POLITICAL SCENARIO IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACT.

 

By K P Paswan.

It is difficult to assess the political situation in India.Recently concluded elections in six states does not indicate the possible scenario after general election in 2024. There is new alignment of regional parties, this time initiated by a popular politician from South India. But the real object of every and each political party is Remove Narendra Modi, but why? And the answer is that Modi has sold India but they don’t tell the name of purchaser and the nature of sell and purchase.

We have a particular Chief Minister of a union territory whose magic formula for winning the election is “You give your votes and we will give you free electricity and water”. On the basis this slogan he won the election in Punjab where farmers and businessmen are very rich and young generations are drug addict. There is no plan to remove drug addiction and corruption from Punjab which is also suffering from worst kind of drug addiction.

Generating electricity require massive investment in e coal-based plants and providing free electricity means these plants may become sick. Moreover, in Punjab everybody does not need free electricity up to 300 units per months. But not only Punjab but every consumer in every corner of India would welcome such freebies without considering ill effects on economy.

There is crave among disgruntled and corrupt politicians for political power. For elected representative it is easy to mint money. This is happening all over India and no state except Orissa under Nawin Patnaik can claim of absolute honesty. Some of the politicians are spending their time in prison and several others are waiting for harsh punishment. In Maharashtra which is known as the golden goose of India the former Home Minister is facing the grave charges of extortion and a former Police Commissioner is on the run as he is also facing serious charges of corruption. In Mumbai when the pandemic was at its peak these corrupt politicians and bureaucrats were engaged in  extortion and money laundering

There is no doubt that economic condition of the country is in doldrums but the ruling party cannot be blamed for this. India is facing economic problems from the day country became independent. Coronavirus has badly savaged the economy of every country of the world, worst country to suffer economically because of pandemic is US. More than one million Americans have died in the worst possible manner and despite of best vaccines Biden is a defeated man before the brutal virus. India on the other hand virtually contained the pandemic with indigenous vaccines. By not purchasing mRNA vaccines the present govt saved huge amount of foreign exchange Pandemic is still active in India but with mass vaccines India is in better position in comparison with the rest of the world.

 GDP always does not reflect the economic growth. India is a land of poor but there is no dearth of billionaires. With globalization Indian economic is being benefited. India has to look after the poor. Migration of labors from less developed states to developed create many problems. Every state is facing the problems of unemployment and this has to be tackled by politicians if they become a little more honest. Amount spend on MNREGA cannot be questioned as this directly improves the living standard of poor.

Than there is the problems of Banking frauds committed by greedy businessmen. These money launderers find Indian judicial system an escape rout for their misdeeds. It is easy for a crooked businessman to get loan in nine figures but an young entrepreneur failed to get loan in even in seven figures. No political leaders whether in ruling party or the opposition have an answer to the question “how to prevent banking frauds. RBI is being headed by an extraordinary man who happened to be a former bureaucrat, his actions have, to some extent has introduced discipline in the banking sectors.

Communal Politics. India was divided on the basis of religion. Hangover of partition is going to stay till dooms day. So there is need for zero tolerance of communalists irrespective of religions and party affiliations. Political leaders of all the parties are encouraging communal politics. Situation has so worsened that secularists are joining communal party and vice versa. There are no secularists in real sense. With spread of modern education and scientific discovery, majority of people of this planet are becoming atheists or lunatics. Entire Europe is in the grip of radicals and every country is fighting the lunatics. Unless politicians realize this reality and truth there is no hope of improving communal harmony in India.

LANGUAGE. Then there is the question of a common language, English is necessary for higher education but it cannot be a common language only one or two states are opposing Hindi for political gain. Mother language has to be protected at all cost , Imposition of Hindi is a myth The reality is that government  is promoting the spread of Hindi but not at the cost of local language. In the same manner Hindi speaking people should try to learn at least one language spoken in different part of the country. It is pleasant surprise to note the oratory skill of PV Narsingh Rao a South Indian PM whose knowledge of Hindi was excellent. The present PM who is from non-Hindi speaking state is a very good speaker in Hindi. Nevertheless during election these disgruntled politicians may play with emotions of a few intellectuals and incite anti national elements to serve their sinister design.

