In the Name, Politics and Sisi

 

Can be watched on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V22ZSt0QrQM&t=7s

What's in the name!. well, perceptibly the whole world. We are transitioning from the past to emphasize on living in the renewed present. There’s a message. Having lived for centuries under colonial rule its time we assert, recognize, and live our umbilical selves, our culture, our heritage, our roots. Renaming of roads, educational institutions, monuments, states and regions and even gardens may help posterity instill pride in themselves as ‘Bharatiya’ while some turn history pages to trace its glory. Although Mughal architecture, craftsmanship, music and various forms of art shaped India’s culture and heritage that still stand tall after hundreds of years and we pride in them too. Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi gardens, Qutub Minar, Buland Darwaza etc, etc. Interestingly, many may know that Mughal Gardens, as opposed to its name, were planned and made by Britishers in 1917….Edward Lutyen and William Mustoe borrowing the different landscapes from the Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. Call it a double whammy..two things wiped off with one stroke.  

Messenger or consumer, be cautious

On a more recent note… when a BBC Documentary scratches our wounds that has a particular narrative, we considered a snap response as the need of the hour. Given the fact that they colonized us like the rest of the world, the 'big brother' nations don’t stop sermonizing and downsizing others even in contemporary times when we as a nation are equal players. India has overtaken UK to become the fifth largest economy when earlier we were ranking eleventh. How we handle our issues is our problem, was the terse message, as other nations do too. This as far as foreign indulgence is concerned. Domestically, the issue of freedom of choice of what content to watch and its limits drawn by the state has seen an increasingly challenging trend lately. Despite the undeclared ban the documentary found its way in every digital medium. Media freedom is becoming a two edged sword, one may be on any side, the messenger or the consumer.

Egypt’s Sisi’s hand shake

This year we celebrated our 74^th Republic Day. Inviting President Sisi of Egypt was not without reason. West Asia is a strategically important part of the world and in the prevailing global scenario, is of tremendous significance. India’s presence as a rising nation and importance has only but increased as we vie with China in the region as a power to reckon. With the Dragon's heavy economic presence in this geography we stand apart for our developmental, humanitarian and sincere hand holding with nations across the world. Relations with Egypt have been historical. Sisi’s visit enhanced our relations to ‘Strategic Partnership’…. Significantly focusing Suez canal development project, cooperation in Defence, Counter terrorism, cyber security, Investments and trade being major areas, the much needed leverage if we have to counter the Red regime.

Yatra effect

As Rahul Gandhi’s yatra concludes in Srinagar with hoisting of the tri color, Congress prepares for a 'Haath Se Haath Jodo' yatra in continuum. Reports say perception about Rahul Gandhi has changed since he walked 4000 kms from South to North. Thousands of people walked with him in cold, rain and heat. The moot question still remains will this yatra effect remain till 2024 and in any ways help convert in votes. The fact that the grand old party is pitched against a solid, deep rooted organizational party is what the challenge is. Despite ‘yatras’ Congress’s Achilles heel is its lack of a grassroot organizational structure, serious infighting within and in states they are in power.  Country still lacks a credible opposition. The dynast may be responsible for Modi’s popularity but equally, some say, Modi’s centralization of power may be the reason for Rahul’s popularity. The disintegrating society, increasing social polarization, unchecked hate speeches, women crimes, unemployment, add to it the recent Adani scam report by Hindenburg, a Western documentary and to some extent Rahul Gandhi’s renewed image are making the powers that be sit up and think. Brand Modi exclusively still remains unchallenged.   

Everything’s now moving for and towards 2024. We all have our own perceptions that will go a long way shaping the future of India. So exercise the rights given by our constitution wisely and don’t forget our duties towards the nation. Stay aware and informed. There have always been issues we have grappled with and which have only made us a stronger democracy. The buck finally stops at the people’s court.  

  Tags; #AmritUdyan # MughalGardens #Rashtrapatibhawan #EgyptPresidentSisi #RahulGandhi #pritiprakash #Blogger    

Pulse of the nation vs the Bharat Jodo Yatra

 The road into 2024 has to pass through the political, economic and social arch of our country.

Not many will disagree that Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is the flavor of the season. It has passed through 12 states to be covered in 150 days. Questions like how many kilometers does Rahul walk in a day, what are the people walking with him say, how do such a big bunch of walkers move each single day, who all does Rahul Gandhi meet, who has walked with him when, like Ex Spy chief Daulat or Raghuram Rajan or Swara Bhaskar, or Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s great grand son or Former Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor or some sports star etc etc, are a matter of inquisitiveness. Mainstream media may be vary and frugal in covering the response that the yatra is attracting, but social media which is also the alternative media is agog with the optics and popularity of yatra and its ramifications. The fact that it was endorsed by some BJP religious heads may make one wonder about the directions of winds blowing.   

