Critical Situation In India: Recommended Actions

Critical Situation In India: Recommended Actions

Mohammed Obaidulla Sharief

Chief Editor: Daily Pasban

Email: mosharieff@hotmail.com

The present conditions in India have become highly challenging or should it be said that the present time marks the most serious moment for India in terms of potential threat to its democracy and secularism. The kind of atmosphere that is being shaped by the BJP in the name of the inauguration of Ram Mandir to draw mileage out of it for the upcoming 2024 general elections remains no secret for anyone. The BJP-led government is using every possible ploy to consolidate Hindu votes which could potentially push pluralistic India towards becoming the first-ever Hindu nation. All the democratic institutions in the country have been sabotaged with their organizational autonomy eroded, and the significance of civil society systematically undermined. There is also a noticeable shift towards giving more importance to ancient narratives and beliefs to take precedence over scientific principles and viewpoints. Media is influencing public discourse by becoming the mouthpiece of the ruling party. Additionally, social media platforms are being used to launch personal attacks on opposition leaders, spread false information, and incite hatred. Furthermore, central investigation agencies and law enforcement authorities are being wielded by the ruling party to suppress political opponents and those who express dissent.

As citizens of a democratic country, we are not mere subjects beholden to the arbitrary whims and fancies of a ruler, but participants in a system where beyond the privilege of voting, we are entitled to the fundamental right to articulate our opinions and advocate our perspectives. It is imperative that we actively exercise our rights, to connect with the legal system to hold the government accountable whenever and wherever it strays from the noble ideals of secularism and pluralism that underpin the vitality of our democracy. The civil society must effectively organise to counter any departure of the government from democratic values. The blatant disregard for the rule of law in our country has presently reached a level where those who endorse and support the actions of the government not only receive acclaim but are also shielded from punishment for their wrongful deeds, including criminal behaviour.

For instance, the government intimidates social activists using fake information about them, and yet those who entrap them with false accusations face no punishment. Similarly, there is no accountability for wrongful detentions, use of disproportionate force, exploitations, and ill-conceived measures by the government. Civil society needs to advocate for greater emphasis on constitutionalism to ensure that whenever the government and its representatives contravene the law and the constitution, they are held liable to face the consequences. With concerted efforts, these initiatives can certainly be achieved.

The need of the hour is to transform the socio-political landscape through education that fosters an objective, rational, and open-minded mind-set among individuals. This will empower them to make informed choices that contribute to the advancement of the country. Achieving this goal involves leveraging constitutional freedoms and extending the civic space beyond the urban middle class. Objective analysis, critical evaluation of government policies and initiatives, peaceful conflict resolution, and true realization of fundamental rights are indispensable in the process of the realization of this goal for progress and betterment of the country. History has always favoured those who champion ideals for progress and development and the future is expected to perpetuate this legacy. Change is inevitable and all the progressive-minded citizens must consciously come together to extricate the country from the challenges it currently faces.

In the midst of a challenging situation, a substantial population exceeding 60% of people who did not vote for the party currently in power find themselves perplexed as to how to set right the state of affairs in the country. They are uncertain about how to turn the wheel backward so that India can regain its glorious days of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence, bridge the manufactured divisions between religious communities, uphold justice and fairness in society, and fulfil the unfulfilled promises for prosperity, and so on. They understand that the solution to all the current issues and challenges in the country lies in the genuine restoration of democracy. They are aware that only through democracy peace can be established; safety and security of the people ensured; jobs and employment generated;businesses flourish; economy prospers; and food, health, and shelter provided to all. Democracy is an on-going endeavour, and every citizen has to engage in it actively and
uphold it.

