To interpret the government’s overtly bold actions as a sign of Modi’s weakness would be a mistake of complacency and a classic error by the opposition and analysts who fail to learn from the past. https://thewire.in/politics/ek-dhakka-aur-do-what-the-bjp-under-modi-and-shah-is-doing-to-indian-democracy
Setting aside predictions about election outcomes, it’s clear that there’s no significant public outcry, or complete dissatisfaction in the streets, against this government’s numerous transgressions. A myriad of pressing issues could have significantly embarrassed the government, including the complete disregard for serious unrest in Manipur, the border situation in Ladakh, harbouring individuals like Brij Bhushan Singh while extolling the virtues of women’s empowerment, presenting horse-trading as a legitimate political tactic to seize power with absolute impunity, and the use of Pegasus software for surveillance, among others.
The electoral bond scam is a recent and significant addition to this list. The institutionalisation of corruption and extortion, as evidenced by the electoral bonds scheme – which was declared unconstitutional after seven years – should have critically undermined Modi’s claim of ‘Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga’ (I will neither engage in nor allow corruption).
Yet, a considerable segment of the population, swayed by polarisation and the narrative of ‘vikas’, appears indifferent to these disclosures. Modi’s substantial following seems unconcerned about his lack of unscripted press conferences over two terms. Moreover, even the opposition parties have not mobilised public demonstrations over the electoral bond issue, which some analysts consider to be the largest scam and extortion racket in India since its independence.
The approach of Modi and his associate and Union home minister Amit Shah can be broadly encapsulated in several key points:
28/03/2024