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Political ideology splits Bollywood

April 22, 2019

With the Lok Sabha polls going on in the country, Bollywood celebrities have often come forward to voice their opinion about the incumbent government. Political mudslinging has divided Bollywood into two groups i.e. one which supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other that opposes him. A section of Bollywood is against the BJP’s ideology of Hindutva while there is another group which always comes forward in defence of the party no matter what.

The previous Lok Sabha polls in 2014 had already split the country into those for and against Narendra Modi. It had created a split in the film industry, too. In 2014, several Bollywood actors, directors, and scriptwriters had appealed to the Indian voters to vote for a secular party. In an open letter signed by 60 film personalities including Imtiaz Ali, Vishal Bhardwaj, Nandita Das, Govind Nihalani, Saeed Mirza, Zoya Akhtar, Kabir Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Shubha Mudgal, and Aditi Rao Hydari, had appealed the nation to protect the secular foundation of the country. On this appeal, director Madhur Bhandarkar had tweeted, “Shocking to see some colleagues, under the garb of stopping so-called divisive forces, are themselves dividing a secular place like Bollywood. Actor Tusshar Kapoor also had taken to Twitter and said that the secular card was being stretched a bit too far. He tweeted, “To cover up for corruption and bad governance, the ‘secular’ card is being stretched a bit too far! No party can claim the secular prize!” Eminent Bollywood personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Anupam Kher, Vivek Oberoi had voiced out their support to Narendra Modi. Vivek said, “It is not only about voting for someone who is secular but other issues like corruption, quality education, health care, good roads, etc. need to be addressed too.” It is quite a surprise to see otherwise non-committal Bollywood taking a political stand.

Vira Sathidar, actor and President of Nagpur Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) told Afternoon Voice, “This is the first ever election where the artists, writers, and poets have begun a campaign called Modi Hatao. If you want to remove PM Modi, then you must vote in such a way that your vote is not wasted. While established actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Amol Palekar are opposing the government, the newcomers too are openly voicing their opinion against the Modi government.”

“Whenever a country faces such situation, the artists must share their honest opinion. When Nandigram and Singur incidents took place in Bengal, many artists and writers, who were once CPI(M) supporters, protested against the then ruling government,” he added.

Recently, more than 600 theatre artists came together and urged the public to not vote for the BJP in Lok Sabha polls. The list of artists includes Anurag Kashyap, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sensharma, Mahesh Dattani, Sanjana Kapoor, etc. who believe that the Indian Constitution is under threat. Several filmmakers have openly appealed to the voters to reject Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is seeking a second term. BJP came to power with a majority in the 2014 general elections. The BJP is considered as a right-wing Hindu nationalist party and it has often received flak from critics for polarising the voters.

Early this year, PM Modi met the Bollywood ‘creamy layer’ (Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Ekta Kapoor, among notable others) to discuss how movies could contribute to “nation-building”. A day later,” Uri: The Surgical Strike” hit the theatres, where Rajit Kapur played Modi, a role approving and deferential of the man. On the same day, “The Accidental Prime Minister” was released, a drama critical of Sonia Gandhi and the Congress. Its trailer was shared by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s account on Twitter and that too received flat from the netizens and political opponents.

Veteran action-director Sachin Pilgaonkar expressed, “I neither have any opinion on rivalry around political ideologies in Bollywood nor I am related to politics. The government should support my field and should work for the welfare of the film fraternity. I am neither anti-Modi nor pro-Modi. I concentrate only on my work and lack knowledge about politics.”

Films centred on prominent politicians aren’t uncommon, but the recent avalanche of Narendra Modi-related films and web series are remarkable. They are functioning as free PR. Bollywood’s Modi-love is both explicit (through biopics or characters) and implicit, referencing him or his policies, often abruptly, in dialogues.

Director Abhijit Phanse said, “Whenever a country has tried to suppress media, that nation has faced anarchy. Democracy is under threat in India and people have started speaking against PM Modi. During Hitler’s reign, he had made several movies on his life for self-promotion. In a similar way, films are being made on Modi’s life to promote him. Not only Bollywood or Tollywood, but even Hollywood has also started campaigning against Modi. Artists are massively followed and many of them will vote against Modi to save the country.”

BJP MLA Prasad Lad said, “Artists campaigning against Modi government won’t make any difference. Artists, writers and journalists express their opinion and it won’t have effect everywhere. Casteism is prevalent in the country. A big cartoon Raj Thackeray is campaigning against Modi and it won’t make any difference.”

It is said that art and literature are the mirrors of society. There is a polarisation in the society and politics of the country. Bollywood can be an exception to this. This is why we see a division in the film industry on the lines of Pro-Modi and Anti-Modi. Indian democracy has proved that its roots are deep-rooted. Bollywood should not worry about it but they have the right to take their stand.