INSURGENCE. It is not only in J&K but in entire North East that insurgence is still alive. These insurgents receive support from self-styled intellectuals under the umbrella of freedom of speech. Prominent politicians have picked up habits for abusing army in filthy language and they will not mind encouraging insurgence if their actions serve their purpose. With democratic principles along with projects for development, insurgence in North East may be contained but in Kashmir valley insurgence is being encouraged by neighboring state in the name of religion and protection of human rights of minority. This neighbor Pakistan is infamous for side-lining religious minority but this nation is being supported by some Indians and even by some politicians.

 IMPACT, far reaching consequences are expected when our politicians fight the election without any ideology. In certain states violence during election has become a norm. Turncoats are given greater prominence if they are capable to win the election

 Fortunately in the recently held election every turncoat has been rejected, Second impact is related to economic growth, India is maintaining controllable inflation and even price rise is moderate. Pandemic is weakening but there is need for constant vigilance. War in Ukraine may impact economic system badly if the war is prolonged. War is unlikely to come to an end unless a few nations which are plundering war torn countries stop their Illegal activities there is no hope of ending war in near future. It appears that whole world has been sanctioned and impact in India is likely  to be felt by every political party.

FINAL THOUGHT. Present political scenario does not augur well for the country. Most of the politicians are criminals or thriving with the help of criminals. These politicians cannot expect to serve the country.

 

Advantages of women in Indian politics.

By K P PASWAN.

Women in Indian politics always played active and impressive roles. Indian political system started with the formation of Congress Party in the last decade of 19^th century. At that time India was under colonial rule. There was lack of education among women. Except large cities like Kolkata and Mumbai there was no facility of education for women. Foreign missionaries played important role in spreading education among women.

When movement for an independent India started by Mahatma Gandhi and a few prominent leaders like Tilak and Gokhale we do not find mention of any leading women as political leader and freedom fighter.

ADVANTAGE. Having women politicians in power is good for society. It means empowerment of women, encouraging women to have education. Atrocities against women is supposed to come down, but this is not happening. Despite of these shortcomings women in many countries are the first choice for heading the government. Most of women politicians are free from serious corrupt practices. In course of time cruelity against may come down.

Post independent India witnessed emergence of women politicians like Vijayalakshmi Pundit Padmaja Naidu, her daughter Sarojini Naidu Sucheta Kripalani , There were few elected members of parliament and except Rajkumari Amrit Kaur no other women politicians gained prominence in public life.  VijayluxmiPundit and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur heralded new era for women in politics. Amrit Kaur founded modern All India Institute of medical science in New Delhi. As health minister she was much respected woman was her social works impressed the first prime minister of India.

Vijayalakshmi Pundit was the younger sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and was highly educated. She played important role in independent India movement, after independence she represented India in the United Nations Generally and elected president of the UN general assembly. As politician she devoted her time in empowering women by spreading education. Her tenure as governor of a state is remembered as glorious period. She is known as an excellent orator of English. After death of her brother Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, she dissociated herself from active politics, retired to Dehradun and died it here.

 Indira Gandhi was the only daughter of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. She was an astute politician and a practical statesman of contemporary India. Without her, description of politics in post Independent India cannot be carried out. She was chosen to head the government in 1966 after demise of LalBahadur Shastri There was a group of disgruntled politicians known as Syndicate which was bent upon creating political and social problems Morarji Desai was her strong rival but against all odds she headed the politics of India during difficult period. Pakistan was threatening India while separatists in Punjab was indulged in violence to achieve their end.

