Governance and Indian Nationalism (GAIN)

Modi government is nearing a cusp - a new phase, where it will emerge as another face of Congress. It's current position on different policy issues is a grim reminder of the Congress legacy that ruined our country for decades. At this rate, the ruling party risks losing its core character.  BJP's unfriendly economic policies, copied from Congress era, have brought unimaginable misery to common citizens. Although right-wing parties are supposed to be champions of 'Free-markets' , BJP adopted the model of 'Gandhian Socialism' since it's inception. The current economic policies seem to be inspired by this model, which glorifies the virtues of a socialist state. However, it brings unimaginable suffering to the citizens of the country. Whether demonetization or GST, the government explored options that expanded harassment of general public and businesses. In the modern era, GST emerged as a prominent driver of tax terrorism and caused irreparable damage to existi...

On 25th Jun 1975, Indira Gandhi declared the emergency to suppress the growing voices of opposition. Several Jan Sangh stalwarts such as JP, Morarji Desai, Nanaji Deshmukh and Ashok Mehta were arrested. On that fateful night, JP, while having dinner with Dr Swamy, sounded alarm bells about a possible military rule. Dr Swamy, in his usual style, remained calm and composed.  However, JP’s premonition turned out to be true. After returning home, Dr Swamy was tipped off by an unknown police officer about his imminent arrest in the early morning hours. Dr Swamy was quick to react and left his residence to some other place in Delhi, where he could hideout.  After staying for two days at a friend’s house, Dr Swamy shifted to Rajinder Nagar to stay along with Nanaji Deshmukh till August 25, 1975. Meanwhile, senior Jan Sangh leaders such as JP Narayan and Morarji Desai were arrested and sentenced to solitary confinement with complete disregard for their age (late 70s). To make matters ...

Government Control of Hindu Temples: Despite Modi’s so-called Hindutva image, more Hindu temples have been brought under government control during the last six years of BJP rule.  In 2019, BJP Uttarakhand state government passed ‘Char Dhaam Shrine Board Management Act’ to take control of 51 Hindu temples in the state. In 2018, then Maharashtra state government, under the CMship of Devendra Fadnavis, passed a bill in the Assembly which enabled state control of ‘Shani Shignapur Temple’.  Maharashtra govt also took control of Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple in Kohlapur by passing ‘Shree Karveer Niwasini Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) Mandir (Kolhapur) Act’ in 2018. In 2017, BJP government in Haryana took control of Chandi Devi Temple, Panchkula and Durga Mata Temple,  Hisar (Banbhori village). Although Article 25 empowers the government to take control of temples, the process of takeover is subject to certain restrictions. For example, documentary evidence of financial misconduct is essential...

Anti-corruption was a major plank of BJP's 2014 election pitch. It suited BJP's election agenda to speak openly against Congress scams. The strong anti-Congress sentiment due to 55 years of misrule also helped BJP to achieve record victories in 2014 and 2019. Modi's rise to centre-stage increased hopes of nationalists that finally justice will be delivered. The suffering of common Indians will be redeemed and a new age will begin. Unfortunately it was not to be so .. The party seems least bothered about bringing back black money stashed abroad. On corruption, it has not taken any definitive action against frauds perpetrated during the UPA era. In fact, the BJP government is exhibiting a high degree of indifference towards Congress scams. This particular attitude of the party is baffling to say the least, however, it does have a reason. Easy picking that BJP has missed In 2015, on Dr Swamy's complaint about Rahul Gandhi's British citizenship, parliament's ethics ...

Dr Swamy is one political figure who stands tall among BJP's current leadership. Without holding a position, Dr Swamy has been lethal against enemies of the nation. He is an intellectual giant having knowledge across diverse subjects such as economics, law, foreign affairs, defense etc. Despite his capabilities and contributions, BJP leadership has shied away from taking his help. BJP's current behaviour towards Dr Swamy has also perplexed many nationalists. Because his ideas and knowledge are significantly potent for nation's development. In an environment when the govt is seriously strained to tackle Border issues, Covid-19 threat, internal anti-national elements and economy, it makes more sense for PM Modi to utilise Dr Swamy's talent. With increasing belligerence of neighbors such as China, Pak & Nepal, growing Covid cases, mindless opposition to CAA and negative GDP growth, the govt is fighting multiple battles on different fronts. However, BJP'...

Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was a staunch nationalist and was a Minister in Nehru's cabinet. Later, SP Mookerjee left Congress due to ideological differences with Nehru. He created a nationalist party which came to be known as Bhartiya Jan Sangh (BJS).  Although many Congress nationalists were aware about Nehru's treacherous ways, it was the undemocratic introduction of article 370 that pushed SP Mookerjee away from Congress.  He was a fierce opponent of Article 370 and travelled across country to raise awareness among masses. His relentless campaign against article 370 created fear among Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah.  Both Nehru and Abdullah perceived SP Mookerjee as a political thorn in their eyes and wanted to suppress his movement. Apart from the cousins, l ate Arun Jaitley's father-in-law, GL Dogra was highly critical of SP Mookerjee's views on article 370. He was  a devoted follower of Sheikh Abdullah and a staunch Nehruvian.  SP Mookerjee decided to ...

Past I still vividly remember the political environment from 2011 onwards when Congress was facing heat due to various corruption cases. During that time, many UPA scams erupted like a wild volcano. There was 2G scam, Coalgate, Agusta Westland chopper deal, CWG scam, Irrigation scam, Aircel-Maxis scam and many others. Congress was just not able to handle the heat generated due to these cases.  Those days, Dr Swamy's legal activism created a pressure cooker situation for Congress. Apart from court activism, Dr Swamy's barbs at Congress worsened the situation for dynasts. His witty comments and cryptic messages created furore amongst nationalists. Dr Swamy actually dug out the entire history of Sonia Gandhi and placed it in public domain. Dr Swamy’s brutal exposure of Rahul Gandhi’s debilitated political acumen caused irreversible damage to his career. The blow was so lethal that the last scion of dynasty became a subject of mockery in India's political environment. ...

In a nation battered with lost pride due to 1,000 year of invasions and loot, being emotional is normal. However, emotions shall not camouflage logic and reality in a manner that distorts vision. Emotional Indians who perceived Congress to be largely responsible for the freedom movement, gave thumping victories to the party till 1990. However, our country suffered a great deal due to 55 years of Congress rule. Only after significant miseries, our electorate realised about Congress misdeeds. Unfortunately, political narrative even today is dependent on emotions instead of governance & performance. Citizens are mere tools for electoral victories as they can be triggered with sentiments. This may be ideal for politicians, however, it doesn’t augur well for our nation.  Politicians love to dramatize situations and tragedies. Exploiting mass feelings for personal benefits is a common phenomenon. In the face of negative public sentiment, unfortunate incidents become an opport...