At the Congress Headquarters I asked some leaders, will this exercise turn into votes/electoral advancements come 2024, they said, it is not a political yatra. That it is more about connecting with people on ground, Rahulji giving an audience to their problems, conveying the message that hate is being spread consciously. They agree that Congress is lacking organizational structure at the grassroot level which is key to be an equal player in 2024. Another question is, has Rahul Gandhi evolved politically with the yatra! Maybe yes. Afterall he has learnt a lot meeting and talking to people of all walks of life, from farmers to students to children to celebrities to even YouTuber journalists who are not a part of the mainstream media and have suffered for telling truth to power.

His interactions are endearing to people as when he speaks to them he sounds like their own opposed to his image of a blue blooded prince, but his content and body language betrays his political naivety and lack of shrewdness which is the hallmark of his direct opponent. Is BJP rattled! Somewhat. Or why should the Home Minister frantically in his Tripura speech which is elections bound declare the opening of Ram Temple on Jan 1, 2024.         

Well, the cards for 2024 are clearly being set. Rahul Gandhi is surely touching the nerve of the nation with his direct contact with the people of India. The moot question is, is the BJP losing its sheen in 2023 and people looking for an alternative that only Congress as a national party can still give, as the regional parties are happy being confined to their region. Will the country put its faith in Rahul Gandhi vis a vis Modi for a shift from the politics of polarization! Will Modi, a year later still remain the trump card of BJP! 

Where is India heading!  The recent verdict by Supreme Court on demonetization totally trashes the difficulties and sufferings of people queuing up for days & nights. How one flawed & unilateral decision can plunge the nation into immense suffering is something that history will not forgive. Communal polarization is only tearing apart the social fabric of our nation. Media that was supposed to be the mirror for showing truth and facts, is a gagged animal ready to bend backwards. Questioning the government is a big risk. Hundreds and thousands left in the abyss of unemployment, rampant crime is going unpunished as the criminals of rape, loot and mindless arson are let on bail freely. Horrendous cases like Bilkis Bano verdict, Lakhimpur Kheri case, Father Stanley, Journalist Kappan’s detention are enough examples of a system gone wrong.  Constitutional institutions stand tamed. With Agniveer, Army which was one of the biggest recruiters, thousands of jobs have been lost along with the dent it may give to the only professional army of the world. Reservations in jobs have reached its mindless limit which has contributed to huge opportunities in government sector. 

Poverty levels have increased with 80% population in this bracket. The worrying trend of wealth accumulation in few hands has plummeted India at the bottom of wealth distribution index. Inflation is hurting everyone’s pockets. PSU’s have been sold. Fuel prices are literally unaffordable. Parliament winds up without completing its full session. Opposition’s voices are not allowed their space as their leaders say they have to come on streets to people. In a recent example in the capital, slum dwellers were heartlessly asked to leave their dwellings exposing them to the brutal chilly winter. What does a common man expect the least from a government! Food, shelter, security and a job. Is it asking for too much from a government whose Head of state travels off shores at the drop of a hat. A la Diplomacy. India is being increasingly called a Democratic Autocracy.

But I do see a bright spot too. India’s relations and standing in the international arena which indicates we are pretty well poised on the global stage. Our nuanced stand on Ukraine Russia war, our pitch at UNSC reforms, EAM  Jaishankar’s unequivocal thrashing of Pakistan as a terror hub, the West’s energy trade lopsided preferences and dictates to India, our role and views on Afghanistan have been the brightest spots of our global positioning.  Our energy purchase from Russia, trade with sanctioned countries, balancing power pendulum with US and Russia as well as our role in Covid vaccine diplomacy has defined the direction of our foreign policy. G20 is an opportunity for India to showcase our culture, history, the rich heritage to the world. China is but an aberration. 17 rounds of talks on border areas haven’t worked out. Salami slicing in both eastern & western borders as a strategic ploy is a successful model by the eastern neighbor.

The year 2022 will be remembered for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that left the world topsy turvy. Supply chain disruptions lead to energy and food crisis in the world at large. After losing out on Afghanistan and leaving it to its own one night the US nosedived into Ukraine just to see the war prolong making it more brutal and polarized by doing exactly what Putin would do anything to deter…..of NATO coming right at its door. The war has forced the world to explore currency swapping, something unimaginable just some time back.

At the end of the day its how our nation is faring and how its people are doing. When pulse of the common man is overlooked for electoral gains, by hook or crook to be in power its a road leading to what most autocracies are about.

The winter of 2023 hopefully will be a harbinger of another year of hope, equality & brotherhood for what India stands and holds a unique position in the world.

 Tags: #BharatJodoYatra #IndianNationalCongress #RahulGandhi #2024 #IndiaDiplomacy       #IndianPolitics