When a state's highest constitutional dignitary visits a tribal region like Kondagaon, one expects a celebration of democracy — voices heard, hands shaken, realities seen. But what unfolded recently in Bastar was not a dialogue between state and society, but a spectacle of sanitized facades, filtered truths, and orchestrated silence.
For days prior, roads were swept, walls were painted, and tribal homes — usually overlooked by the state, were suddenly treated to cosmetic makeovers. Local tribal women, farmers, and children were herded into pre-approved “welcome” zones under the scorching sun, rehearsing songs they did not choose, and slogans they may never have said. The administrative machinery, instead of enabling freedom of expression, seemed entirely consumed with image management.
The truth was hidden behind curtains — quite literally. In Kondagaon, walls were erected and jute curtains hung to shield the Governor’s eyes from the stark poverty that might disturb the carefully curated narrative. Villages were decorated, but dissenting voices were silenced, critical banners removed, and local activists subtly warned to “cooperate.”
Is this the essence of democratic engagement? Or are we slowly slipping into a spectacle of feudal showmanship in the garb of constitutional duty?
Where Is the Real Dialogue?
“No one is more enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The true spirit of democracy lies in listening to the unheard, embracing the uncomfortable, and challenging the status quo. The Governor, representing the Constitution, should ideally be a bridge between the people and power — not a guest insulated from reality by a bureaucratic bubble.
Instead, we witnessed a well-rehearsed monologue. Painfully choreographed tribal “participation” replaced genuine consultation. The villages were curated for display, not for understanding.
As the Governor's convoy passed, the question echoed in many minds: What was the purpose of this visit? To inspect development or to stage it?
A Democracy of Appearances
Tribal voices, especially women and youth, have long demanded education, access to markets, sustainable forest rights, and genuine representation. These demands were neither acknowledged nor discussed. The voices of those who live in and understand these forests were overshadowed by bureaucratic protocol and photo ops.
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” — Frederick Douglass
The Cost of a Visit
The monetary cost of this orchestrated visit ran into lakhs — covered under “official expenditure” but in effect, diverted from funds meant for genuine rural development. What should have been a platform for mutual learning became an exercise in optics.
The local administration's time, resources, and attention were consumed entirely by “managing” the visit, not addressing the region’s real needs. This is not democracy; this is theatre.
Time to Rethink
Democracy is not about impressing power, but about empowering the people. The real Bastar — with its wisdom, its pain, its resilience — does not need cosmetic visits. It needs constitutional guardians who listen, stay, learn — not just pass through behind tinted glass and carefully arranged garlands.
The questions left behind by this visit are more lasting than the footprints of the Governor's convoy:
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Will constitutional figures continue to visit tribal lands as rulers once visited colonies?
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Or will they finally walk with the people, not above them?
Until then, the blistered feet of those forced to march in false welcome will keep asking:
Is this democracy — or just its illusion?
