Political Diary

New Delhi, 16 April 2024

Tale Of Two Manifestos

MODI’S GAURANTEE VS CONGRESS NYAY

By Poonam I Kaushish 

The stage is set, audiences anticipate as the curtain rises on India’s nautanki of democracy, an ideological spectacle commencing Thursday with citizens either relishing or abhorring the ongoing tamasha with bagfuls of ‘revadi’ and promises galore. A toss between big leaders, small netas and two-timing jan sevaks. All in their reckless quest for power, amplified by the silly chair called Bharat’s Raj Gaddi!

Amidst the poll cacophony, BJP makes a pitch with Modi’s Gaurantee for Viksit Bharat vs Congress Nyay Patra,  an ideological divergence which mirrors India's vibrant political tapestry.

The BJP's ‘Sankalp Patra’ epitomises continuity by weaving a narrative of progress built upon the Party's 10-year rule championing Hindutva, infrastructural advancements, national security and robust economic trajectory heralding stability, growth and steadfast commitment to a unified national ethos unswayed by populism.

In stark contrast, Congress' ‘Nyay Patra’ heralds a clarion call for change, accentuating social justice and economic parity as its focal points. It promises inclusivity and welfare, caste census alongside redressing societal inequities, reservation and offers a progressive alternative to its rival’s vision. It pledges to fill three million Government vacancies and proposes a Constitutional amendment to increase the reservation cap. Harbinger of its own renaissance, it aspires to repaint the nation's canvas with strokes of inclusivity and reform.

Undeniably, both manifestos underscore a clash of ideologies showcasing the vast ideological chasm between BJP-Congress. Whereby Bharat stands poised at a crossroads: a choice between two philosophies: ‘Sankalp’ and ‘Nyay’ which transcends mere manifesto promises; it defines divergent visions for the nation's future. While BJP charts a vision of developed India, Congress advocates a narrative of societal equity and justice. Whoever wins will shape India's developmental trajectory and its socio-political terrain for times to come.

The BJP's manifesto stands as a bastion of cultural nationalism, envisioning a resurgent Bharat, self-assured and assertive. Conversely, the Congress manifesto echoes a clarion call for change, outlining a blueprint for an India where justice isn't just an aspiration but a tangible reality for every citizen. 

Interestingly, youth take centre stage in both Parties electoral agendas. BJP focuses on fortifying academic integrity, tackling paper leaks, filling Government vacancies and  envisions India as a global manufacturing and start-up hub. Congress plans to introduce Yuva Nyay programme to combat unemployment, offering practical training through Right to Apprenticeship Act for diploma holders and graduates under 25.

Both trading insults: BJP trashes Congress Nyay Patra as “having Muslim League imprint and is a bundle of lies,” Congress rubbishes BJP’s  Sankalp Patra as a “warranty of jumlas and maafinama,” accusing it of dishonouring past promises. “In 2014 Modi promised to bring black money back, but what he brought is electoral bond.” 

With BJP fulfilling two of its earlier three ‘core issues’: construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and removing Article 370, implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a tool for “gender equality” --- and the idea of “One Nation, One Election” have jumped to  prominence today.

“Article 44 lists UCC as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. BJP believes there cannot be gender equality till Bharat adopts UCC, which protects rights of women drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with modern time.”

The thematic connecting of gender parity and customary laws that came in the way of this was drawn when Parliament passed the triple talaq ban law 2017.  Primarily, UCC aims at uniformity in personal laws, like marriage registration, child custody, divorce, adoption, property rights and inter-State property rights regardless of religious beliefs. Tribals, though have been kept out of its purview. A thought echoed by Supreme Court in various judgments.

BJP is clear: It believes no country should have any religion-based law other than a single law for citizens. It provides protection to vulnerable sections and religious minorities, while encouraging nationalistic fervour through unity.

Naturally, Opposition opposes this as it would interfere in religious groups personal laws and right of religious freedom unless religious groups are prepared for change (sic). It’s a ‘minority vs majority’ issue and Hindutva Brigade’s policy for Muslims living in India. It would disintegrate the country and hurt its diverse culture, they warn.

