The roaring success of G-20 Summit in New Delhi has given a fresh sense of euphoria and self-confidence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling BJP. It has left a positive impression on the delegates of the Summit. The joint communique also was deftly compiled and the statement issued on the first day of the Summit. It certainly goes to the credit of our experienced diplomats.
But one thing was lurking behind all this fanfare which was felt by the attending delegations: the lack of press freedom which was not available even to foreign delegates. The US is known for its support to freedom of expression and human rights. In spite of their pressing requests, it was not available to President Biden and the battery of presspersons accompanying him from America.
President Biden behaved like a disciplined guest when he was in India. But he gave vent to his thoughts at his next stop in Hanoi, Vietnam. There he spoke about the basic importance of human rights and freedom of expression. Of course, it is so fundamental to a vibrant democracy, especially for the largest functioning democracy of over 1.4 billion citizens. The international press also was critical about the violation of this basic requirement of democracy.
The ruling party is using the success of G-20 Summit for the forthcoming elections in five States which are just around the corner. The formidable challenge from the united Opposition INDIA is being taken very seriously by the PM and his party. The way the wind blows indicates that the BJP’s wish to regain power in 2024 may not materialize.
Events indicate that PM Modi will use all available tricks to win 2024 elections. In this context a special 5-day session of Lok Sabha has been announced by the government. Against all conventions, the agenda for the session is still kept in wraps. The Opposition and the speculators are behaving like guessing guys. However, it is doubtful whether any of the moves to be dished out in the session will benefit the ruling party, rather it may prove to be counterproductive. PM Modi’s recent speeches in election rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also show that the forthcoming election campaign would be a no-holds-barred affair. Much acrimony and rancor may be poured on the poor citizens who would be treated as mere voters.
One more thing is evident. The ruling party will use its old strategy of Hindu-Muslim card and appeal to the religious sentiments. The negative comments of DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatan Dharma are also being used by Mr. Modi to appeal to the sentiments of Hindu majority. Mr. Modi is giving the impression that Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement is not an individual Dravidian leader’s statement but the leitmotif of the INDIA Alliance. He has enthused the Hindu voters to teach a lesson to the ‘Ghamandia’ (Proud) Party and thwart its effort to denigrate Sanatan Dharma.
Opposition leaders are highly critical about the use of religious symbols and terms by the BJP. They are saying that the ruling party should address the basic problems the people have been facing. They point out to multiple failures of the party in almost all fields. Particularly they speak about backbreaking inflation, increasing unemployment, ever-increasing gap between the poor and the rich, expanding shadows of corruption, enhanced burden of foreign debt, etc.
The ruling party is so frightened that right from PM to the majority of state ministers have neglected their responsibilities and everyone is busy with election campaigns and rallies. It is to be seen whether people’s problems get priority and democracy and human rights get a new lease of life or BJP succeeds in mesmerizing common people to perpetuate its dominance.