Conversations in and outside Parliament
Did the last Parliament session witness an unwritten attempt, a successful one, to divert attention from the real issues, or shall one say, to evade the real issues of the day? Experts and insiders may have the answer to this one, not this writer, who is only reacting to the press reporting on the level of debate, the worsening dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition. It has become a veritable tu-tu mei-mei between the two, with zero coherence, meaning and outcome. This too while discussing the merits of the Indian Constitution on its 75th anniversary! The two-day debate could have been a most useful exercise in understanding the need for respecting the constitution, how the government of the day and the opposition, together, can get their act together, in ensuring that the nation upholds the best traditions enshrined by its founders.
So, the government accused the Congress, under then prime minister Indira Gandhi, of subverting the sacred constitution by declaring Emergency. It lasted only 21 months, with then ruling party unable to carry it forward. It did not degenerate into martial law, any other covert operation, but only a reversal, back to democratic rules; not to defend at all, but to say the damage was fortunately limited in time, an aberration, a limited exercise in futility, howsoever damaging. Was it an expensive exercise in futility? Is the best course now that the Congress tenders an open apology for this act, declare it would never happen again!
The Congress, however, instead of admitting the mistakes, only charged the government of trying to subvert the same constitution today, in its present course of governance. That it is pursuing this diversion through policies like uniform civil code, one nation one election, etc. The BJP considers these as essential course corrections – it was therefore all that necessary that there should have been an honest and transparent discussion on what matters most for the nation, and for every citizen to hear and learn and make his own informed opinion.
But the dialogue never went forward, one bit. Instead, it was one series of disruptions, trading charges, pressing of a no-confidence motion against the speaker in the Rajya Sabha, and so much more, all ‘full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’.
Is the Constitution in Danger?
But the other, and graver charge, is damage to our institutions that Indira’s time brought about, by openly diminishing their importance, appointing her chosen ones to head offices that were sacred to being above political appointees. But then this practice has continued, ever since, with one government after another, appointing their chosen political persona who failed to get a position in the central government, or elsewhere, as deserving of their stature and importance to the ruling dispensation of the day. Endowing them with positions like those of governors in states, elsewhere – people with relevance, knowledge, but who did not find space in central government.
The one casualty in the debate was none other than the man responsible and credited with writing of the constitution, B R Ambedkar, himself. Home Minister Amit Shah said, during the discussion, that the Congress was appropriating Ambedkar for the sake of votes.
“Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai – Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jaata (It has become a fashion to chant Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Had they taken God›s name so many times, they would have ensured a place in heaven for seven lives),» Shah said.
Now, was this a discourtesy to Ambedkar? How insulting was this to him? Was it heinous enough to warrant an opinion that the PM should drop Shah from the cabinet? I shall leave the answer to each of us, for our own judgement. But this did become another bone of contention, and has carried on, ever since.
Let us view another debate, not in parliament, but underlining the nature of the present-day discourse. That Kejriwal built a most expensive home for himself when we was the chief minister, that it was a modern-day plunder of government resources, unwarranted for a nation such as ours. What was the APP’s retort? That the BJP leadership travelled in Adnani’s private aircraft?
Which brings us to another debate, often traded charges? When reminded of the 1984 riots and its accompanying atrocities, the Congress ‘hits’ back to remind the BJP of the Gujarat riots! Are we saying one is justified because of the other? Can two wrongs make a right, when pooled together? Is this the national narrative? Is it possible for the nation to accept these aberrations in time, that these must serve as reminders of what was, can be, where and how we can ensure safeguards that such incidents should not happen again in the future.
How can we live in the present, and look into the future? Young Aditya Thackeray is right when he has been repeatedly pointing out to this need of the hour; to engage in issues that are of immediate relevance today, and will ensure a more meaningful tomorrow.
Finally, no surprise, members came to trading blows! This could never have been imagined. When dialogue is not possible, we get ‘physical’! Here, again, charges were traded as to who was responsible. Rahul Gandhi suggested the government release the CCTV recording of the proceedings. That might be the best, as the nation should be made to see for themselves. So, the moot point if how we can look forward to the new year? Battle lines are drawn already, can we expect a thaw?
Alliances and Goals
Another big issue by the year-end was the future of the opposition alliance? What can become of the so-called INDI Alliance? It remains loose, and fragile! It always was. Except that it was cobbled all too hastily, without even a common minimum programme. It was better off not have been dubbed any alliance at all, but a seat-sharing arrangement, wherever it works, between whoever is ready to make one. Nothing more. That it assumed the shape of an alliance was in itself a non-starter. Therefore, no surprises, very little came of it. Over the second half of last year, it dwindled into near zero, with even the ability of the Congress party to lead it being questioned. That too was a given after the self-goals of the Congress in Haryana elections, and then in Maharashtra, both states where the party was seen as a winner, only to disappoint, yet again. Far from its one-time position of strength across the nation, the Congress party has virtually no visibility in many of the states, where a regional party holds sway. Like in Kashmir or in Bengal. It has however the highest common factor presence among most states. Does this give it any natural right to lead the opposition? In fact, by giving leadership to a big regional player, with proven ability to take on the ruling dispensation might create a better chance of success. Giving the alliance another dimension, a new name, new goalposts, gradual and practical, might give it realism and a brighter future.
