Governance is the highest social activity and moral duty expected to be performed by humans. But it is also a fact that mostly this has been misused and mismanaged. Add to this the oft-quoted maxim by a 19th century British historian, Lord Acton that “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It fits in Indian politics. Most of Indian politicians and parties are self-seekers. But they swear that their singular motto is nothing other than serving the nation and helping the citizens.
Let us analyse the current scenario. Just after the assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry. In Kerala, there are two political fronts: ULF (United Left Front) and UDF (United Democratic Front). The ULF ruled for the last two terms and now UDF has come to power. It is a state of most educated and civilized citizens. All is well there, minimum problems and tensions.
Tamil Nadu, with 75 million broad-minded and educated people, is socially, economically and industrially the most developed state. Here the two old parties DMK and AIADMK could get only second and third positions. Film star turned politician, Mr. Vijay of TVK party, formed just two years ago, caught the imagination of the electorate and will be ruling for the next five years. The way forward there is expected to be peaceful and economic progress satisfactory.
Puducherry is a Union Territory. Let us wish it well. That is enough to say for now.
Assam is a Northeast border state famous for newly introduced Hindutva and anti-Muslim rhetoric of Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. It is apprehended that the fascist anti-Muslim jargon will continue and further marginalise the Muslims who are 34 per cent of the population. No Achche Din for them; only Bure Din.
West Bengal deserves greater attention. It is a large state of 10 crore people who have contributed much to India. It has 26 per cent Muslims who had lent support to Mamata Banerjee. A considerable number of Muslims were denied voting rights and our Supreme Court opined that “If some people do not vote, it does not matter. They would be able to vote in the next election.”
The defeat of Mamata Banerjee was quite unexpected. In West Bengal, the BJP, powered with the kind patronage of the Election Commission and under the vigilant guidance of the Chanakya of BJP, captured power. This state is also suffering from inflation and unemployment. It is to be seen whether Modiji attends to these issues or strengthens his power by instigating the Hindus to fight and throw out the imaginary “ghuspathiyas”. One thing however is certain: nothing benefits BJP like hate and fearmongering in the present political atmosphere of the country.
The need of the hour is unity of the Opposition parties to rebuild India and secure the interests of 145 crore citizens. The Opposition parties should join hands and adopt a policy to save India from the fascist tendencies, negative and hate-filled narratives and anti-democratic policies.