Moreover, it violates Constitutional freedom to practice religion of choice which allows communities to follow their respective personal laws. For example, Article 25 gives every religious group the right to manage its own affairs and Article 29 the right to conserve their distinct culture. Also, the Constituent Assembly’s Fundamental Rights sub-committee deliberately did not include UCC as a Fundamental Right.

As the dissonance for and against UCC grows louder the correct answer lies somewhere in between. However, what cannot be denied is UCC will benefit BJP electorally alongside consecration of the Ram mandir as it will be used as a ploy to corner the Opposition about being pro-Muslim. A majority of Hindus would view it as the Party implementing its agenda.

Certainly the path to UCC is sensitive and difficult but it must be taken. A beginning has to be made if the Constitution is to have any meaning. Discrimination cannot be justified on the grounds of traditions and customs. One cannot progress riding on past’s wheels. India needs uniform laws and should figure what is satisfactory to all groups.

On Modi’s favourite  “One Nation, One Election”, the manifesto says “it will work towards implementing ex-President Kovind committee’s recommendations to holding simultaneous elections along-with making provisions for a common electoral roll for all levels of elections.”

Specially as the country has witnessed 400 polls to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies till date. And given Law Commission had thrice — 1999, 2015 and 2018 — argued for simultaneous elections to “free citizens, Parties and Government from encumbrance of asynchronous elections as it would be economically viable and a big saving for exchequer”.

It would help avoid disruptions in governance and policy paralysis due to frequent polls as once a Party is elected and Government formed it can get down to work and concentrate on delivering good governance without worrying  about its impact on vote banks.

Alas, Opposition perceives it as imposition of BJP’s political agenda, extension of its ideological preference for homogeneity and uniformity vis-à-vis faith, customs, language, dress and diet given federal relations are fraught in rival-ruled States. Also, it hinders political accountability and performance scrutiny alongside disregarding citizens’ right to removing non-performing Governments.

The Congress, perhaps for survival and votes, has unleashed the caste genie after three decades to ensure social equality. It would be useful in formulating appropriate policies to target Government welfare schemes and policies ensuring they reach intended beneficiaries. BJP opposes this as distinction based on caste would inflame caste-based social and political sentiments and harm Hindutva nationalist project. Besides, widening the caste divide. 

Woefully, our leaders need to see the Frankenstein they are planning to unleash. The past tells us that all clashes have been based on caste. From Bihar’s Thakur-Dalit violence in Belchi 1976, Punjab’s Jat-Sikh insurgency 1980-1990’s and Kashmir’s two-decades of continuing Hindus-Pandits ethnic cleansing by pro-Pak militants. 

As our netas slug it out in the political quick-sands of electioneering the pendulum will swing from one end to the other, evaluating the fluctuating stock of Parties and candidates depending on their stock preferences. Clearly, an unpredictable poll turf lies ahead. Wait and watch --- abhi khel baki hai dostoin! ---- INFA  

(Copyright India News & Feature Alliance)

Economic Highlights

New Delhi, 15 April 2024

CourtExposes Kinks

PRICES, GRAFT ROIL ECONOMY

By Shivaji Sarkar 

Innocuous developments are unfolding amidst the growing fervour of the impending elections. Despite concerns of the Reserve Bank of India regarding inflation, escalating toll rates, and transportation costs, the nation finds itself amidst a politically charged atmosphere. Nonetheless, certain court rulings are adding intrigue to the evolving scenario. 

In addition to the impact of electoral bonds, which have added colour to the political landscape and influenced prices, three other judgments are exerting significant influence. These include the Supreme Court’s hearings on the Voters Verifiable Print Audit Trail (VVPAT), commonly known as the voting slip; a judgment regarding the denial of payment to Reliance Infra for the Delhi Airport Metro EPL; and the severe criticism of Patanjali’s owners, who are contemnors of court orders regarding their advertising. These developments are intensifying the dynamics of the electoral contest. 

Not less interesting is the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) mounting fresh money laundering probe into Chhattisgarh liquor scam and linking Kerala CPM leaders to bank fraud. Could there be more arrests even after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Kavita of BRS in Telangana? 