How far can we stretch our efforts to find temples under mosques? RSS chief Bhagwat says it is enough. That as a religion, Hinduism may have achieved its high success in building the Ram temple at Ayodhya. Personally, for so many of us, we have grown up amidst a consciousness of the Ramayana and the legend of Lord Ram. That there was a Ram in Ayodhya was the core of the text books that we read. Getting a temple back could have been a homecoming of sorts. But what about Ajmer and the Dargah? We have grown up similarly knowing of the Muslim shrine, revered by all across religions, as a place of worship and seeking cure and remedies, or thanksgiving. It is the same consciousness that we have grown up with.
Is it time for status quo? That for the foreseeable future at least, let us consign such contentious issues for a stabler, more peaceful environment, ensuring that we focus on development, adequate defence for both better lives of our people, and to take on an increasingly polarised world. That unity of purpose is most important, that we need to stay united above all other costs. So, Bhagwat’s call can only be welcomed and most timely. Yet, another strong man of the government, the Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Aditynath is quoted to have said just the opposite. That the people and their successors, who broke down our temples in yesteryears, must pay for their acts.
How much of this is optics, how much real? One leading journalist suggested Bhagwat’s call could stem from a realisation that this ‘digging for temples underneath’ could result in law and order problems. Meanwhile, a Hindu seers’ organization has said it is not for the RSS to determine religious narratives as it is primarily a social organization. No word yet from the prime minister, himself, as this could settle some scores. Appropriately, PM Modi was among the first Indian prime ministers to attend the Catholic Bishops of India Congress around Christmas! Regardless, as we remain concerned for the plight of Hindus in other countries, we could rest-a-while, on a fair principle of reciprocity. Not giving any extras, not giving any less, treating all citizens equally, regardless of colour or creed, just as enshrined in our Constitution!
A New Beginning with Sri Lanka, and for South Asia
AKD, the new president of Sri Lanka, came to Delhi, for a second time in ten months. His earlier visit was when he was a popular leader in opposition, seen to be making big strides, largely on planks of being anti-corruption, anti-Indian. That South Block reached out to him was an act of foresight and maturity, an outreach that was reciprocated by the leader in waiting. That he chose India for his first foreign visit may or may not carry much meaning, but the wide range of agreements and statements augur well for a new, realistic and more meaningful engagement between our two countries. It could even offer a new template for India in her relations with our other immediate neighbours. That they too would pursue multi-polar relationships with the world at large, that they too would wish to pursue good relations with the global community. But within these, they will not harbour or give any kind of refuge to anti-India forces, especially those that threaten Indian defence and sovereignty. It underscores that we enjoy and share common borders or waters, that we are the first point of help within a larger shared common heritage and people. That we, as South Asian neighbours, are more a common people than any other. That our saree or dhoti, salwar or shawl, namaste or aadab are a shared life and living.
Dissanayake has breathed a new hope for Sri Lanka, giving the country a break from past practices and politicians that wrecked the economy with corruption and pursuing vested interests. That he carries fresh hopes is best legitimised in that he got a better mandate in the North and East than any other leader in recent history, signalling that he carries the support of his minorities. Which also gives India new hope to pursue interests of the Tamil community with more of an open mind.
Dissanayake has acknowledged India’s geostrategic interests in Sri Lanka and has shown an interest in working around issues rather than getting confrontational. It is often argued, that political campaign rhetoric from opposition ranks has to be seen differently from matured reasoning when in government, Dissanayake is treading the same path. This shows his deep understanding, maturity on both sides, a recognition that we really share borders and have a long future ahead, which is best served by working together as friendly neighbours. This understanding is new, mature, and far-reaching. It will call for continuous calibration, mutual respect.
How much has the Tamil issue come in the way of better relations between the two countries; in fact, could this be one of those issues where India could appear a bully to the average Sri Lankan? However honourable our concerns may be, time may have come to recalibrate our expression.
Making America Great, Again!
Get ready for surprises, galore. The less than predictable Donald is all set to Trump the world, not just America. In fact, it is just that way around. He will set forth first by trumping globally. His outreach has no end, as he reaches out to taking over Panama Canal, and to Greenland. His thirst is unquenchable. He is Mr. Disrupt, as he believes, and so do a majority of Americans, and that’s why they voted for him to win with a comfortable majority, that it is time for America to reclaim its lost ground. Come 20th of this month and get ready.
As has often been pointed out, his global view seems to feature India and Indians prominently, which is a happy augury for us. Except it will involve substantial(?) give and take with the transactional president in waiting. And why not, as he is not ambiguous, demands openly and evenly fairly. Is giving concessional duty to importing Harley Davidson such a big deal? Is the Indian bike industry not stable and mature enough to stand on its own? Is it not the likes of Royal Enfield already making a mark in global markets?
His new global order will change the way Europe sees America, as does the UK. NATO may see some disruptions, as would the United Nations and other global institutions. With a churning in place in the Middle East, we will witness another reset. Quad could witness a new direction, but much here depends upon how the thaw in India-China axis progresses. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar has reached out to many of the appointments in the new dispensation, a most pro-active and meaningful outreach.
One cannot underscore the importance of the relationship that Trump and Indian PM enjoy. How can one forget the undiplomatic endorsement of Donald Trump as President in 2020 by the Indian prime minister? Fortunately, it did not dent our relations with the US, under Joe Biden, in fact, they have soared, and set to soar higher in the new dispensation. The one thing to watch out for, as the highpoints of incoming 2025 would be the first face to face meeting between the two leaders. Is it for real that a galaxy of world leaders is being invited to the president’s oath taking ceremony, as briefly mentioned in some press reports. If this be true, be rest assured, PM Modi would be seated in the first row among them.