M.M. Shuja
During the parliamentary elections in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became the largest party in Lok Sabha, and Narendra Modi took the oath as the Prime Minister of India. The election campaign of BJP included several powerful slogans like “Achhe Din,” “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” bringing back black money from foreign banks, and strict steps for tackling corruption. Not only did BJP create a solid base in the national capital city, but it further grew into a party that gained influence in various states where the opposition party, especially the Congress, used to have a dominant presence. In Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa and some other states and union territories, BJP won many state elections. Narendra Modi was one of the most visible faces of BJP for several years, and many people voted for BJP because of him. It was believed for more than a decade that the opposition party in India was weak and divided.
The decisions and laws enacted by the Union Government came through with substantial political muscle. The building of the Ram Mandir and the abrogation of Article “370” proved that the government was successful in accomplishing many of its most important political pledges. Though the opposition parties did voice their dissent inside and outside the parliament, their voices seemed comparatively weaker in front of BJP’s parliamentary might. However, Indian politics has started witnessing a change slowly. Apart from the BJP, the Indian National Congress has been amongst the biggest political parties in India. The current Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has adopted a tough political stance. It is his Bharat Jodo Yatra that made Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party visible in the national political arena once again. The BJP has perhaps never expected Rahul Gandhi to become such an important figure in the ongoing political contest. Youngsters are increasingly becoming aware of their problems related to unemployment, leaking of exam papers, education, inflation and their future job opportunities. Rahul Gandhi along with other opposition parties has been trying to develop strong ties with youngsters and segments of society. They have been concentrating their political activities on those matters which directly concern the youth and their future prospects. Some of these include unemployment, education, high prices, and lack of opportunities.
The opposition too has raised issues of the increasing clout of business houses and increasing divide between rich and poor. The environmental issues have entered the realm of politics and concerns have been expressed about the diversion of forest land and the environmental impact of development projects. Political analysts and critics have also questioned India’s foreign policy and the increasing reliance of the country on diplomatic engagements. The manner in which India has handled the regional and international challenges has come under political scrutiny. Operation Sindoor saw a questioning of the diplomatic support enjoyed by India internationally as compared to Pakistan that has diplomatic engagements with countries like China and Turkey. These kinds of incidents have further added to the need to rethink certain elements of foreign policy. For the past few months, PM Narendra Modi has made various foreign visits and India continues to engage with the international community. But some critics have pointed out the changing political atmosphere around him. The broader question that needs to be asked right now is whether Narendra Modi has lost some of the political charisma and electoral appeal he once possessed that almost guaranteed his electoral success. While it might be premature to give an absolute answer to this question, the truth is that there is no denying that the Indian political scene is undergoing a transformation. The presence of a stronger and more vocal opposition, unemployment problems, worries about the education system, corruption allegations, economic inequality and dissatisfaction among the youth constitute some of these political issues. Though the government keeps on insisting that it is serious about eradicating corruption and development, its opponents say that the problem of corruption persists at a lower level. Economic inequality is another issue where despite the rise in corporate houses, several ordinary people face problems of unemployment, high prices and economic inequality. Another area that demands attention is that of education. Several colleges and universities turn out thousands of graduates each year, but there has been no corresponding increase in employment opportunities among educated youth. Perhaps it is time for the Modi Government to seriously reconsider its policies with regards to employment, education, economic disparity, environmental conservation and foreign policy. The pledges which won the BJP massive public backing in 2014 set up a high expectation from the masses. Almost after more than a decade, the government is now facing the hard job of proving to the people that those pledges were kept not just in terms of rhetoric but in the form of tangible benefits for the common man. It is specifically India’s youth who no longer wishes to keep quiet. Questions are being raised about the future, about jobs, education and economic security.
In the end, whether Modi Govt has really lost his mojo or not would be decided by the Indian electorate when they cast their vote.
The Author is Senior Journalist / Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
