It could have been an hour of momentary
set back in any other country. But India is a democracy and crab-syndrome is a typical national habit.
It
is one of the lovely ironies of modern times and democracy in India that
“Narendra Modi bashing gang” can easily wax lyrical about both their love for
India and Indian pluralism in domestic affairs and at the same time miss no
time to enjoy China browbeating New Delhi in NSG game! China stonewalling
India’s forward movement for entry into Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) gave them
first major diplomatic handle to take on Modi. “Patriot” Kejriwal, himself a
master of U-turns and self-virtuous failed administrator, lost no time and
asked almost in hurry: “For its defeat on the NSG issue, shouldn't the PMO be
questioned?"
Does India need any strong opponent outside India?
Anand
Sharma was fielded by the Congress party – little realizing that New Delhi’s
bid to enter the elite NSG club started in 2008 when Sharma’s Congress party
was in power.
But
opportunity to attack Modi government cannot be missed.
"Diplomacy
is always done by wisdom and silence. We have never seen diplomacy being
conducted in this manner, making it very clear who are you lobbying with and
whom you are petitioning with," said wiseman Anand Sharma, whose wisdom is
decided by his loyalty to the 'wisest Indian' called pappu- na- Rahul.
Other
wise men of Congress would be screaming out in next 24 hours or so. The likes of
Jairam Ramesh, whose efficiency in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has already
fetched Congress a round “zero” electorally. But this is not the big story.
The
big picture lies with Indian intellectuals, columnists and TV anchors who
predicted in 2002 that Modi – the “villain” of post-Godhra – is history!
Today,
it’s their time again to say – look, we told you…he is a Chae-wallah; he cannot
succeed.
But
on this backdrop comes a few other issues. Should we revisit Satyajit Ray’s
“Ganashatru” or the original play "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik
Ibsen?
 |
| Blogger's moral inspiration Scholars and drama critics over the centuries have essentially stressed that An Enemy of the People has two key messages. First, the play written way back in 1882 was a criticism of democracy itself. And secondly, of course it is story of one man's bravery and self-respect! And that these can survive overwhelming odds. Ibsen's critique of democracy is twofold. He shows the tyranny of the majority. |
In
our case it’s the tyranny of “intellectually correctness”. Modi-bashing is a
virtue it sells in parties, press clubs and newsrooms! But Ibsen has highlighted beautifully how the
majority plays “tyrant” after being afraid to do what is right because there is
a risk as people may not endorse the right step. In
the original play Hovstad wanted to print the doctor Stockmann’s report on the
baths and the municipal spa, he was afraid to do so because his subscribers
would be upset. In Ganashatru also this element is portrayed well.
The
majority is afraid of risk and, according to the doctor in the play and the
sickular gang in India, it need not be intelligent enough to do what is right.
The right is pampering the ego of a dynasty and a system fed by corruption and
nepotism.
Now,
let’s get back to Moditva and the real polity around.
The Modi bashing club and
a pretty large one have got a China-send handle to take on their villain of all
games since 2002. Some NGOs will also get suddenly active and join the
bandwagon. In earlier blogs, I have spoken about Greek philosopher Plato and
his thesis about the cycle of Aristocracy, Timocracy, Oligarchy, Democracy and
Tyranny. I tried to highlight that ‘Distorted Democracy’ is also mobocracy and
we need to gaze in our own hearts on which stage are we in. And more
importantly, how long and what course we may take next. Our country has been
reduced to a country of quotas, perks and special beneficiaries. As if merits
have no place.
Whether
the slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is being misconstrued deliberately?
A
debate was let loose that the Modi government wants to do away with reservation
for SC-STs and OBCs. It also aimed to derail the government from working on
development agenda and a government of all. Those select groups who have
exploited Muslims, OBCs and SC-STs over the years – in the pretext and lip
service of their cause – are disturbed today because the Modi government is trying to bring in qualitative changes in the
common people’s life. Then these ‘select few’ would have their self-seeking
shops closed!
Ram Vilas Paswan, a Dalit by
himself, says if the size of the cake – that is the development is enhanced –
social conflicts will be less.
 |
| Is the focus wrong? Coming back to NSG, we ought to admit that Seoul would seek to put a brake and undo the good works done so far especially in the context of Washington’s nod to PM Narendra Modi and his vision for a robust Indo-US ties. |
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