A question arises as to what we can do to safeguard our democracy and constitution. The first step involves recognizing the value of your vote and using it judiciously and consciously to shape the vision of India you believe in, and wish to pass on to the future generations. This entails voting for the values you espouse and endorse, rather than for a specific individual or party, particularly not for the party that fosters animosity and thrives on dividing people while making false promises. Currently, democracy is at a crossroads in India and it can be restored on its tracks by voting sensibly. It is crucial to openly discuss this realization and spread the message to friends, family, and local communities. Engage in door-to-door outreach; visit colleges and markets; hit the streets, and connect with people wherever possible, as there is no better alternative than engaging directly with the public. Equip people to think independently and seek the truth for themselves, rather than mindlessly forwarding WhatsApp messages or succumbing to false propaganda spread through various media channels. Cultivate the ability to observe people with patience and an open mind, and to perceive the truth, empathy, anguish, and authenticity in their eyes; rally behind an educated, competent, and sensible local candidate who genuinely cares about the well-being of all societal classes and upholds democratic ideals. Support such a candidate with your time, energy, and resources. Be the catalyst for the change you aspire to see, and be an active contributor to it. Each of us possesses the potential to make a difference, so do not underestimate your influence. Embrace the challenge and focus on the pressing needs of this crucial time – your country needs your active participation and involvement.

Mohammed Obaidulla Sharieff
Chief Editor: Daily Pasban
Email:mosharieff@hotmail.com

Modi Government’s Anxiety on Census Data

Modi Government’s Anxiety on Census Data

Mohammed Obaidulla Sharief

Chief Editor: Daily Pasban

Email: mosharieff@hotmail.com

Ever since the release of the caste-based census data in Bihar on October 2, 2003, there has been a growing demand for conducting similar censuses in all states across the country. The shocking statistics disclosed in the census have sparked considerable anxiety for Prime Minister Narendra Modi causing him sleepless nights. The unveiling of the findings of the caste census by Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, has put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Godi Media channels in a state of fix. The Prime Minister has reacted strongly against the caste census calling it ‘anti-Hindu’ and has alleged that insisting on such censuses in every state is an attempt by the Congress to divide Hindu Society. Paradoxically, Modi has also falsely claimed that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that minorities, including Muslims, have the first right to the country’s resources, a statement Singh never made. By employing this fabricated claim, Modi attempts to position himself as a sympathiser of Muslims and argues that the Congress by advocating for a caste-specific census is demanding the allocation of resources on the basis of the size of the caste population, which he believes would prove detrimental to Muslims. He asserts that, if caste specific resource allocation is implemented, Hindus being the largest demographic, will receive preferential treatment in all aspects and will progress, leaving Muslims with minimal benefits. This stance represents a shrewd political strategy employed by Modi aiming to simultaneously secure support from the Hindus and appeal to the sympathies of Muslims. Such cunning tactics of sowing discord and misinformation among Hindus and Muslims are not new to Modi, and his political track record readily stands as testimony of such manipulative strategies. In the past, he in response to Rahul Gandhi’s demand for making provision in the Women’s Reservation Bill for representation of backward women, had asserted that the call for women’s reservation was a conspiracy by certain Hindus to perpetuate gender disparities among women.

The anxiety and perplexity of Modi following the release of the caste-specific census in Bihar can be gauged by the fact that though the census was conducted at the behest of Nitish Kumar, the blame is laid by Modi on the Congress. According to the census data from Bihar, the Muslim population in the state is approximately 18%, Yadavs make up about 12%, backward classes constitute 27.13%, and most backward classes account for 36%. Together, the two backward groups represent over 63% of the population. Should reservations be made based on population size, smaller groups such as the Savarnas (upper castes) comprising Brahmins, Bhumihars, Rajputs, and Kayasthas, who together make up about 10.5% of the state population, would have minimal representation. If the reservation is extended on this basis, it could potentially have a significant impact on the representation of Savarnas in various areas, including women’s reservation, government job opportunities, and their participation in various fields and politics, ultimately resulting in diminished representation for this group. Such a scenario is not acceptable at any cost to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it could challenge their political dominance. The rising demand for conducting caste-specific census in all the states is adding to the growing concerns of the RSS and the BJP, as it could reveal that the upper castes are a minority in the country. The fear is that if the entire nation discovers that, on average, the historically marginalized groups constitute more than 60% while the upper castes make up approximately 10.5%, then this revelation could threaten the very foundations of the RSS and the BJP. This is because, throughout the history of the RSS, top positions, including that of its leader, have consistently been held by the upper castes, the Brahmins. Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar further added to the political woes of Modi and the RSS when, following a cabinet meeting on the second day of publication of caste census data, declared that his government would provide a 10% reservation to economically disadvantaged Savarnas. The BJP’s primary concern lies in the fact that, up until now, it has relied on Hindutva and fielded politicians like Giriraj Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ashwini Kumar Chaubey, Janardan Sigriwal, Nityanand Roy, RK Singh, Radha Mohan Singh, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, and Sushil Kumar Singh, all hailing from the Sarvana castes, to secure electoral victories and reach the Lok Sabha. However, this strategy appears to pose increasing challenges in the future. Similar situations may arise in other states of the country as well.