Will prices take a backseat to politics and court rulings, or will they remain pressing concerns alongside these factors? Voters, though reticent, are far from oblivious. Whether attending rallies of prominent leaders or not, they are keenly aware of every development that influences their lifestyle. 

Conversations range from questioning why individuals with questionable backgrounds align themselves with BJP to analysing defections from BJP to Congress factions. Both voters and party members evaluate the potential implications of each unfolding event, particularly returning officer of Chandigarh municipal polls and Himachal Pradesh defections. 

Corruption is not a non-issue. Arrests of select Opposition state leaders on corruption charges by central investigative agencies such as CBI, ED, and income-tax department are unlikely to change the general public perception that corruption pervades all political parties. Many view the pre-election arrest of Arvind Kejriwal as a strategic move aimed at thwarting the popular politician’s participation in the election campaign, rather than a genuine effort to address corruption. 

It gores them to think that possibly price surges of many medicines and commodities or galloping rise in tolls have the electoral bond connections. Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’srecent remark on corruption involving all parties has given it a new dimension for the voters to rethink the extent of the impact of the malady. The rising cost of education is troubling all, be it in cities or villages. 

Amidst the dropping of corruption charges against former Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, allegedly implicated in a Rs. 25,000-crore aircraft purchase scandal, questions arise as to why Delhi Chief Minister faces arrest for his alleged involvement in a Rs. 100 crore state liquor policy issue. People ponder whether the Air India sell-off was conducted transparently or mired in controversy. The action against Kejriwal has spurred Opposition unity, evident from the overflowing rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Ground. 

The recent Supreme Court decision concerning Reliance Infra’s Delhi Airport Metro's EPL has prompted questions about corporate exploitation of public sector Delhi Metro. The Court overturned its own 2021 order directing Delhi Metro to pay Reliance Infra Rs. 2782 crore, which had ballooned to Rs. 7686 crore with accrued interest. 

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices R Gavai and Surya Kant, justified this drastic action, citing a ‘miscarriage of justice’ resulting in an ‘undeserved windfall’ for Reliance Infra. This ruling, following closely after the electoral bond controversy, has heightened voter scepticism. Had Delhi Metro been forced to pay, it could have burdened commuters with significantly higher fares. 

Likewise, the court's rejection of Patanjali’s apology in a contempt case, stemming from misleading advertisements contravening its order, serves as a stark example of how the rule of law can rectify corrupt practices, unveil false brand images, and maintain price stability. The court’s warning to be prepared for consequences, along with its criticism of the Uttarakhand government, underscores the power of legal intervention. It can impact Uttarakhand polls. 

Erratic power bills and arbitrary demands in Uttar Pradesh and many states are also potential issues.Each of these cases, people realise, are instances of political linkages affecting price rise and profiteering. 

The glaring lapses on the part of the executive and administration add to the woes of the people and breakdown of the law-and-order machinery.The judiciary is uncovering corrupt practices that impact economic and administrative systems, consequently contributing to the rising cost of living. 

Media HouseDainikBhaskar has done a study on prices in Rajasthan. It finds that compared to 2019, prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas increased by 42 percent; food items cost 34 percent more; medicine prices for diabetes and heart diseases rose by 54 percent and people’s dining outside has beenreduced by 40 percent. Pulses have become costlier by 20 percent, vegetables by 233 percent; taxi fares by 67 percent, edible oil 100 percent, FMCG rose by 60 percent. Salaries during the period for different classes have risen by 11 percent to 26 percent. 

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has expressed concerns about the imminent return of inflation in his inaugural monetary policy commentary. The Monetary Policy Committee’s statement highlights food prices as a major worry, despite a record kharif harvest, citing tight demand-supply conditions in pulses and vegetables that warrant close monitoring, compounded by climate shocks. 

The RBI projects growth to hover around 7 percent, potentially dipping to 6.5 percent next year, aligning closely with the IMF-World Bank forecast of 6.5 percent growth for India. A final picture is to emerge following the release of GDP data for 2023-24 in May. The declining rupee, decreasing foreign direct investment, and imbalance in trade are further indications of prevailing uncertainties. 

