The elections are done and dusted, the victory speeches delivered and the swearing-in formalities completed. Fifty-six ministers were sworn in at a glitzy ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and assumed office. The Association for Democratic Reforms analysing their election affidavits, determined that of these, 22 had declared criminal cases against them, including16 serious ones like attempt to murder, instigating communal disharmony and electoral violations. This reflects in a 12% increase from 2014. The nature and extent of the victory by the BJP has been the subject of detailed analysis by every newspaper and television channel; each one presenting their versions of what worked for the party and where the opposition failed. However, a common theme appears to be that this was a renewed saffron wave that swept the opposition out of sight. And Amit Shah deserves credit for his strategic brilliance, executed with a military precision that would gladden any military commander’s heart. There is also the general feeling that the election results were a personal endorsement of Modi and his assertive leadership, rather than the BJP. Whenever the voter pressed the EVM button, he undoubtedly had Modi in mind rather than the candidate.
But in West Bengal, the big picture was at a slight variance and makes an interesting study of political tactics. Here, the Left parties ruled for decades till Didi with her street fighter qualities, beat them at their own game and wrenched power away from them. Her handling of the panchayat elections was nothing short of a subversion of democracy. But in spite of this and a 30% Muslim population, her bastion is now threatened by a BJP Hindu consolidation. What is interesting is that they achieved their success without resorting to the CPM/TMC tactics or chants of “Jai Sree Ram”, which followed only later. In all these years the Bengali Hindu never chanted this slogan because they worship different goddess forms like Durga, Kali, Laxmi and others, and their folklore is family orientated. Bengali literature never accepted Ram as “Purursottam” and even criticised him for his treatment of women. Instead they followed “Shakta” and “Shivism”. Bengali Hindu culture is very feminist in essence; dowry is not as widely practised and love marriages are common. The average Bengali is a hopeless romantic who loves his poetry, literature and music. In spite of such fundamental differences in culture, the saffron brigade won them over. The appointment of Vijayvargiya and the successful recruiting of disgruntled CPM workers were masterstrokes. But this digresses from the main theme of this column; “now what”.
The allocation of portfolios was along anticipated lines with few surprises and many concerns. The appointment of Amit Shah as Home Minister is disturbing given his past record in Gujarat. Article 370, 35-A and the Citizenship Act will no doubt be pursued with renewed vigour now that he has a free hand. One hopes that Modi’s victory speech, declaring an inclusive agenda will keep Shah’s stated views on minorities in check; and that his infamous “termite” remark will not be followed through. The inclusion of Sarangi, allegedly involved in the Graham Staines case is worrying; as is the elevation of Giriraj Singh. Putting up Pragya Thakur and Sakshi Maharaj as candidates indicated the trend and was hardly reassuring. Following the election results, there have been numerous attacks by gau rakshaks, with video recordings of helpless victims being beaten with belts. Hardik Pandya has already reported a number of social media communications asking “where will you go now”. A doctor on a morning walk in Delhi was accosted by six youths and ordered to chant “Jai Sree Ram”. It didn’t help that the doctor, though born a Hindu, was an atheist. A political witch hunt was already unleashed against opponents through various agencies particularly the IT. One hopes that the government does not get embroiled in such non-constructive activities because there are many practical issues that need urgent attention if this country is to make any progress.
In spite of all the pre-election denials and fudging of figures, unemployment is now officially declared at a 45-year high. GDP at 5.8% is at a 5-year low; and you cannot blame the previous government for that. Raghuram Rajan has drawn attention to the various sectors that need immediate attention like the fiscal deficit at both State and central levels, power, banking and agriculture sectors; 52% of all agriculture is totally dependent on, and suffers from a shortage of water which will only be exacerbated by a less than normal monsoon. It is estimated that Rs 1 lakh crores are required to fund the schemes introduced during the last five years.
India is on the threshold of becoming the world’s 5th largest economy, and has aspirations of a seat on the UN Security Council. Such lofty ambitions, require clean credentials. Crucial institutions like the Judiciary, the RBI, the CBI, the inland revenue departments and the press should function as autonomous, independent institutions without political interference. If they are used as a blunderbuss to flatten political opponents it hardly lends itself to credibility and credentials to achieve such ambitions. We have to proclaim a national policy based on inclusion of all its constituent population whether in the majority or minority. And such claims must be open to public scrutiny. There cannot be two tiers of citizenship. History is replete with examples where such policies have failed with disastrous consequences. It remains to be seen what route the new government will take under a home minister who has self-proclaimed views heavily loaded against the minorities.
But he should remember that in the final analysis what got the BJP votes was Modis schemes for proper roofs over voters’ heads; providing LPG gas cylinders, electricity connections, safe drinking water, good roads and toilets to all.
(The writer is a past IMA Goa State Branch President) and a founder member of the Voluntary Health Association of Goa)