In Bihar, although the Rajputs account for less than 3.5% of the population, there are presently five Rajput Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha. After the release of Bihar’s data, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemingly exhibited empathy towards Muslims, and all the Godi media channels and their anchors started dancing for the Muslims by focusing attention on this shift. Questions are being raised in various circles as to why there has never been a Muslim Chief Minister for the state when more than 18% of the population in Bihar belongs to the Muslim community. However, these channels and their paid anchors do not have genuine sympathy towards Muslims but have ulterior motives in emphasizing this issue, with the intention of fostering divisions between Muslims, Yadavs, and other communities. Modi’s claims that a caste-based census would divide Hindu society and jeopardize the welfare of Hindu women seem to lack credible support. It remains unclear on what grounds he argues that ensuring equitable rights for women from lower-caste and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in various sectors would be detrimental to Hindu society.

The impact of the release of Bihar’s caste-based census data was evident when the ED (Enforcement Directorate) conducted raids on multiple locations linked to the offices of ‘news-click’ news portal and its associated journalists on the morning of October 3, the day after the census data was made public. Several prominent journalists, including Abhisar Sharma, Umilesh, Bhasha Singh, Prabir Purkayastha, Teesta Setalvad, and a number of others were detained and interrogated throughout the day in an apparent attempt to intimidate them. On the same day, in the evening over twenty MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) went to meet Union Minister Niranjan Jyothi but she was unavailable. Hence, all these MPs including Mahua Moitra staged a sit-in dharna but they were forcibly removed and mistreated by the Delhi Police. The following day, the ED reached the residence of Aaam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Mr. Sanjay Singh, subjecting him to extensive interrogation throughout the day, and arrested him in the evening. The opposition parties have alleged that Modi and the BJP are reading the writing on the wall of their defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and this fear is haunting both Modi and the BJP. This is driving the Modi government to employ the ED and other agencies excessively to vent out its fear and frustration and intimidate journalists and others who are capable of providing impartial .analysis of political developments and forecasting potential results. It remains to be seen what significant measures the Modi government will take to turn the tide in its favour in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

India’s Stand Amidst Israel’s Bombing of Palestinians

India’s Stand Amidst Israel’s Bombing of Palestinians

Mohammed Obaidulla Sharief

Chief Editor: Daily Pasban

Email: mosharieff@hotmail.com

The ongoing airstrikes over the past nine days, aimed at uprooting ‘Hamas’, an organization that has been engaged in a prolonged struggle to protect its people and their land, including the Masjid-e-Aqsa (Qibla-e-Awwa), carried out by the Us-trained military of Israel, and supported by France, Britain, and America, have sparked significant global apprehension. The aerial bombardments have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with over 2,000 Muslim casualties so far. The situation in the Gaza Strip has worsened, with residents being tortured and forcibly evacuated on the directions of Israeli authorities. The inhabitants of the region, including innocent children are in dire need of even a single sip of water since the water supply for them has been abruptly stopped.  Over the course of history, western powers have and will continue to align themselves with Israel, whereas India has unwaveringly stood by Palestine on account of being aware of the historical backdrop in which Israel occupied Palestinian territory, in consequence of the forced settlement of Jews in that land facilitated by Britain in 1948. This enduring support for Palestine has remained consistent from the time of Jawaharlal Nehru to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership.

