Swarn Kishore Singh
This year will see national elections in sixty four countries other than India; prominent among which include United States of America, Russia, China and probably Britain too. But considering the depleting standards of democracy in most of the countries only India, Britain, USA and very few others do qualify for what elections do stand for in a democracy. Taking into account the impact these countries have on the global politico-economic landscape, these elections are going to be very crucial and will be monitored globally. Although the incumbents in Britain and USA are losing ground but the person and party in power in India are flamboyant enough for the political pundits to imply the general elections of 2024 as just a mandatory interregnum.
Considering the recent results of assembly elections of five states, the final tally of 2024 Lok Sabha elections is no big guess. With almost a decade of stay in power, a prominent factor of anti-incumbency comes into play and most of the time it leads to overthrowing of the party in power, but Bhartiya Janta Party is looking more formidable than it ever was. The election management mechanism of BJP deserves accolades but the dismal Congress also deserves some credit for keeping Congress away from the echelons of power.
The election campaign machinery, micro-managed ticket distribution mechanism, direct connect with the voters, Modi factor and fulfilling of electoral promises are some of the prominent reasons for keeping BJP in power but the non-innovative approach, same old conventional and lazy style of campaign, relying on heroism of Nehru-Gandhi legacy, hate for Hindutva, confused leadership, non-recognition of multi-cultural identities of India and resorting to same old caste politics by Congress party directly translates into invincibility of BJP. After such consistent drubbings from BJP, Congress was supposed to make some tangible changes in their structural frame and in this endeavor what they actually did is just an orchestrated installation of a loyalist as National President; a classic case of shopping for a punching bag and in the name of infusing fresh air in their party what they got is Kanhiaya Kumar; too tragic.
As a part of their strategy, Rahul Gandhi, their fifty three years old scion and Congress party are trying to dig the fragments of caste politics to stay relevant in caste arithmetic; it may appease a few but the nation knows what Congress is trying is do is something even our enemy nations have been trying since long and failing. Congress expects Rahul Gandhi to garner votes for them just because his face resembles his father’s and Priyanka Gandhi because her face resembles her grand mother’s.
As far as electoral battle between BJP and Congress is concerned; this is no match. BJP is preparing the list of candidates for elections, releasing some of them, finding the best candidates out of numerous aspiring ones and Congress is surrendering its esteem to some menial regional outfits and Rahul Gandhi is busy with his political tourism which is not just poorly planned but disastrously strategized too.
Modi led BJP inspite of being in a very comfortable position aren’t inclined to risk another 2004 debacle and hence planning every step and ensuring the party betters its own tally. It is no secret that some foreign agencies with some vested interests to weaken the lately developed India’s strong image have been investing heavily in preparing an ecosystem which is aimed at throttling BJP out of power and ensuring a person of their choice gets anointed as Prime Minister of India and then they could call the shots easily without any friction whatsoever.
The true essence of democracy cherishes a good and healthy fight for power in elections but when a specific political outfit appears invincible even for a third consecutive term; this can be safely obviated that after the people did make a choice in support of a party; that party has justified people’s trust by rising up to the occasion and ensuring the promises made for elections do meet their fructification too.
Whether it is abrogation of Article 370, construction of Ram Mandir, being world’s fifth largest economy, BJP has exceeded the expectations of the general masses and on the other side Rahul Gandhi, the reluctant politician is just getting bullied by regional minnows; be it Tejasvi Yadav in Bihar, Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, Farooq Abdullah & Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu & Kashmir and Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat & Goa.
The comparison is too dismal and too obvious to qualify being a fair one. This contest may force us to introspect about the quality of political leadership we as nation are having. When Modi is assertive, floats new ideas and schemes which he ensures become electorally beneficial and acceptable and on the other hand Rahul Gandhi’s whole political positioning is based on opposition of BJP and Modi with no counterproposals and strategy to project them. The disdain for Rahul Gandhi among the masses is very obvious but Congress party in a quest to show their undeterred allegiance to Gandhi family are in a state of in attentional blindness.
It is high time we all should initiate political debates and deliberations over availability of clean water, depleting forest cover, more job for youth, illegal immigrations, national security, foreign policy, better conditions for industrial workers, modernization of agriculture sector, reforms in Westminster model of bureaucracy, internet security, better healthcare, clean energy, zero carbon emissions etc.
India needs politicians to engage on political discourse over such trivial issues and ensure participation of general masses in developing a public opinion therefrom. And I am sure Rahul Gandhi, his family and Congress in present shape are nowhere near being trustworthy for preparing India for Amrit Kaal. Indeed Modi Versus Rahul isn’t the choice we want but unfortunately it’s the choice we are forced to face, at least for now.
(The author is an advocate)
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