We are aspiring to become a superpower, catching up with most powerful & richest nations at the cost of diminishing precious true democracy
Modi conducted the Pran Pratishta of the grand Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, overruling the advice of four Shankaracharayas. Many atrocities against minority communities have been and are being committed, yet there has not been a word from the Prime Minister to discourage the vigilante elements of the BJP, instead enforcing polarizing politics of religion, castes, and destabilizing opposition governments, using every means, fair and foul, to win elections. Modi’s tea party invitees, surprisingly including Christian high priests, praised him during his visits to churches, particularly in south India, just before the general elections. Nitish Kumar’s reinstatement as Bihar Chief Minister for the 9th time within the NDA demonstrates to what depths parties and people can sink to retain power and grandeur. Modi, now linking Ram Mandir to new grand temple inaugurations built in Arab nations in which he participates, says he is pujari to the world.
We are aspiring to become a superpower, catching up with the most powerful and richest nations at the cost of diminishing precious true democracy and trust deficit between fact and deceit. It has taken more than five years to get the Supreme Court to declare electoral bonds as arbitrary and unconstitutional. People vote for the BJP for Modi’s charisma, oratory skills, hard work, attempts to change the mindset of Indians, among other things, nationalism, and restoring Hindu pride. He has gained the respect of world leaders and industrialists, positioning India as a rising world power economically and militarily. However, constant derogatory remarks shaming the past UPA government by the BJP, without addressing issues like demonetization, the Covid migrant labor exodus, hospitals and cemeteries overflowing with corpses, are one-sided and prejudiced.
The PM visited Goa on February 6, 2024, amidst fanfare and lavish expenses; roads spruced up, major bus station in Margao appropriated as venue, stray animals removed, schools holiday declared, shops closed for security reasons, crowds enticed/arranged, etc. Essential public movement much inconvenienced/restricted for his targeted mega-project election rallies, especially in south Goa. With the opposition decimated and national media supporting the government, democracy faces threats as ordinances and laws are passed without requisite dialogue and consultation. Unity in conformity is back to slavery. The stark dangers of absolute power are evident.
The growing fiscal deficit/ borrowings, inflation, escalating high prices of essential commodities, especially food items, growing disparities between the poor and rich, and non-availability of jobs are explained away with their figures of GDP (not per capita) and other welfare measures. The very fact that the government is giving doles and free ration Modi Ki Guarantee promises proves that all things are not so bright and rosy. The world at war and new pandemic may upset the “amrut” anytime. The BJP has come to power in Goa with political machinations, and most of the elected Congress MLAs have been poached/jumped ship to the BJP.
A typical example of appeasement and justice discrimination is the renovation of the iconic Charles Correia-designed Kala Academy. Built-in 1970, in 2019 there was a need for repairs/upgrade, discussion started whether to demolish or renovate it. The matter even went to court and finally the offer of the Charles Correia Foundation to renovate it was rejected. In 2022, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude with CPWD and government agencies without SOP/tendering gave the contract to some reportedly not sufficiently experienced outside agency. The matter was discussed in the Assembly and Gaude is on record justifying as Taj Mahal was built without Shah Jahan calling for tenders and even accusing world acknowledged architect Correia of faulty design. There have since been collapses of roof structure, leaks, cost escalation, delay in completion date and not fully complete was inaugurated by the CM in November 2023. Not much information is available about the “ongoing” investigation. The Speaker accusing Gaude of corruption/misusing funds, arrogance has been resolved as an internal matter.
Closure of Kala Academy affected this thriving center of music and arts, their students, international and local shows and exhibitions, and livelihood of theater and other artists. Not only did heads not roll but defaulters were also protected as investigations initiated into this serious matter are stonewalled, calling for any accountability overruled.
When opposition is powerless, “development” of what by who and for whom is decided in Delhi, the Election Commission selection committee is revamped and the CJI removed as chairman, with EVM manufacturers in India headed by majority BJP members, all electorate not convinced EVMs are not tamperable today as demonstrated at various sessions, one held in Margao and Mapusa on 2 Feb ’24 by Senior Supreme court lawyer and knowledgeable technical engineer. Pertinent to note the CJI panel reported comment on the Chandigarh mayoral polls “Mr. Solicitor General this is a mockery of democracy and murdering of democracy. We are appalled.”
