What priority items will our government discuss and Bills be passed with allowing barely 15 day monsoon session, with politics and power dynamics of religion and caste in the background? Ex-CM Parrikar had surmised that we need sessions of at least 50 days in a year. This is the time when the whole government machinery is on trial and public scrutiny of MLAs shows how alive they are to the problems of the people. The credibility of the government is at stake and bolsters functioning of democracy. The quality of debate, competence and suitability of the elected representatives becomes apparent. When the government answers questions and gives concrete assurances on the floor of the House, it will be difficult to convince the public if there is non implementation or U-turns on them. The Speaker is the final word in the House, but he must always be aware that the people are the final authority. People want accountability!
The tragic funeral of Domnic Pereira at Tiracol, a true Goan fighting to save his land and village from joining the concrete jungle enveloping Goa shows up all that is worst in commercial tourism where money, greed and power buys up everything and reigns supreme over conscience. The politicians and bureaucrats running the government are able to gang up and organize permissions manipulating laws and rules, without first considering the interests of Goa and the common man whom they have promised to protect. What is frightening is the Vyapam scam which shows a well-oiled system of State based corruption with reportedly the governor, ministers, IPS and IAS officers, Sangh Parivar members, business men all involved and millions of young people illegally passing all sorts of exams and getting jobs by cheating and corruption! It brings forth allegations of stupendous bribes, manipulation of autopsy report and too many mysterious scam associated killings. The police have arrested 2000 people, more than 500 are absconding. The High Court of Madhya Pradesh has designated 20 special courts to hear these cases. Fourteen months into office, Prime Minister Modi assurances like zero-tolerance for corruption, “na kharoonga, na kharne doonga”, transparent government, being a chowkidar etc has resulted in an uncharacteristic silence and firm swift action expected by public against wrongdoings not forthcoming!
I was listening to “Killing me softly” on FM radio and staring at headline “Murder Most Foul” in the newspaper regarding three bullets pumped into social activist Govind Pansare during his morning walk in Kohlapur. Another killing of a rationalist in Pune by those who did not agree with his exposing falsity with science and truth was similarly gunned down. There is nothing soft about all these actions! Critical views on Facebook or against those in power can get a person hauled up, heckled or even killed. Dissenting human rights activists are hounded till their spirit is broken. In general it appears that the BJP government is out to impose its entrenched prejudicial views. Towards this end RSS ideologues are being put in strategic and key positions and a vigorous all India membership recruitment drive initiated.
As Gujarat CM, Modi survived through fire for ten years never responding to charges leveled from all over the country. He spoke of Gujarati pride and development, addressed topics selectively ignoring contentious matters. Similarly, addressing farmers in Mann Ki Baat, he painted a rosy picture how land acquisition would enhance their lives, but kept mum on the state of the agricultural economy and steps to improve it. The FTII appointment of chairman has drawn the ire of alumni, iconic film makers, directors, actors and professionals, with students refusing to attend classes/going on strike. But the BJP, regardless of overwhelming public opinion, steadfastedly favors its own for key jobs.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr reminded Muslims about their responsibilities and obligations towards Allah and all fellow human beings. All good religions preach this, but it appears that hate is more popular than love. Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan propagated followers of BJP are “Ramzaade”and the rest “Haramzaade”. Recently, VHP patron Ashok Singhal reportedly stated by 2020 India will be a Hindu nation and 2030 the entire world will be Hindu! Somewhat like ISIS caliphate’s stated philosophy to become the sole ruler of the world?
Though after the public outrage reported in the media some were mildly reprimanded, they continue to remain in office and places of power. Amartya Sen says “Under Modi, interference in academia is more extensive, politically organized and connected with hindutva”. This is cultural racism. It was left to BJP ministers and spokespersons to convince the people that government was serious about “sub ke saath, sub ka vikas”, clear the air on “Ghar Wapsi”, persuade farmers on merits of their land bill etc. The underlying continued sang parivar prejudices being promoted and continued activities of the hardliners going unchecked, the increasing communal violence and killings, all parties reducing Parliament to a place of unsavory behavior, poor accountability with loss of political morality and scam based politics, is forcing our democracy into a dangerous direction!
(The author is a retired naval officer.)
