win by issuing a code of conduct on them.
2. Yes, this is good for democracy to ensure free and fair elections as Election
Commission enjoys several rights, powers and functions being an autonomous body of
country.
Questions:
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Should a person accused of a serious crime be barred from contesting an elections?
Answers:
1. The cartoon shows the image of a criminal turned politician facing public.
In particular, the 38th, 39th and 42ndamendments have been the most controversial
amendments so far. These three amendments were made in the background of
internal emergency declared in the country from June 1975. They sought to make
basic changes in many crucial parts of the Constitution.
The 42nd amendment was particularly seen as a wideranging amendment affecting
large parts of the Constitution. It was also an attempt to override the ruling of the
Supreme Court given in the Kesavananda case. Even the duration of the Lok Sabha
was extended from five to six years. Fundamental Duties were included in the
Constitution by this amendment act. The 42nd amendment also put restrictions on
the review powers of the Judiciary