CAA! Confusing Socio-Political Conundrum

Leaving the violence and sedition aside, the recent and continuous upheaval amongst all sectors about CAA or Citizenship Bill is a sign of a robust democracy. CAA a Citizenship Amendment Act which is enacted to provide citizenship to beleaguered citizens of theocratic neighbouring countries is perceived in different light by oppositions, social activists, thinkers, students of universities and colleges and we the general public. 

The apposition on many instances is rank political gamesmanship while on other hand it is a genuine concern as to what it will lead to in a country where salient secular principles in the Constitution have already been embedded, defended and held fast during passage of time since Independence. For some it stands as a veiled threat of rising "right" amongst the political class and the bureaucracy in India. But the worst instance is that of those who habitually oppose (sometimes vehemently) every step the ruling dispensation takes...for their political or ideological gains. This in mind of public is creating a "Cry Wolf" situation in India and undermining the possibility of a strong rational opposition in the country.    

The Bill which aims to provide refuge for minorities in neighbouring countries under constant threat from overzealous and forced proselytizing at the behest of rabid organizations and Governments is seen as rightly conceived and just. The exclusion of people of faith that upholds these theocracies is based upon the fact that they already have a home with majority of their own kind. What makes this bill somewhat non inclusive is that it does not provide succor to troubled minorities within the the majority in the neighbourhood. This should be a matter of concern if we are true to secularism and a liberal democracy. 

Another misconception fiercely denied by the ruling dispensation is that it is against the interests of Muslims in India. Though many have not read the Bill including the author there is lot of confusion and fear perception prevailing in the ecosystem which is based on secular principals and freedom for all concept. However this article only enumerates the reaction to the legislation vis a vis extant of democratic freedom of speech we have in our country. 

Another manifestation of this legislation which is already enacted by the majority in both the houses is a deep state tussle between advocates of theocratic Nationalism and those for a greater liberal secular entity. Fortunately the latter dominates in our country, former is perceived as impracticable romanticizing of a Golden past even by those not against theocratization of the State.   

Looking into the federal structure and social construct, we will always be a  poly cultural and multi religious democracy. In fact all encompassing community cohesion is in our National interest. But we should understand and accept that being a Hindu majority country, its ideological influence and shadow will always be there...what is unacceptable is intrusion into or discrimination of several ideologies prevailing in this ecosystem whether indigenous or foreign.   

As the World's largest democracy we should have immense faith in hustings and time and again we have voted to subdue rising authoritarianism and misrule. 

Vendor Politics - All Professions Are Respectable

Ridiculing a person for his profession in a classist manner using cheap invective is unbecoming of National level parties. This is not surprising at all since the citizens are very much aware of the degraded level of vote politics being played in the country. The people look forward to a strong opposition in the parliament as a means to strengthen democracy and not a grouping of people indulging in populism and unruly behaviour. 

This is also suggestive of the kind of people that come forward to manage the affairs in India. Well this certainly does not apply to one and all since there are many politicians of unquestionable repute in this country. But it is the proportion that matters, the participants with despicable thoughts, inclined towards corruption and are bound to be inefficient, roost the rule. This augurs bad for the country which is the largest democracy with a highly stable structure.    

Resorting to personal jibes in a manner not befitting of seasoned politicians has been a norm lately. The issue based approach does not apply to the politicians in this country. In their overzealous attempt to usurp political power all civilities are kept asunder much to the horror of the common man who is certainly not impressed.    

Opprobrium of lowest level are the highlights of the political campaigns. Insidious remarks, lowly vilification and slander marks the election campaign.

Nowhere is there an effort to bring forth issues that relate to the country neither is there an effort to highlight winning policies that the Nation desperately needs to come out of the quagmire of extreme poverty, illiteracy and phenomenal number of social anomalies that prevail. 

The meme deriding the "chaiwala" trade of our Prime Minister is nothing but a display of absolute arrogance. People in professions pertaining to small scale economy should not be an object of ridicule. To survive not all citizens of this country would be involved in professions pertaining to economy of high end scales. The instance is nothing but a National disgrace and people behind the episode should be taken to a severe task so that there is no repeat.

The apology does not mitigate the insult that has arisen out of this episode towards a person at an utmost respectable post. And if the instance has emerged from right under the nose of top figures in the party, it certainly would prove to be a negative impact on the outcome of the recent elections to be held.   

The ruling polity defines the meme as classist and anti poor and why not. Deriding a profession which appears lowly to some speaks only of an attitude not befitting politicians who could be managing the country in the future or are already doing it.

I think this embarrassing episode should remind politicians where they are heading. Citizens look desperately towards the country managers for solutions that would mitigate tremendous problems and difficulties that the common man is experiencing even after seventy years of independence.    

Provocation Politics A Dangerous Trend

Whenever there is an act of dissent, protest or related activity, political provocation surfaces. This is a politics of rank opportunism. The provocateurs hardly lose as they remain anonymous or slip incognito.  The eventual sufferers are the participants - usually indulging peacefully before instigation. The protests erupt vis-a-vis unfulfilled demand, local tragedy such as accident, natural disaster and often police high handedness. 

Albeit such acts have often been resorted to earlier of  late these provocations have become a tad too common. The provocation begins with the arrival of the members of a political party belonging to the opposition. This is done primarily to express sympathy. Instigation follows which often leads to extreme violence. If this is not the case  irrational opinion mongering or vocal support is vociferously propagated in the media - a popular tool. 

The former leads to violence and death of those involved, and could also result in rioting on a large scale leading to killings and pillage. Public property, small commercial establishments and residents of the poor are subject to destruction. In case of latter, seditious elements get encouragement from unfettered support to their anti-National ideology or rantings on guise of freedom of speech. The long term impact of such support could encourage sedition as well proclivity towards anti National activities leading to terrorism, insurgency and what not.

Are we witnessing a change in political culture in India?  Is the political paradigm taking a virulent form?

Many incidents in recent times stand as testimony to the changing scenario. The country needs strong opposition parties that keep a check on any over the board activities and policies of those in the helm that go against the salient principles of our constitution.  Far from providing mature opposition most of the political parties in India are resorting to small means and obfuscated rantings. And to make matters worse there is no dearth of fifth columnist in this country - so it seems.  

The actions speak of gross insensitivity towards the people.  Political popularity arises out of actions that discourage wrong doings and promise of sane, efficient meaningful governance. Indian voters are not a gullible mass and the election results speak lot about this fact. Crying wolf in not going to help. An issue does not draw attention from violence that dissent generates but through much peaceful means of addressing it.        

Mahatma Gandhi has already shown us the right approach, that is what we should keep in  mind whence dealing with contentious issues. Good governance should be appreciated while the negative should be opposed by peaceful means. Violence and aggression are deep seated  malaise that we should do away with. They augur nothing but have dangerous ramifications.        

The opposition has a vital role to play in Nation building. The is the best recourse that the parliamentary system accords us with. We should refrain from activities that point towards the subversive. Power is not a piece of cake that can be attained by just any means, winning votes through rightful approach is the way.