After many years, justice caught up with the disproportionate asset case against Jayalalithaa, and for the first time a sitting Chief Minister was sent to jail. However, she was lodged in a VVIP cell, allowed to dress in her apparel and given a special bed and food as per doctors orders! The new CM sworn in was weeping during his swearing in ceremony, colleges and schools were closed in protest, lawyers went on strike and politicians sat in dharna against the court decision. Pressure was brought to bear on the Chief Justice to absolutely fast track her case. Isn’t this is shameless height of sycophancy?
Why is it that we require some person to worship? If not film stars, then it is sports persons or even successful criminals who are voted to power and even successfully run their campaign from jail. This syndrome is now being transferred to Prime Minister Modi. With a decimated opposition, there is danger of imposing majoritism, especially with RSS and the many Hindu organizations working towards a Hindu Rashtra. Modi is a powerful speaker who can sway the masses. The BJP has jettisoned allies both in Haryana and Maharashtra where the PM is expected to address more than 20 election rallies proving the BJP is now completely Modi centric.
Besides the danger of one man obtaining so much charisma and power, according to discussions at the Kala Academy during the International Writers & Readers Festival, is the complete paranoia about giving out information! Sandesh Prabudesai recalled our Chief Minister recent advice to organizations not to involve media in any discussion process and only finally convey decisions.
The police and government are reportedly not issuing the usual routine bulletins. With paid news and some opinionated/biased Press owned by corporate bodies, the public have to rely on different social networks and decide which version is correct! Prime Minister Modi’s media model is somewhat on the same lines as Parrikar who has accused the media of creating bias and confusion. Access to ministers and officials has been curtailed and even the BJP workers complained that access to ministers is remote. RTI requests are stonewalled as far as possible.
The Goa police booked Devu Chodankar for posting his view on Facebook and the Konkani theatre creativity on criticism of government/ politicians was sought to be curbed. There is threat to free speech, banning of books, art and movies and violence like attacking NGOs and Press offices due sentiments of someone being hurt, whilst their intolerance hurting the sentiments of others is of no consequence!
The Lok Sabha TV was shut off during voting on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill. This dangerous trend was already creeping in.
