Australian Envoy Farrell says, ‘Attack on temples blackening image of Australia’

New Delhi: Allaying fears about vandalism and attack on temples in Australia and Albanese government’s lack of action on the arsonists, Berry O Farrell, High Commissioner of Australia to India said that it is unacceptable and ‘whoever is doing this, these attacks are blackening the image of Australia that does not exist elsewhere. It is concerning that there are organisations in the world seeking to disrupt the image of India to achieve something that is unacceptable,’ he said.

Barry O Farrell, Australia's Ambassador to India, a politician and former Governor of South New Wales was appointed High Commissioner to India by the then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2020.

 On Australian Universities banning Indian students the outgoing envoy informed that some migration agents are letting down students who want to study overseas by not completing forms. ‘We have seen an uptick from a small number of migration agents which are being unfair to students who have paid for their legitimate application and in return a very small numbers of universities have decided to pull the tap off all those migration agents. Its not intended to be a long term effort.’ He advised the student to ask for a copy of the application and check for false statements to avoid themselves from embarrassment of application being rejected.’ About 86,000 Indians study at Australian universities.

Talking on a range of issues between Indian & Australia at IAFAC interaction, Farrell said that our new relationship is at its highest point ever. ‘India Australia relations is not only flying but speeding up.’

Farrell said, ‘India will never be ignored again by Australia because of the growing Indian constituency. Indian diaspora in Australia is almost a million strong. It is increasingly influencing Australians attitude towards India. Diaspora is the greatest inspiration for Indians to come to Australia.’

On democratic institutions being undermined in India, the envoy said, ‘No democracy is perfect, Australia too is not perfect. BJP does not control all the states of India and has suffered a significant defeat only recently, is a sign of a healthy democracy in any country. We will continue to raise concerns as and when required. I don’t think it will make a difference to personal relationships, we have a level of trust and frankness in our discussions.’

He said, ‘Economically we increasingly need each other. Australia has elements that India requires to grow its economy like critical minerals, rare earth which India and other nations need for electronics, electric vehicles battery storage, a variety of manufacturing products. India can choose to get it from a close neighbor or from a trusted partner. We will assist India to grow its manufacturing as India is manufacturing and selling more to the world. We have lowered tariffs on cotton & wool.' 

‘We have complimentary not competitive economies. Australian companies have partnered with a couple of steel companies like Tata. It benefits the employees in India and investors in Australia. Same with renewable energy that’s providing employment to Australians and opportunities to Indians.  Mahindra has invested in Australia,’ Farrell informed. ‘When you do more things together not just trade deal but it also benefits Indian tech companies, stopping double taxation by Australia of their services and build trust.’

Farrell said, ‘We achieved a lot whether Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreements on cyber & critical tech, water & mining, Defence & mutual logistic support agreements were signed. Last year our armed forces did more exercises than ever before.’  

On Australia banning 5G, not naming China he said, ‘Our decision to lock out a country out of the 5 G system because we understood that this technology was more of spreading disinformation, misinformation & that the Operating systems that hang off should be made by people who abide by the norms.’

 Tags: #BerryOFarrell, #IndiaAustraliarelations, #AustralianUniversities       #Comprehensivestrategicpartnership #Pritiprakashblog

 

 

 

Congress's Phoenix rise moment of Karnataka, time to pull up its socks

The Karnataka election 2023 have been a decisive moment for Congress as it bolsters a victory after Himachal Pradesh and after many a failed elections after 2018. This victory raises confidence in its cadres as much as it establishes the fact that the grand old party with the younger blood and leadership at its helm which has repeatedly been dismissed as immature, naive and even 'Pappu' can bounce back if it works hard, connects directly with people and offers positive things as compared to communal agendas and brand Modi.

It also seems to have the potential of a significant turning point in Indian politics as reflective of the factors that may contribute to the shift in fortunes for both parties, if its not too early to tell. Many factors contribute as key elements that are reasons behind Congress party's resurgence and the BJP's declining popularity in Karnataka. A 132 to 64 was surely reason to celebrate for the dying Congress. Many things contributed.