India has only one woman political figure who needs impartial assessment, For a long period Indira Gandhi guided India on right directions. Disgruntled and power-hungry politicians of that time had one political aim” Remove Indira Gandhi from power”

EVALUATION of Indira Gandhi as a women politician is a difficult task. She is being criticized for imposing emergency in 1975 for personal gain, but hard truth is that she loved for India and sacrificed her life for India while her predecessor and successors knowingly or unknowingly indulged in political activities which proved detrimental to national security of India

 Indira Gandhi was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first PM of India he groomed Indira Gandhi for future role in Indian politics but he never anticipated, Indira as the future PM of India. Pt Nehru died in 1964 and for a brief period LalBahadur Shstri headed the parliamentary democracy, India clashed with Pakistan in which Pakistan was humiliated but the popular PM Shastri died in Tashkent, Once again power struggle followed, Morarji Desai tried his luck but Indira Gandhi was elected as PM of India,

The country followed a mixed system of economy which was not succeeding and India needed new vibrant economic policy. The country was still following five years plans for development but it was also not succeeding. Unless economy is opened there was little hope of an emerging economy. Constant political agitation against her rule was gaining momentum but the opposition had no  idea how to improve economy. Against all these odds, Indira Gandhi gave the slogan “Remove Poverty and introduced 20 point formula. She laid stress on agriculture, however these measures were difficult to implement as there was no coperations from oppositions and the PM herself never approached for dialogue

 

 Some of the Public Sectors established during the period of Jawaharlal Nehru were becoming sick and in absence of foreign collaborations it was impossible to found new industries, Rules of import were difficult and in the name of exports only minerals, tea and garments were noticed  The world was gradually moving to  computerized technology, colors TVs were luxurious item in India. There was no foreign brands of motor vehicles and importation of vehicle attracted higher amount of import duty. Credit goes to Indira Gandhi for maintaining a fragile political stability. There was improvement in agriculture products. Even on limited scale new system of harvest had good result. Punjab led the way in agriculture. 

The nation faced bloody war with Pakistan which was helped by US, Uk. China and almost all the western countries. India was helped only by Russia. 1970 Indo Pakistan war witnessed the emergence of Bangladesh as a new sovereign nation . In the next general election the High court declared her election as null and void. It was a very precarious position, she has few friends left to support, most of them defected and joined the opposition, there was demand for a separate nation for Sikhs and there was violent agitations and several leading personalities were brutally murdered. Indira Gandhi ordered the army to flush out the supporters of Khalistan from a leading temple of Punjab. Her actions were opposed by opposition for a while she was out of power but bounced back with thumping majority in parliament.

 By than her life line started breaking and she was assassinated at her residence. Indira Gandhi’s imposition of emergency needs impartial evolution. Emergency was necessary for averting social and political anarchy. Violations of fundamental had no meaning when common people were craving for foods and medicines and they were getting in time. After her departure India was different. She was assassinated in 1984 and by 1990 Indian economy was opened to the world. Indira will remembered for keeping the unity of the country intact.

After Indira Gandhi no woman politicians are able to impress general public. There were  women Chief Ministers like Mayawati, Ms Jailalita and presently a learned woman as CM of West Bengal, but their contributions cannot be appreciated. There was a woman presiden of India which is a ceremonial post.There are several women politicians who are elected to Parliament and they are known for their excellent speeche.

 

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COALITION POLITICS AND INDIAN ECONOMY.

 By K P PASWAN.

 

India is the largest democracy of the world. The country is following the parliamentary system of democracy. President is ceremonial head of state and also the Commander in Chief of Indian army.Prime Minister belongs to the political party which commands majority in the lower house known as LokSabha. From 2014 on-wards there is only one political party, the ruling party (BJP)  commands majority in the lower house but for certain bills which are to be also passed by the upper chamber known as Rajyasabha. The ruling party does not enjoy majority in the upper chamber and has to depend upon others like minded parties for support.

After assassination of Indira Gandhi. India witnessed the emergence of coalition government. Political leaders of these small and regional parties were disgruntled politicians, they knew nothing about emerging economy. All the public sectors were falling sick and these coalition government made situation worse by funding these sick units, the result was Reserve Bank had to print more money and inflation crossed double figures. Credit goes to bureaucracy and the strong management of banking sectors that the country was saved from economic doom. Before 1999 there was talk of globalization of economy but common man was not concerned about opening of economy, they cared for their livelihood. In absence of large private sectors there was growing problems of unemployment among qualified technocrats. Growing population  was already causing concern and lack of basic health related infrastructures, led to malnutrition and starvation death.

