Political Diary
New Delhi, 16 April 2024
Tale Of Two Manifestos
MODI’S GAURANTEE VS CONGRESS NYAY
By Poonam I Kaushish
The stage is set, audiences anticipate as the
curtain rises on India’s nautanki of democracy, an ideological spectacle commencing Thursday with citizens either relishing or
abhorring the ongoing tamasha with
bagfuls of ‘revadi’ and promises
galore. A toss between big leaders, small netas
and two-timing jan sevaks. All in
their reckless quest for power, amplified by the silly chair called Bharat’s Raj Gaddi!
Amidst the poll cacophony, BJP makes a pitch with
Modi’s Gaurantee for Viksit Bharat vs Congress Nyay Patra, an ideological
divergence which mirrors India's vibrant political tapestry.
The BJP's ‘Sankalp
Patra’ epitomises continuity by weaving a narrative of progress built upon
the Party's 10-year rule championing Hindutva, infrastructural advancements, national
security and robust economic trajectory heralding stability, growth and steadfast
commitment to a unified national ethos unswayed by populism.
In stark contrast, Congress' ‘Nyay Patra’ heralds a clarion call for change, accentuating social
justice and economic parity as its focal points. It promises inclusivity and
welfare, caste census alongside redressing societal inequities, reservation and
offers a progressive alternative to its rival’s vision. It pledges to fill three
million Government vacancies and proposes a Constitutional amendment to increase
the reservation cap. Harbinger of its own renaissance, it aspires to repaint
the nation's canvas with strokes of inclusivity and reform.
Undeniably, both manifestos underscore a clash of
ideologies showcasing the vast ideological chasm between BJP-Congress. Whereby Bharat
stands poised at a crossroads: a choice between two philosophies: ‘Sankalp’ and ‘Nyay’ which transcends mere manifesto promises; it defines
divergent visions for the nation's future. While BJP charts a vision of developed
India, Congress advocates a narrative of societal equity and justice. Whoever
wins will shape India's developmental trajectory and its socio-political
terrain for times to come.
The BJP's manifesto stands as a bastion of cultural
nationalism, envisioning a resurgent Bharat, self-assured and assertive.
Conversely, the Congress manifesto echoes a clarion call for change, outlining
a blueprint for an India where justice isn't just an aspiration but a tangible
reality for every citizen.
Interestingly, youth take centre stage in both
Parties electoral agendas. BJP focuses on fortifying academic integrity,
tackling paper leaks, filling Government vacancies and envisions India as a global manufacturing and
start-up hub. Congress plans to introduce Yuva
Nyay programme to combat unemployment, offering practical training through
Right to Apprenticeship Act for diploma holders and graduates under 25.
Both trading insults: BJP trashes Congress Nyay Patra as “having Muslim League
imprint and is a bundle of lies,” Congress rubbishes BJP’s Sankalp
Patra as a “warranty of jumlas and maafinama,” accusing it of dishonouring
past promises. “In 2014 Modi promised to bring black money back, but what he brought
is electoral bond.”
With BJP fulfilling two of its earlier
three ‘core issues’: construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and removing Article
370, implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a tool for “gender
equality” --- and the idea of “One Nation, One Election” have jumped to prominence today.
“Article 44 lists UCC as one of
the Directive Principles of State Policy. BJP believes there cannot be gender
equality till Bharat adopts UCC, which protects rights of women drawing upon
the best traditions and harmonising them with modern time.”
The thematic
connecting of gender parity and customary laws that came in the way of this was
drawn when Parliament passed the triple talaq
ban law 2017. Primarily,
UCC aims at uniformity in personal laws, like marriage registration, child
custody, divorce, adoption, property rights and inter-State property rights
regardless of religious beliefs. Tribals, though have been kept out of its
purview. A thought echoed by
Supreme Court in various judgments.
BJP is clear: It believes no country
should have any religion-based law other than a single law for citizens. It provides
protection to vulnerable sections and religious minorities, while encouraging
nationalistic fervour through unity.
Naturally, Opposition opposes this as it
would interfere in religious groups personal laws and right of religious
freedom unless religious groups are prepared for change (sic). It’s a ‘minority
vs majority’ issue and Hindutva Brigade’s
policy for Muslims living in India. It would disintegrate the country and hurt
its diverse culture, they warn.
Moreover, it violates Constitutional
freedom to practice religion of choice which allows communities to follow their
respective personal laws. For example, Article 25 gives every religious group
the right to manage its own affairs and Article 29 the right to conserve their
distinct culture. Also, the Constituent Assembly’s Fundamental Rights
sub-committee deliberately did not include UCC as a Fundamental Right.
As the dissonance for and against UCC
grows louder the correct answer lies somewhere in between. However, what cannot
be denied is UCC will benefit BJP electorally alongside consecration of the Ram
mandir as it will be used as a ploy to corner the Opposition about being
pro-Muslim. A majority of Hindus would view it as the Party implementing its
agenda.
Certainly the path to UCC is sensitive
and difficult but it must be taken. A beginning has to be made if the
Constitution is to have any meaning. Discrimination cannot be justified on the
grounds of traditions and customs. One cannot progress riding on past’s wheels.
India needs uniform laws and should figure what is satisfactory to all groups.
On Modi’s favourite “One Nation, One Election”, the manifesto says
“it will work towards implementing ex-President Kovind committee’s
recommendations to holding simultaneous elections along-with making provisions
for a common electoral roll for all levels of elections.”
Specially as the country has witnessed
400 polls to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies till date. And given Law Commission
had thrice — 1999, 2015 and 2018 — argued for simultaneous elections to “free
citizens, Parties and Government from encumbrance of asynchronous elections as
it would be economically viable and a big saving for exchequer”.
It would help avoid disruptions in
governance and policy paralysis due to frequent polls as once a Party is
elected and Government formed it can get down to work and concentrate on
delivering good governance without worrying
about its impact on vote banks.
Alas, Opposition perceives it as
imposition of BJP’s political agenda, extension of its ideological preference
for homogeneity and uniformity vis-à-vis
faith, customs, language, dress and diet given federal relations are fraught in
rival-ruled States. Also, it hinders political accountability and performance
scrutiny alongside disregarding citizens’ right to removing non-performing Governments.
The Congress, perhaps for survival and votes, has unleashed
the caste genie after three decades to ensure social equality. It would be
useful in formulating appropriate policies to target Government welfare schemes
and policies ensuring they reach intended beneficiaries. BJP opposes this as distinction
based on caste would inflame caste-based social and political sentiments and
harm Hindutva nationalist project. Besides, widening the caste divide.
Woefully, our leaders need to see the Frankenstein they
are planning to unleash. The past tells us that all clashes have been based on
caste. From Bihar’s Thakur-Dalit violence in Belchi 1976, Punjab’s Jat-Sikh
insurgency 1980-1990’s and Kashmir’s two-decades of continuing Hindus-Pandits
ethnic cleansing by pro-Pak militants.
As our netas slug it out in the political quick-sands of electioneering
the pendulum will swing from one end to the other, evaluating the fluctuating
stock of Parties and candidates depending on their stock preferences. Clearly,
an unpredictable poll turf lies ahead. Wait and watch --- abhi khel baki hai dostoin! ---- INFA
(Copyright
India News & Feature Alliance)
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