Today, India’s current foreign policy has changed. Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the political faction of the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commands a majority government with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm.  It is worth mentioning that it is the same Modi during whose tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, more than 1,000 Muslims tragically lost their lives during Gujarat riots in the year 2002. Obviously, the foreign policy pursued by the BJP and Prime Minister Modi differs significantly from what it was 45 years ago. This transformation is notably evident in India’s strong support to Israel in the on-going conflict with Palestinian Hamas. Foreign policy does not remain static and evolves with different governments and times.  If Prime Minister Modi has chosen to show solidarity with Israel, it is his prerogative to do so. Nonetheless, the extension of support to Israel should not be equated to branding all Palestinians on whose land Israel stands today, as terrorists. In order to hold a mirror up to the Modi government, a video is currently circulating on social media, featuring Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In the video, Vajpayee unequivocally expresses his support for Palestine and strongly emphasizes the necessity for Israel to vacate Arab territories. He clears up any doubts regarding the Janata Party’s commitment to the Arab cause asserting that the apprehensions of non-support as unfounded. He underscores that, once in power, the party would carefully assess the Palestinian issue based on its merits, but he remains steadfast in his belief that Israel should withdraw from the Arab lands it has occupied.  Vajpayee goes on to fervently advocate for the liberation of Arab lands and the establishment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. He stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive solution in the Middle East that can effectively curb acts of aggression and lay the groundwork for a stable and lasting peace.  It’s worth noting that these statements do not originate from a Muslim politician or leader but rather come from a speech delivered by Pandit Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his tenure as the Foreign Minister in the Janata Party government under Morarji Desai.  When Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered this speech, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union was at its peak and the stand of our country was in line with the sentiments expressed by Vajpayee.  Following the release of this video and widespread criticism and condemnation from various quarters about the backing of the government to Israel, the Modi government, on October 12, ultimately issued a statement expressing support for Palestinian freedom and a desire for peace in the region.

Presently, Hamas is the de facto government in the Gaza Strip of Palestine. If the entire population of the region supports its leadership, should the entire population warrant labelling as terrorists? It also appears that Hamas leaders lack prudence, sagacity, and long-term vision. What was the necessity for them to engage in conflict with Israel, especially when the United States, which is often accused of promoting terrorism globally, is firmly aligned with Israel?

There are over 50 countries worldwide, including India, which are well aware that if there is any country that could be called the ‘mother of terrorism’, it is primarily the United States. Perhaps no other country has experienced as much terrorism as India has.  Numerous questions arise when one examines the issue of terrorism from the correct perspective. Who were the individuals involved in anti-India activities and classified as terrorists? Were they exclusively of Pakistani origin? Who radicalized them against the Soviet Union and equipped them with weaponry? Who established extremist training centres in Lal Masjid and other places in Pakistan? Was it not the United States, which, unable to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan, inadvertently fostered the menace of terrorism against India? Whose legacy does ISIS represent? Was it not the United States that, in pursuit of securing access to oil, armed ISIS extensively, and once its purpose served, dismantled the organization? America’s track record includes deceitful attacks on both Vietnam and Iraq, which are now apparent to the entire world, like a clear reflection in a mirror.  Yet there is reluctance across the world to confront America about its role in promoting terrorism.