Price concerns persist, with numerous unnecessary infra, roadairport and metro projects shocking even political workers. However, this doesn't diminish the significance of religious fervour surrounding the Ram temple and Modi’s assurances, which remain potent issues in certain regions, albeit overshadowed by economic factors and caste considerations. Amethi and Raebareli, however, remain in focus, more than Varanasi. 

The Opposition, INDIA parties, are amplifying core issues, drawing attention to the populace’s unease with unstable living conditions. While this may have tempered their beliefs, faith remains resilient. Local dynamics, candidate profiles, specific issues, and party cohesion (or lack thereof) will likely shape outcomes in many constituencies more than any single central figure. The nation stands at a critical juncture.----INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Round The States

New Delhi, 13 April 2024

INDIA Bloc Unity

MVA PACT FOR BETTER OR WORSE?

By Insaf 

Is it ‘one step forward, two steps back’ for Maharashtra’s MVA? After months of negotiations, the three partners finally made progress and sealed a seat-sharing pact on Tuesday. The INDIA bloc should be relieved with at least this united step forward, in the crucial state. But will it help achieve the cause -- of defeating the common enemy, BJP, or will it put the partnership further behind in the numbers game they thought they had made progress? Notably, Congress ‘strategically stepped back’ and dropped its claims on few ‘winning’ seats and went along with Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray reasoning of the need to be ‘magnanimous.’ Of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies, SS-UBT managed the biggest slice with 21 seats, Congress 17 seats, and NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar 10 seats. While Congress has assured supporting MVA candidates, it must be keeping fingers crossed no rebellion takes shape in Mumbai, Sangli and Bhiwandi as discontent is said to be brewing among local leaders. Besides, five years back, Congress had got 26 seats in its seat-sharing with NCP, but today has had to give up bigger space to the allies. 

The grand old party decided it was time to stop the back and forth and get down to campaigning as elections, in five phases, begin next week, April 19 till May 20. How it pans out is worth a watch as ‘entertainment’ is assured, not between breakaway SS and NCP groups (such as Ajit Pawar seeking support for his wife, against senior Pawar’s MP daughter in Baramati), but with MNS chief Raj Thackeray announcing his unconditional support for BJP-led ‘Mahayuti’ alliance, will address rallies in Modi’s support! While the alliance is happy as it lessens ‘possibility’ of vote cutting, MNS cadres are seeing red. Many have resigned in protest questioning Raj saheb’s U-turn after 2019 (a bitter critic of Modi since). Though the party hasn’t made a mark, Uddhav group takes an interesting dig saying an outfit ‘formed to safeguard Maharashtra pride backs its enemies.’ Applicable to it too, perhaps, but in the end it’s the voter who shall give the verdict whose their enemy.  

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Delhi’s ‘Agnipariksha’

The Delhi high political drama continues to hit front pages. Other than High Court upholding AAP Chief Minister Kejriwal’s arrest in liquor excise scam saying ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summons, 24 hours later, his minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigned from both Cabinet and party. He alleged: ‘party is mired in graft and has no moral right to continue in government, and Dalits have no place in party and feel cheated.’ Instead of rubbishing it, AAP reacted: his action has ‘vindicated’ our stand that Kejriwal’s arrest was aimed at ‘finishing the party’ and BJP was using ED and CBI to “break our ministers and MLAs” (though Anand denies any ED pressure). Indeed, it’s ‘agnipariksha’ for AAP flock. Kejriwal has approached Supreme Court pleading for urgent hearing for his release by declaring the case against him ‘illegal,’ claiming his arrest is “an unprecedented assault on tenets of democracy, free and fair elections and federalism, both of which form significant constituents of basic structure of Constitution.” Convincing or not?   

