State of Indian Politics Near the End of 2015

Do you notice that recently hard-line politics has risen in India? Here is my personal opinion on the way things are going on:

Every democratic country has a far right or unapologetic nationalist political party. If one does not have it, means freedom of press and individuals is compromised in that country. This political line attracts the best of the society (intellectuals and highly educated) as well as the worst (simplistic, uneducated) at its either ends. In India, thank God – for giving us BJP. The BJP stood for everything that was right – the party was the only one not ashamed to stand for Hindu rights – even if the mainstream and more rewarding policy was ‘minority appeasement’ – tested time and again. I think the BJP got its reward in the form of PM Modi – after years and decades of sacrifices (its leaders were killed, its cadre hated by the hands of Congis in power for years). But then, the worst happened – once in power, BJP was no longer BJP.

I know I am stretching and exaggerating the early symbols. But I think such critic is important for our democracy.

BJP knew that it had mass support of unapologetic nationalists (media calls them hardliners) and it was too difficult to qualify the very high standards set out for it (people wanted BJP to do in 5 years what no other party has done in 60). But it expected that with its “development” politics, it will keep them engaged. That did not happen as planned, thanks to less seats in RS and wonderful performance of opposition in stalling LS.

Now that BJP appears to be on path to become like Congress, Shiv Sena is trying to be the new BJP. If it goes on like this, future political war would be between old BJP Vs new BJP (SS etc) at one end and between old Congress (AAP, JDU etc) Vs new Congress (MIM). Indian politics will see increasing polarization on both ends and it will be a mess.

I doubt if things go on like this, we shall be able to be proud of our nation as always.

My solution may sound weird at glance but think about it and you will get message. Best is if BJP starts behaving like old BJP. Then, new far right nationalists like SS would not get ‘room’ to enter and grow. Also, Modi should push the development cart hard – no matter what is the cost. I am sure that if Indian economy does not start running fast soon, it will create more opportunity for others to compete and in turn we shall remain glued to fighting over trivial issues.