Campaign Strategies and Messaging

After having missed right approach to many state sensibilities Congress party's success in the Karnataka election can be attributed, in part, to its effective campaign strategies and messaging. A year long ground level exercise by the state leaders and workers zeroed in at the basic everyday needs of the people who were fed up with communal divide being highlighted in speech after speech by incumbents, even the Prime Minister. So for people suffering from rampant corruption, inflation and lack of governance, monthly allowance to housewives and unemployed and free gas cylinders promised better life. The party focused on highlighting local issues, addressing concerns of farmers, and promising inclusive governance. By emphasizing these aspects, the Congress party managed to strike a chord with the electorate, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the party's strong ground-level organizational structure and mobilization efforts contributed to its electoral gains.

On the other hand, the BJP's campaign was marred by internal conflicts, lack of coherent messaging, and an overemphasis on national-level issues. The party's failure to effectively address local concerns and connect with voters at the grassroots level coupled with the misgovernance and high handedness of the Bommai Yeddurappa duo played a significant role in bringing its denouement.

Voter Sentiment and Anti-Incumbency

As is generally the trend anti-incumbency sentiment played a crucial role in BJP's loosing a major chunk of its vote share in Karnataka. After being in power for several years, the electorate expressed dissatisfaction with the party's governance, including issues related to unemployment, economic slowdown, and lack of progress on key developmental projects. This sentiment, combined with perceptions of arrogance and complacency within the BJP, contributed to a loss of voter trust and support.

Simultaneously, the Congress party capitalized on this anti-incumbency wave by presenting itself as a viable alternative. Rahul Gandhi persistently harped on the 40% commission wali sarkar promising to give a clean govt if brought to power, sunk in with people. It effectively tapped into the discontent among voters and positioned itself as a party committed to addressing their concerns. Congress party's ability to project a credible leadership and offer a compelling vision for Karnataka resonated with voters which led to the huge its electoral gains.

 Regional Factors and Coalition Dynamics

Regional factors and caste dynamics in Karnataka are as strong as in any other state in India and that's where the trick of calculations played a major role in which the BJP is pretty deft. This time Congress was smart and faster in managing both on ground. Both S Shivkumar and Siddahramaiya managed the Vokalingas and Lingayats early in the game. The next was to manage the coalition aspect with regional straps particularly JD(S). That shaped the entire Congress victory. It was open to forming early alliances with regional parties. The ability to forge such alliances and present a united front against the BJP gave them the much needed electoral victory.

Conversely, the BJP's attempts to consolidate power by pursuing a "one-party rule" approach led to the alienation of potential coalition partners. The party's inability to form a cohesive alliance and accommodate regional aspirations worked against its electoral prospects. PM Modi having addressed more than a dozen rallies in a month was the best foot that BJP could put forward as he is their most potent bet. But this time his charisma failed to impress the people of Karnataka. The communal polarization card along with nationalistic pride narrative clearly were'nt bought by the people here.  

 Governance Performance and Policy Implementation

BJP's declining popularity in Karnataka can also be attributed to its governance performance and policy implementation. The party faced criticism for its handling of key issues such as corruption, commissions, inflation, inefficient governance, lack of accountability, management of the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development and agrarian distress. Perceived shortcomings in these areas eroded public confidence in BJP's ability to effectively govern thereby contributing to its downfall and the deep urge to bring change.

The Congress party effectively capitalized on the BJP's governance failures and showcased its own vision for good governance. The party's promises of inclusive policies, welfare programs and improved service delivery resonated with voters who were disillusioned with BJP's performance.

A few months to go and three major states are staring at crucial elections that have the forbodings of the times to come. Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh hold the key to Congress's future and BJP's chances of a 2024. Factors such as effective campaign strategies, voter sentiment, regional dynamics, and governance performance play crucial roles in shaping the electoral outcome. If the Congress party wants to repeat a Karnataka, it will have to address the issue of firstly the infighting within the state leadership which is already becoming a source of embarrassment for it, will have to micro manage its ground level organizational structure where its opponent has a clear edge, and the seriousness it takes its elections with. Its time, the dividends of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra should be cashed upon at its optimum as the people are yet soaked in the sentiment that he left behind, which has played its part in Karnataka well.

 Tags: #Karnatakaassemblyelections2023, #IndianCongressParty, #BJP, #PritiPrakashBlogger