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 Manipur Mood In Camps

A big question mark hangs over elections in conflict-ridden Manipur, particularly among the 50,000 internally displaced people in relief camps, of which 24,500 are voters. The N-E state which has boasted of 82% plus polling in 2019 elections, has several civil society groups asking the relevance of these elections and some even advocating a boycott. A common refrain being if the government can conduct polls during such times, surely it can find ways to bring peace and address people’s concerns, as the state continues to simmer after 11 months of the ethnic crisis. Reports originating say there’s ‘conspicuous absence of posters of political parties, mega rallies, and visible movement of leaders’ with elections next week (April 19) and 26. So far, only hoardings put up by local election authorities, urging citizens to exercise their franchise are visible. Will the State election office’s security arrangements with 200 companies of paramilitary forces, setting up of 94 special polling stations in relief camps and engaging in confidence building measures, change the mood and help heal wounds.  

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TDP No To Telangana

The Telugu Desam Party has decided to give Telangana a miss and concentrate on wresting back its turf in Andhra Pradesh. As a member of NDA, while TDP chief and former AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu finalised seat-sharing formula for both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in AP, not only is it not going to put up candidates in Telangana but is yet to decide whom to support there. Apparently, the going has not been easy for TDP after Naidu was arrested by AP police last September in a skill development corporation corruption case and though he got regular bail in November to carry out political activities, there wasn’t time to prepare for Telangana Assembly polls. However, he promptly sounded the poll bugle for AP with slogan “Quit Jagan, Save AP” and with his alliance now with BJP and JSP, urged the people to shower their blessings. His rival, YSR Congress Party President and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, has been equally aggressive in his campaign and claimed ‘2024 would be last elections that TDP chief will fight’! Time will tell.  

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Qualms On  Christian Prayer Meet!

BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh failed to play spoilsport for a prayer meeting of Christian community, thanks to the Supreme Court. The event in Indore under ‘National Prayer and Ministry Alliance’, had got initial permission but the administration revoked it after some Hindu outfits sought its cancellation. They complained it was being organised with ‘intent to mislead people of Hindu community and encourage them for conversion’ and there was ‘strong possibility it might disturb peace.’ The concerned police station submitted a report on law and order situation and the High Court when petitioned against the cancellation, rejected it saying the concern raised by respondents can’t be said to be “unfounded, looking to various objections they have received from other religious organisations.” But, on Wednesday the top court stayed the cancellation saying it was “unjustified”, the petitioner ‘will be entitled to hold the prayer meeting at 5:00 p.m. today’ (April 10) and directed its registry to convey the order “forthwith to registrar (Judl.), HC of MP, Bench at Indore, who shall communicate the same to collector, Indore”. It’s about time the state government limits itself. ----INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Round The World

New Delhi, 12 April 2024

India-Greece Relations

BILATERALISM Vs MULTILATERALISM

By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri

(Secretary General, Assn for Democratic Socialism) 

India-Greece bilateralism received a new impetus in an international seminar, organised at Jawaharlal Nehru University early this week. The seminar was devoted to discussing various dimensions of India-Greece relations – history, tourism, culture, geo-politics, diplomacy, trade etc. In my presentation, while commending the initiative of augmenting bilateral relations, I raised the issue of the artificial dichotomy between bilateralism and multilateralism and the need to balance it. 

Pointedly, I referred to the European Union (EU) as a multilateral regional organisation which is by far the best example of regional integration. Yet, EU so far has failed in projecting its political personality to the world. The EU was created not only as an economic union, but a political player in promoting pluralism, democracy, human rights etc., the values the EU member countries dearly seek to adhere to. But there has certainly been a mismatch between these values and the trade policy they adopted. In particular, EU trade with China has been booming although the latter is universally considered to be an autocracy and a consistent violator of human rights. 

Likewise, the other multilateral bodies have failed in their objectives. The biggest of them all, the United Nations, which was created after the horrendous Second World War, to prevent the recurrence of wars, becomes a helpless onlooker as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza rage unabated. The UN certainly has unequal structures, namely the Security Council which is immobilised by the pernicious Veto exercised at will by any of the Permanent Five. The reform of structures and functions of United Nations is another debate we will not engage here. 

