Dismay and dread

Kashmir Times. Dated: 5/27/2016 10:49:35 PM

In completion of two years in office, Modi has nothing to celebrate

The BJP government led by Narendra Modi is accused of spending Rs1000 crore on just advertisements for celebrating the two years of its rule and blow the trumpet of its achievements. This lavish extravaganza in a cash starved country with its dismal economic scenario is only one small problem. The far worse fact is that the achievements being bragged about simply do not exist. Narendra Modi's two years in office have not only filled the country with disappointment but also disillusionment. If the first year ended in crashing down hopes after the lofty promises made during the 2014 elections, the second year showing both a lack of direction and brazen forms of authoritarianism, fascism and communalism has ended with the dread of what lies in store for the country in the days and years to come. The government has miserably failed on all fronts - governance, development, economy, social sector, education, peace and security as well as foreign affairs. Modi's frequent foreign jaunts ever since he took over as prime minister cannot be calculated as an achievement. In trying to grab every nook of the world for economic co-operation, India has risked upsetting the balance of relationships with some partners it is keen to forge friendly ties with. For instance the recent deal with Iran over Chabahar Port has not augured too well with the USA, which feels that such a deal could go against US interests and promote Iran's backing to terror groups. And while, Modi has bent backwards in entering into partnership and agreements with some distant countries for economic investment, it has neither made any bid to create conducive climate for such investments, nor made earnest or consistent efforts to mend fences with its nearest neighbours. Such lack of security and peace in the region repels the prospects of investment. Overall, other than costing the state a huge exchequer, the visits and deals struck have only gifted some select favourite businessmen some profits to celebrate. On completion of two years of government, finance minister Arun Jaitley indulged himself with a false picture of economic growth which is not based on any evidence but purely on fudged and imagined facts and figures. Besides, economic growth cannot be the sole yardstick of assessing the economic scenario of the country which is fraught with dismay amidst growing inflation, escalating price rise and deepening distress of the agriculture sector and the farmers.
Two years may indeed not be ample time to judge any government. But in the case of the present BJP government, there can be little room for luxury of concluding that these may just be teething problems on the road to economic growth and development. The inherent contradictions within the government and its penchant for both accelerating capitalist economy punctuated with meager doses of social welfare schemes and pursuing with zeal its ambition of Hindutva agenda is not allowing the government to act at all. The BJP which had taunted the previous prime minister Manmohan Singh for his silence and for his government's policy paralysis is today guilty of far worse a performance. It lacks purpose and direction and is totally confused. Its more visible actions inspire anything but pride. In fact, they add to the worries and anxiety of the nation which is caught in the throes of rabid fascism and shocking communalism. As expected, Modi has not let his critics down by choosing to cover up for the brazen acts of intolerance and communalism against minorities. In fact, he has gone two steps ahead in ensuring clampdown on dissent of any kind - whether it comes from autonomous institutions like banks or from centres of intellect like universities. Onslaught on intellectual freedom and intellectual space which will eventually impact everything - from security to economy - is the clearest evidence that this present government led by Narendra Modi is the worst ever that this country has witnessed. The two years are a beginning but it is a beginning that only portends a nightmare ahead.

 

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