If Palestinians are labelled as terrorists, why did Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar assert in the Lok Sabha that India’s friendship with Israel doesn’t mean distancing from Palestine? Additionally, he highlighted that the Modi government is providing more funds for the resettlement of displaced Palestinians than any other government.  Those who are unfamiliar with the history of Israel and Palestine, overtly or covertly support Israel just to give vent to their Islam phobia sentiments, knowing fully well that the Palestinians are primarily Muslims.  Such persons must know that until 1948, Israel didn’t exist as a country and faced global rejection. Even the United States, now the God-father of Israel, did not grant any land to the Jews. When Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler’s persecution sought safety, it was Palestinians who allowed them to settle on their land.  Over time, due to their expansionist ambitions, the Israelis gradually encroached on Palestinian territories, primarily through force.  Presently, they dominate these lands with superior military might.  Consequently, when Palestinians try to regain their homeland, they are often labelled as terrorists, notably by the United States, the new God-father of the world and on the other hand the Israelis, who have forcefully occupied Palestinian lands, are termed rightful owners of the lands. This situation is deeply troubling and calls for change. A unified international effort is needed to address Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.  Our country India, in line with its historical commitment should continue to support and provide relief to the oppressed Palestinian population.

عام انتخابات کی آہٹ سے مودی کی گھبراہٹ

عام انتخابات کی آہٹ سے مودی کی گھبراہٹ

وزیراعظم نریندرمودی 2024میں ہونے والے عام انتخابات اور اس سے پہلے 4ریاستوں میں ہونے والے اسمبلی انتخابات سے خوفزدہ ہوکر ہندوستانی تحقیقاتی ایجنسیوں کا سہارالیناشروع کردیاہے۔کانگریس کے بڑے سے بڑے لیڈروں کی چھان بین کے بعد مغربی بنگال کی ترنمول کانگریس،بہارکی آرجے ڈی ،جے ڈی یو اوردہلی کی عام آدمی پارٹی کے سینئرلیڈروں کے گھروں چھاپے مارکرتمام سیاسی پارٹیوں کو خوفزدہ کرنے کی کوشش یا سازش جاری ہے۔لیکن مودی حکومت کو یہ سمجھناچاہئے کہ آج کے سوشیل میڈیاکے زمانے میں کچھ بھی چھپاکرنہیں رکھ سکتے۔ووٹروں نے اب جان لیاہے کہ تحقیقاتی ایجنسیوں کا استعمال اب اپنی روٹی سینکنے کیلئے کیاجاتاہے،اس کے علاوہ کچھ بھی نہیں۔اس بات سے ہرکوئی واقف ہے کہ وزیر اعظم نریندر مودی 2014 سے ہی کانگریس مکت بھارتکا نعرہ لگاتے رہے ہیں۔ لیکن اب ایسا لگتا ہے کہ خود ان کے مٹنے کا وقت آگیا ہے۔ یعنی اب ان کے اقتدار کے پائے بظاہر ہلنے لگے ہیں اور ایسا لگتا ہے کہ ریاستی اسمبلیوں کے انتخابات سے اس کا آغاز ہو گیا ہے۔عام آدمی پارٹی کے راجیہ سبھا ایم پی سنجے سنگھ عدالت میں پیشی سے قبل کہا کہ وزیر اعظم نریندر مودی 2024 کا الیکشن ہار رہے ہیں، اسی لیے وہ ایسا کر رہے ہیں۔ اس تاریخ کو بھی یادرکھنے کی ضرورت ہے کہ  پچھلے دنوں کرناٹک اسمبلی کے انتخابات میں اس کی شکست بظاہر آئندہ ہونے والی شکست کی بنیاد بننے جا رہی ہے۔ حالانکہ وہاں جیت حاصل کرنے کے لیے اس نے کیا کیا نہیں کیا تھا۔ حجاب مخالف مہم، مسجدوں سے لاڈ اسپیکر اتارنے کی کارروئی، حلال گوشت کے خلاف مہم اور ایسے ہی دیگر اقدامات کی بنیاد پر اس نے جو مذہبی منافرت کا ماحول بنایا تھا وہ اب رفتہ رفتہ ختم ہوتا جا رہا ہے۔ اب تو بی جے پی کے پکے حمایتی بھی کہنے لگے ہیں کہ ہم توبی جے پی سپورٹر ہیں لیکن اب اس حکومت کو جانا چاہیے۔مدھیہ پردیش، راجستھان، چھتیس گڑھ، تلنگانہ اور میزورم میں نومبر دسمبر میں اسمبلی انتخابات ہونے والے ہیں۔ لیکن ان تمام ریاستوں میں بی جے پی کی حالت پتلی ہے۔ چھتیس گڑھ میں تو وہ بہت کمزور ہے اور ابھی سے وہاں اس کی شکست کی پیشین گوئی کی جا رہی ہے۔ مدھیہ پردیش میں بھی اس کے قدموں کے نیچے سے قالین سرک رہی ہے جس کے نتیجے میں ماما یعنی شیو راج سنگھ چوہان کے اقتدار کے پائے لڑکھڑانے لگے ہیں۔ ان کو سنبھالا دینے کے لیے بی جے پی اعلی قیادت نے مرکزی وزرا، ممبران پارلیمنٹ اور مرکزی رہنماں کو مدھیہ پردیش میں اتار دیا ہے۔ پارٹی کے اس قدم کی مخالفت ریاستی لیڈران تو کر ہی رہے ہیں خود وہ لوگ بھی کر رہے ہیں جن کے نام امیدواروں کی فہرست میں شامل ہیں۔اس حوالے سے سینئر لیڈر کیلاش وجے ورگیی کا ردعمل خاصا دلچسپ ہے۔ جب ان کا نام امیدواروں کی فہرست میں آیا تو انھوں نے اس پر بڑی حیرانی کا اظہار کیا۔ ان کو ایسا لگا کہ جیسے پارٹی نے ان کی توہین کر دی ہے۔ انھوں نے اظہار حیرت کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پارٹی نے ایسا فیصلہ کیوں کیا۔ اب وہ اسمبلی کا الیکشن لڑیں گے۔ انھوں نے یہ کہہ کر اپنی بھڑاس نکالی کہ میں ایک بہت ہی سینئر لیڈر ہوں، کیا اب میں لوگوں سے ہاتھ جوڑ کر ووٹ کی بھیک مانگوں گا۔ ان کے بقول انھیں الیکشن لڑنے میں ایک فیصد بھی دلچسپی نہیں ہے۔کانگریس نے جس طرح کرناٹک میں بومئی حکومت میں چالیس فیصد کمیشن کا ایشو اٹھایا تھا اسی طرح اس نے مدھیہ پردیش میں بھی کمیشن کا ایشو اٹھایا ہے اور اس کی یہ بات عوام کو خوب پسند آرہی ہے۔ اس وقت بہت سے نیوز چینلوں کے نمائندے مذکورہ ریاستوں اور خاص طور پر مدھیہ پردیش میں عوام کی رائے جاننے کی کوشش کر رہے ہیں اور عوام کی اکثریت بی جے پی حکومت کے خلاف اپنی رائے دے رہی ہے۔ریاستی مسائل کے علاوہ وہ مسائل بھی ان ریاستوں میں بی جے پی کے گلے کی ہڈی بن گئے ہیں جن سے پورا ملک جوجھ رہا ہے۔ یعنی مہنگائی اور بے روزگاری کے مسائل۔ خواتین کے تحفظ کے مسائل۔ کسانوں کی فصلوں کے دام نہ ملنے کے مسائل۔ ہیٹ اسپیچ کے مسائل۔ اور بھی دیگر بہت سے مسائل ہیں جن سے جنتا پریشان ہے۔ لہذا بی جے پی کی ریاستی حکومتوں کے خلاف عوامی ناراضگی میں مزید ایشو شامل ہو کر اسے اور سنگین بنا رہے ہیں۔ مدھیہ پردیش میں بی جے پی کے جو مقامی رہنما ہیں اور جن کو امید تھی کہ انھیں پارٹی ٹکٹ دے گی وہ دہلی سے لیڈروں کو لانے سے ناراض ہو گئے ہیں۔ ان کا کہنا ہے کہ محنت ہم کریں اور ایم ایل اے دوسرے بنیں۔ ادھر مادھو را سندھیا کے حامیوں اور مخالفوں میں الگ ٹھنی ہوئی ہے۔ سندھیا حامی بہت سے لیڈر کانگریس میں واپس آگئے ہیں۔ ان کے حامیوں کو ٹکٹ دینے سے ان کے مخالفوں میں غصہ ہے۔تقریبا یہی صورت حال راجستھان میں بھی ہے۔ سابق وزیر اعلی وسندھرا راجے سندھیا پارٹی سے ناراض ہیں۔ پارٹی نے جس طرح ان کو الگ تھلگ کیا ہے اس سے ان کے حامیوں کی ناراضگی بڑھتی جا رہی ہے۔ جبکہ کانگریس حکومت کی اچھی کارکردگی نے بھی بی جے پی کے لیے مشکلیں پیدا کر دی ہیں۔ وہ گہلوت حکومت کے خلاف ایشوز تلاش کرنے کی کوشش کر رہی ہے لیکن وہ اس میں ناکام ہے۔ تلنگانہ میں بھی بی جے پی کی پوزیشن بہت کمزور ہے۔ وہاں اصل مقابلہ کانگریس اور بی آر ایس میں ہے۔دراصل اس وقت کانگریس کے سینئر رہنما راہل گاندھی نے ملک میں جس قسم کی سیاست شروع کی ہے اس نے بی جے پی کو بوکھلاہٹ میں مبتلا کر دیا ہے۔ ان کی بھارت جوڑو یاترا نے ملک میں ایک صاف ستھری اور عوامی مسائل کو اٹھانے والی جس سیاست کا آغاز کیا ہے اسے لوگوں کی حمایت مل رہی ہے۔ گزشتہ دس برسوں میں ملکی سیاست جس طرح زوال کے گڈھے میں گری ہے اس سے عوام ناراض ہیں۔ راہل گاندھی نے سیاست کو منافرت کے جذبات سے پاک کرنے اور عوام کو ایک دوسرے سے جوڑنے کی جو مہم شروع کی ہے اس نے رنگ دکھانا شروع کر دیا ہے۔ اس نے ملکی سیاست میں ایک نئی شروعات کی ہے۔ بی جے پی اس سے گھبرا گئی ہے۔ بہرحال اس وقت بی جے پی کی حالت خراب ہے۔ جن ریاستوں میں انتخابات ہونے جا رہے ہیں ان میں اس کی شکست صاف دکھائی دے رہی ہے۔ ممکن ہے کہ یہ سلسلہ 2024 تک جاری رہے۔ اس بات کی قوی امید ہے۔