The point to note is if multilateralism is being infructuous, it is advisable to focus on bilateralism. At any rate, while multilateralism in a globalised and an inter-dependent world should be aspired for, bilateralism lays out the building blocks. What has been happening is that the quest for multilateralism has downplayed bilateralism. It is, using the popular metaphor, missing the trees for the forest. The India-Greece bilateral efforts should correct the fault line in contemporary geo-politics. 

On India-Greece relations, Amrit Lugun, who served as Indian Ambassador to Greece, narrated the developments between the two countries from during his time and till today. He informed that the long historical link between two countries is reflected in a Greek psyche even today. The former Lt. General, Philip Campose, a strategic expert, made a meticulous presentation of contours of bilateralism. 

The bilateral relations got a shot in the arm in August 2023 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Greece. He was doing so after 40 years of visit by an Indian Head of Government to Greece. Also, significantly, the bilateral cooperation was elevated to a strategic partnership during this visit. Campose attributes this sudden shift to strategic partnership to a response to the growing trilateral relationship between Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey. The strategic partnership is a logical extension to the said response as Greece has stood firmly with India on the Kashmir issue and encountering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. 

The second push to India-Greece relations came from the visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis early this year as the Chief Guest on the Republic Day parade as well as the keynote speaker in the Raisina Dialogue. He made a strong case for deepening India-Greece relations. He said, “India could not find a better gateway than Greece to Europe and Greece will have no better gateway to Asia than through India”. He asked for working on IMEC project – India-Middle East-Europe Corridor despite the war in Gaza. The Greek PM’s attitude and statements pointed certainly to the acceleration of relations between India and Greece. 

Building India-Greece relations should certainly invoke the rich legacy of history involving both countries. It goes back to 326 BC when Alexander invaded India. The historical anecdotes suggest that Alexander, a great fighter, had to retreat in the North-West of India when an Indian king paraded the elephants on the battlefield. The legend has it that an Indian king from Punjab offered his daughter in marriage to Alexander to buy peace. That sets a matrimonial relation between Greece and India. Likewise, many Greeks came to India as soldiers or traders and settled down forever in this country. 

There is evidence of Greek art and architecture in Indian society and civilisation. In India and ancient Greece, there were similar allegories and analogies, particularly in Plato’s Phaedrus and the Katha Upanishad. The image of the chariot in Phaedrus portraited the structure of an individual’s soul whereas in Katha Upanishad, it is used in order to describe an individual’s structure. There were also maritime trade contracts of Graeco Roman world with South India. The Greek Indologist Dimitrios Galanos lived in India for 47 years and breathed his last in 1833 in Banaras. He translated Indian Vedic texts into Greek language and produced a Sanskrit-English-Greek dictionary of 9000 words. 

Currently, India and Greece need each other in their mutual interests. Greece is a high-income economy and India is a growing economy with a huge workforce and potentially the largest market in the world. The bilateral trade is low at the moment but has the potential of growing manifold. Greece is a member of European Union and NATO, two powerful bodies, economically and militarily, while India is the most populous country in the world and spearheading the Global South. India would need Greece to counter China’s influence in the Mediterranean region, for access to her port and shipping industry and a market, both Greece and EU for its exports. 

Likewise, Greece would need India for its tourism sector, expertise of Indian companies, investment in privatisation of public assets and a market for goods produced in Greece. The future road map for bilateral relations should consist of cooperation on defence and security issues, connectivity between two countries, cooperation in ecological security, skilled manpower migration, joint trainings by army, navy, air force and special forces and developing inter-operability and cooperation in key areas of special interest to both countries. 

That said, the elephant in the room is, as usual, China. One of the Greek participants asked for India’s reaction to China having a port in Greece, Port of Piraeus, as India is also in the process of acquiring a port. The answer to that question is, it is for Greece to decide whether it would open its strategic space to an autocrat like China “posing a systemic threat to the world” (Germany’s stated view). The West – America and the European Union - have created China almost like a Frankenstein. It is time they decide whether they should neutralise the Frankenstein or feed it to become stronger. India will inevitably counter China, Greece and the European Union have to decide whether they will correct the mistakes of the past or continue with it in regard to dealing with China.---INFA 

                      (Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)