With opening of Indian economy situation began to change, new groups of leaders were aware of extraordinary progress made by Japan, China and a few countries of Latin America. But MNCs were cautious enough to invest money unless they were convinced of political stability. Coalition Govt had no alternatives but to accept the new reality. 

Having said so we examine the economics  of the country. Unfortunately, in the past when coalition government was formed, Indian economy declined. During the period of a particular PM who was nominated by different coalitions parties India had to mogadge its reserved to  end the chaos in economy.One particular PM who is a leading economist and former Governor Of Reserve Bank Of India, mismanaged Indian economy as he had to sacrifice certain  economic principles as these were not liked by leftist partners. Coalition politics led to widespread scams, certain banks were used to launder money by vested interests and owing to conflicting opinions no penal actions were initiated at an early stage. The money launderers and Scoutmasters fled to foreign countries. India is fighting for their extradition.  

Despite of such hurdles under his guidance further economic reforms like de investment of sick manufacturing units were initiated. Under him Banking sectors witnessed extraordinary reforms but taking advantage of reforms in Banking sectors certain groups indulged indulged in banking frauds from which the country is yet to be recovered.

 India is a land of poor, agriculture is the mainstay of life and harvest depends upon good or bad Monsoon. Even when there was coalition government modern technology was imported to boost agriculture products. The result is that India has achieved self sufficiency in food grains.However after 2000 the world  witnessed growing disparity of economic growth between West and the rest of the world. There was coalition government at the centre and India fought with Pakistan known as Kargil war. But Indian economy was opened and foreign investment was seen in sectors like IT, Textiles Fertilizers and automobiles It was not coalition politics but economic compulsion that every constituent party supported economic reform

Economic growth under coalition politics increased purchasing power of common man and inflation was not allowed to cross double digits.  Introduction of MNREGA resulted in increased rural employment.The period also witnessed migration of unskilled labors from less developed areas to more advanced states. After 2015 there is a strong one party government at the centre but several states are under coalition or being ruled by a different government.  Maharashtra, Karnataka, two Telugu speaking states Tamilnadu Kerala are being ruled by different parties while  Hindi speaking states Chatisgarh Jharkhand and Rajsthan are being ruled by Congress with other political parties. But there is no apathy for economic reforms. States are fighting with centers on the basis of social justice, caste based discrimination.

Economic growth in the coalition also witnessed the modernization of Indian defense system New Jet fighters were purchased. An ultramodern aircraft career was purchased from Russia. 

KOVID and ECONOMY. For India it was a race against time before the outbreak of Kovid 19 Indian economy along with economy of a few nations like Japan. Brazil and Argentina were emerging as strong as Chinese economy. Indian economy started taking regular shape in coalition government and reached its zenith under the period of NarendraModi, who enjoys absolute majority in parliament. But pandemic has crippled the economy of entire world.

FINAL THOUGHT. Overall economic growth was  slowed down but did not face the economic doom in the era of coalition politics.

DEMOCRACY WITHOUT DEMOCRATIC IDEAS.

 BY K P PASWAN.

Largest democracy in the world has also largest number of political parties. They fight election based on universal franchise with courage and passion for power. There is nothing like common political ideology as the political parties fight  in the name of caste creed and languages.

