It was May 2014 that the Modi government came to power with a massive mandate. It was primarily because of an anti-incumbency atmosphere and vigorous campaign by the BJP promising the moon. The election rhetoric was all around and many a folk feeling that India is going to transform. Looking back two and a half years from now, it is quite clear that not much has been changed for the better but quite the opposite of that. Not surprising though, the Right wing thinking is the one of status-quo. But the way BJP ministers and RSS representatives have spewed venom; the whole atmosphere stands sensationalized and vitiated as it challenges the very fabric of Indian society. The country whose preamble has pillars resting on Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism and Democracy cannot afford any ideology forcing implementation of an antithesis. It is only because of the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution that India stands bonded together. The people looking for divisive bigotry can only break and not unite the country. The talk of ‘Akhand Bharat’ is more of rhetoric than having any good standing of realization.
The way the January 2016, Pathankot Airbase attack happened has left many questions unanswered. The execution of investigations including the visit of Pakistani agencies with no tangible results only leads to understand that it was all to create frenzy for delusional motives.
Also in early 2016, the way Rohith Vemula’s suicide and JNU episode was portrayed was extremely condemnable to say the least. From Smt. Smriti Irani delivering theatrical speech regarding Rohith’s suicide in the parliament, to questions of stopping funding of Central Universities, to raising of National Flag at all Central Universities, to putting JNU student leaders behind bars on the basis of doctored tapes nothing substantial come out of all the hoopla!
The Kashmir valley is shut for the past almost four months since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant, Burhan Wani. The way the uprising has been handled is for everyone to see. Notably, rhetoric and jingoism created around the whole incident has only lead to deterioration of the situation. The negation of the Kashmir issue being there by the Indian establishment is the biggest issue. It has to be recognized and solution through dialogue with all stakeholders must to be devised. It is in India’s best interest to win over the people of Kashmir by including them into the mainstream rather than confrontation with them. The militants are making great gains in the alienated Kashmiri people having serious repercussions for India.
The recent Uri attack, which lead to the martyring of nineteen Indian Army soldiers has lead to the worsening of Indo-Pak relations. It was definitely a very serious security lapse which has not been given due attention. Instead, the ‘surgical strikes’ by the Indian Army have been made into a political mileage point. Again, the sensationalism created by the incident has been used for delusional purposes.
The current demonetization ‘drama’ is also part of the typical Modi government stunt to create an atmosphere of frantic activity. Ironically, the black money controlled by the crony capitalists and their political servants are sitting safe who actually control the government. There is no way that this demonetization drive can actually tap in substantial black money. But, this drama might just end up to be a self goal for the government as it is creating a lot of restlessness and resentment.
In the whole process of the ‘Modi Raj’ the biggest blow has come to democracy with the intolerance to dissent, discussion and debate. The real issues like illiteracy, unemployment, exploitation of workers, deplorable conditions of farmers, marginalization of the tribal dalits et al are being sidelined. Just to mention one recent incident, the Inspector General of Madhya Pradesh police is allegedly building up a false case against a Delhi University professor for instigating murder of a tribal. The matter is sub judice.
It is high time India rises above the divisions and resolves to be one before the forces of bigotry inflict irreparable damage. Jai Hind!!
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