محمدعبید اللہ شریف

مدیرِ اعلیٰ

روزنامہ پاسبان

Modi’s Anxiety Grows As General Elections Approach – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worried about the probable adverse outcomes of the 2024 General Elections and the upcoming Assembly Elections in four States

Modi’s Anxiety Grows As General Elections Approach – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worried about the probable adverse outcomes of the 2024 General Elections and the upcoming Assembly Elections in four States

Modi’s Anxiety Grows As General Elections Approach – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worried about the probable adverse outcomes of the 2024 General Elections and the upcoming Assembly Elections in four States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worried about the probable adverse outcomes of the 2024 General Elections and the upcoming Assembly Elections in four States, has begun to use investigative agencies to demoralize the opposition parties. After investigating top Congress leaders, the government has begun raiding the homes of senior leaders from West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress, Bihar’s RJD, JD(U), and Delhi’s Aam Aadmi parties in an apparent attempt to intimidate them. The Modi administration must understand that in the age of social media, nothing can remain concealed and the voters are aware that investigative agencies are being employed to serve specific agendas. Every Indian knows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for a ‘Congress-free Bharath’ since 2014, but now it seems the tables have turned, and his political presence may be in jeopardy. It appears that the pillars of his government have begun to tremble, and this development was initiated by the outcomes of the Assembly Elections held in some States over the past few months. Mr. Sanjay Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP who is currently facing a money-laundering probe, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that Modi is going to lose the 2024 Elections and that is why he is manifesting his frustration by targeting opposition party candidates. Notably, the recent setback in the Assembly Elections in Karnataka seems to be setting the stage for Modi’s potential failures ahead. His party, despite exhaustive efforts, such as running campaigns against the wearing of hijabs, removing loudspeakers from mosques, advocating against halal meat, and employing various other tactics to foster an atmosphere of animosity and religious discord, couldn’t clinch victory in Karnataka. Currently, even a number of staunch BJP members have begun expressing that they have been exploited as mere sporters and it is time for the party to go.