 Indian politics is caste oriented. Since no caste on its own expect to win an election so they make unethical alliance with other caste leaders. National interest  always comes next to interest of particular castes. In the same way language plays vital role in the politics of South India. Tamil, Telugu and Kenned and Malayalam are spoken by the people of four states. Tamils claim their language as the most beautiful and oldest among all other languages of India. A few of them are under impression that Hindi which is widely spoken is being imposed upon them. But it is a is a myth being  created by certain disgruntled politicians and also by some educated persons who are   presenting unproven figures and statistics which they call scientific little knowing no scientific theory is perfect unless it can be falsified. It is so because every scientific theory may be better then previous theory. Nevertheless, election in southern states are too some extent is influenced by their eagerness to save their language. Surprisingly despite of tall claims there is no love lost among these four starts, some are fighting for water while some are fighting for cultural superiority

Recently elections were held in five states. Among these states Utter Pradesh  and Punjab witnessed strange political ideology and combination of personal whims, Punjab is among the most prosperous state and drug addiction is the  social problems. Young girls and boys belonging to well to do family are drug addicted. Punjabi are mostly Sikhs by religion but they are not different from Hindus as marriage between  Hindus and  Sikhs are very common, Hindus visit Sikhs Gurudwara to perform certain rituals and barring exceptions there exist brotherhood. A large number of Punjabi migrate to different countries but especially in Canada. Divorce rate among these immigrants are increasing.

 Election in five states were fought on a simple ideology and that was “Remove Modi” because Modi sold India but the name of the purchaser was not disclosed, and people don’t know what was sold. Thee is a particular leader whose one point political agenda is “ You give me your votes and we will give you free electricity and water” Needless to say these catchy slogan worked and the farmers of Punjab voted  to this party. After swearing ceremony was over the Chief Minister of Punjab demanded one Rs lakh Crores from centre. It is not known from where the government of India will manage such huge amount of money?

In Utter Pradesh election was fought for better laws and order and employment. Yogi Aditya Nath is a Thakur by caste but the saffron clad upper caste Hindu did not  care for the castes of hardened criminals and these criminals were neutralized. Surprisingly his opponents known for committing atrocities against Dalits but favouring minorities also increased their voting percentage but fortunately the leader of the opposition party   is not known beyond his own state even though he is appearing as a spokesman of minorities, his political activities are likely to ignite communal tension in future.

 Election in Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa were fought by abusing the prime minister of India. Uttarakhand has been strong hold of BJP which known for pro Hindu and won the election. In Goa attempts were made to divide the society on the basis of religion by every political party but BJP won the election it is certainly miraculous. Manipur has strategic importance as it has long border with Myanmar and there is chronic problems of insurgence. Anti BJP tried every trick to win the voters but is again miraculous that BJP won the election by comfortable margin. The Grand Old Party Congress suffered in all the states even though at national level this party has maximum number of legislatures after BJP but in the coming general election the Congress party is unlikely to increase its tally as the election may be fought for grabbing the post of PM.

 FUTURE. Democratic India is fast turning into another European Community. The days of insurgency in Nagaland and Manipur may see a declining trend. J&K may see further bifurcation. Jammu is likely to be separated from Kashmir valley. The separatists in Kashmir valley enjoy the support of a large number of self-proclaimed intellectuals whose adherence to human rights is nothing but enjoying certain fundamental rights not enjoyed by ordinary people. Than we find a large number of NGO indulged in money laundering in the name of social service. Almost every such organization is facing the scrutiny of investigation agency.

 Election in South India may not pose a serious problem except Kerala where Communists are in power but their achievements are being exaggerated beyond all proportion. After Kashmir Valley Kerala is going to be second minority dominated state, This state is famous for exporting terrorists to fight in Afghanistan and other Central Asian country, so situation in this state may be watched closely by investigation agency. In Tamilnadu people may elect few non DMK members to parliament while voting for DMK to rule the state. While Dravidian nationalism has lost its importance with spread of education but there are old timers still dreaming of a separate country.  Corruption has overtaken all types of social evils and Southern states are not exceptions.

Development activities in four Southern states have attracted unskilled workers from Hindi belt, but language problems persist there. Hindi belt needs aggressive development, it is unfortunate that a state like Bihar which is producing maximum number of civil servants has no small or big manufacturing units. For the last seventeen years there is a stable government which is famous for pioneering three social evils. Bootlegging, Kidnapping and Extortions, and political leaders are enjoying comforts beyond their known source of incomes.

 Bihar needs governor rules for twenty years or a Chief Minister like Yogi of Utter Pradesh.