The definition incorporates truth variables with partial truth where values may change between complete truths and complete false, so apt to what is going on in the world today and more so in India! Mixed with politics, religion, caste and the diversity in our food, dress, culture and other habits, even the Supreme Court had to use powers of Article 142 to try to bring closure to the Ram Temple dispute! Imagine what would have happened had the Supreme Court ruled the Babri Masjid was to be rebuilt and Hindus who had in a criminal act of violence demolished the Masjid, be given 5 acres in lieu.
Governments administer citizens by laws and rules of humanity assuming that with science and technology, enforcement of law and order would be the truth that everyone could sanely live by. Democracy is not perfect, but the best form of government to keep power and greed in check. Thinking people tried to keep religion strictly out of government so human logic could be applied. How is it possible to discuss anything with someone who is prepared to die or kill you if you dare challenge what is believed to be some deity’s wish being implemented, however ridiculous or untrue it maybe in today’s times? In the name of divinity we have completely forgotten humanity!
The BJP has been bulldozing its political agenda through Parliament with Opposition decimated and people rendered powerless by majoritism, money and fear. A remote controlling boss like the Shiv Sena with the same ideology realised it had to contend now with a bigger boss the BJP muscling in Maharashtra. The BJP propagates many wonderful slogans like Sab Ke Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Vishwas and at the same time a New India where simultaneously there is differentiation by caste, moral brigade prevents some resort to even murder against inter caste marriages, Khap Panchayats, cow related lynchings with State patronage, religious ceremonies some extremely polluting and inconsiderate to others. Building huge Unity statues and temples at astronomical costs whilst disuniting/polarising India and grabbing governance power by dirty politics, protecting the tainted who succumb/jump ship whilst targeting those who don’t by enforcement agencies instead of concentration on building government financial muscle, a skilled workforce and cutting edge research facilities to compete with global standards!
The “TINA” PM has tapped into the psyche of the new voters/millennials by trying to change things with shock and awe, in today’s world where value systems have drastically changed. The problem in rapidly changing from one extreme to another without adequate infrastructure creates chaos, disrupts the countries’ economy and people’s lives as there is extremely great disparity in education, income and social levels which cannot be overlooked. We have to ensure in our democracy that we have a government that serves all Indians with transparency and accountability and not rules as per its own agendas like King and Princes (VIPs) ruling over subjects with prejudice! Right now the biggest legalised corruption appears to be the Electoral Bonds scam reportedly passed against the objections of the RBI and EC where the sky is the limit for opaque donations which nobody knows how much and from whom/where, except unfairly benefitting ruling politicians. The matter is with the Supreme Court and hopefully democratic norms will apply. Dr Ambedkar pointedly warned that unlike civil disobedience and violence to overthrow British Raj, civil disobedience has no place in a constitutional democracy and Bhakti in religion maybe OK but Bhakti (hero worship) in politics is a sure road to degradation and eventual dictatorship. He further cautioned about political and economic inequality and against guardians of the Constitution subverting it.
The BJP government is excessively pre occupied with financially non productive issues like NRC, CAB, and great Ram Temple, building statues and Hindu grandeur activities that will not make us economically or democratically richer. The face of India under this government is seen in the encounter killing of the four alleged rapist in police custody. Many members of Parliament together with people on the street passionately seem to condone mob and extra judicial justice! How sure are we and what proof do we have that all the four are indeed the only culprits? Fire in an illegally existing residential building due illegal commercial activity in Delhi kills forty three people. Nothing is new. In Goa Parrikar Samadi is being built against rules/common sense on Miramar Beach! The nation is in deep financial crisis with all indicators and job loss showing dangerous trends, now acutely felt in the kitchens of the country. The gross mismanagement can be seen in the stock of around 300 lakh tones of onions reportedly rotted in government godowns with market prices zooming to Rs 180/kg. The central government spokesperson blames the FCI and States for not lifting stocks in time! It was also well known that yearly the loss in wastage is 40% but “sab chalta hai”. Passing the buck and no government official is held responsible or loss recovered. Everyone is aware of climate change and not only onions, but fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat and fish prices together with other essential commodities soaring prices forcing people to dip into their savings to survive. Is it fuzzy logic why most people are generally quiet and not taking a tough stand against the government on hardships being continually imposed with impunity on the common man?
(The author is a retired naval officer, freelance writer resident in Porvorim)