In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram, Assembly elections are scheduled for November. But, the BJP in these States appears to be on a sticky wicket. In Chhattisgarh, it finds itself in a precarious position, with its downfall already predicted. Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, the party’s footing is slipping, and the foundations of Shivraj Chauhan’s power, affectionately known as “Mamaji’, have begun to wobble. In a bid to lend support, the party High Command has dispatched central Ministers, Members of Parliament, and prominent leaders to Madhya Pradesh. However, this move by the party is facing opposition not only from the state leaders but also from some of the candidates aspiring to contest the elections. In this context, the remarks of Kailash Vijayvargi, a senior leader of the party are quite significant. When his name surfaced among the potential election candidates, he expressed deep astonishment, questioning why the party made such a decision as he has no intention of running for the election. He went on to comment that as a senior and central leader, he shouldn’t be made to beg for votes this time, indicating that the position of the party is critical this time. The Congress party which had previously raised the issue of 40% commission against the Bommai government in the recent election in Karnataka has now raised the commission issue in Madhya Pradesh as well, and the people of the state have shown their support for the Congress party’s stand on this issue.

Numerous news channels are presently engaged in gathering the opinions of voters in all the States going for elections next month, with a particular focus on Madhya Pradesh. The general sentiment among the voters in these States seems to be largely against the BJP. In addition to the state-specific issues, national issues such as inflation, unemployment, women’s safety, minimum support prices for crops, hate speech, and other critical issues have become significant factors for voters in shaping their opinions against the BJP. The local leaders of Madhya Pradesh who were hoping that the party would give them a ticket to contest are upset with the arrival of leaders from Delhi. They feel that they have been side-lined and question whether they should work to make others become MLAs. On the other hand, there is a different kind of conflict between the supporters and opponents of Madhavrao Scindia. A considerable number of Scindia’s supporters have re-joined the Congress Party, and his opponents are angry that these supporters are being offered opportunities to contest the upcoming election. The situation in Rajasthan mirrors what is happening elsewhere, with Vasundhara Raje Scindia, the former Chief Minister of the state, frustrated with the party. The manner in which the party has isolated her is not only irking her but infuriating and demoralizing her supporters. Moreover, the continued success of the current Congress government in the State is posing a significant obstacle for her and her party’s efforts to regain power. She has been trying to find issues to critique the Gehlot government but has been unsuccessful so far. The BJP’s standing in Telangana is notably fragile. The primary competition in this region is between the Congress and TRS.

Over the last couple of months, the brand of politics spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader in the Congress, has left the BJP befuddled. His “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” initiated to promote a more transparent and problem-solving approach to politics, has garnered overwhelming public support. A significant number of individuals who previously supported the BJP have come to regret their choice, and are now vehemently disapproving of the depths to which politics had deteriorated over the past decade. Rahul Gandhi’s campaign to purge hostility and hatred from politics and unify the people is beginning to show results, signalling the opening of a new chapter in the country’s political history. This has pushed the BJP into a state of anxiety and panic. In any case, the BJP currently finds itself in a challenging situation. This predicament is glaringly evident in States where upcoming elections are on the horizon, as the BJP is likely to encounter resounding defeat. There is a possibility that this saga of setbacks for the BJP will persist until the 2024 General Elections.