Indian Coast Guard on High Alert

Afternoon Voice

April 22, 2019

A day after 290 people were killed and over 500 got injured in a series of suicide bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the Indian government on Monday placed its Coast Guard on high alert along the maritime border with Sri Lanka to prevent any attempt by terrorists to flee Lanka and enter India. Apart from this, security has been tightened at the seaports, strategic installations, and locations in the coastal areas. In Mumbai, the Coast Guard and local police are extra vigilant keeping in mind that Pakistan-based terrorists had entered the city via sea route in 2008 and unleashed terror in the city.

It is noteworthy that Mumbai has been one of the most preferred targets for terrorist organisations and has witnessed several terror attacks, including explosions in Mumbai suburban trains in July 2006, and the unprecedented attacks of November 26, 2008.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said, “If we detect unidentified articles, it should be reported to the police. If you notice any suspicious person, then you must immediately inform the police. Terrorism activities were not occurring in Sri Lanka hence their government might not have taken adequate precaution. In India, more precaution is being taken.”

“New police stations have been established in coastal areas. We have procured six new boats on rental basis and for that Rs 54 crore has been sanctioned. Intercepting boats can travel beyond 5 nautical miles,” he added.

According to the sources, ships and maritime surveillance aircraft Dornier deployed on the maritime border to prevent any attempts by suicide bombing perpetrators to escape from Sri Lanka. Earlier in the day, officials said that Indian Coast Guard apprehended four Indian fishermen from the 4th islet in Rama Setu near Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram Island. They were later released after being interrogated at the Mandapam Coast Guard station.

Minister of State for Home (Urban) Dr. Ranjit Patil said, “We receive inputs about security threats. A meeting is held pertaining to internal security and combing operations are carried out in susceptible areas. It is not because bomb blast incidents have occurred in Sri Lanka, we are being cautious as we already had suffered a lot. So, it is a routine part of the exercise. We are keeping a watch with police on duty. Intelligence is doing its duty.”

In the wake of the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and police have stepped security along the coastal lines to prevent any possible infiltration from Sri Lanka via sea route. At least six Indians are among the dead in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena declared a nationwide emergency from Monday midnight. Health Minister of Sri Lanka Rajitha Senaratne said that a local radical Muslim group with international connections is behind the serial blasts. All suicide bombers are believed to be Sri Lankan nationals. The local terror outfit is identified as the National Thawheed Jamaat. Seven suicide bombers carried out eight blasts that targeted Churches and five-star hotels. The police have arrested 24 suspects in the connection with blasts.

Sources claimed that this is a typical Islamic State attack, the way the blasts have been synchronised and orchestrated. The Indian government is working closely with Lanka on the matter. The Islamic State is suspected because of the nature of the attack, but a thorough probe is required on the type of explosive used and the kind of detonator used. The sites of the attack were chosen to attract international attention. A coordinated blast on Easter will have a huge global impact. While Sri Lanka has a history of LTTE-led terror sources and described it as a matter of the past and alleged that a local module of ISIS seeking revenge for the New Zealand mosque attack could be behind Sunday’s episode.

Entertainment industry to decide the fate of politics?

Vaidehi Taman

April 22, 2019

Like any other corporate group, the film industry too is divided into Attack Modi group and Support Modi group. A section of Bollywood hates BJP/Modi because their ideology doesn’t match with that of the BJP. Their business prospect overseas depends on maintaining an anti-Hindutva image. In the recent environment, they have not been able to work with Pakistani actors who come in cheap rates, while ensuring success in Pakistan, which is a big market for Bollywood movies. On the other hand, fear of getting in the bad books of political leader lords has forced some actors to praise the government and its leaders. As such, many do not hold any political opinion of their own and most of the endorsers have no job in the entertainment industry. Politics, on the other hand, is completely different as a man has to be both very shrewd and manipulative or he must have his heart in the benefit of the public. While politics is one of the oldest professions in the world, acting is also a centuries-old profession. However, for a successful man, entry into one thing is quite easy as compared to others no matter if that new field is completely different.

In the history of India, there have been many actors/actresses who have moved to the field of politics after having a great inning in acting. In the recent past, the scenario is completely changed. There are much small-time to big-time actors who are thriving on political mileage. They are celebrities, they are rich, and their contribution to the party may prove better in terms of fundraising. They can rear funds for the party using their popularity. Now, some artists are openly coming against the government and some are openly favouring the establishment. Over 600 theatre artists recently came together to issue a statement, appealing the public not to vote for the BJP in the upcoming general elections. The list of artists includes Anurag Kashyap, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Patak, Konkona Sen, Mahesh Dattani, Sanjana Kapoor, etc. They believe that our beloved Constitution is under threat. It’s time to defeat the forces of darkness and barbarism.

The BJP, which came to power in 2014, has given free rein to the Hindutva goons to indulge in the politics of hate and violence. The man (Modi) has destroyed the livelihoods of millions through his policies. According to them, Hindu Terrorism is spreading in the country. No wonder, Bollywood is Hindu phobic. It’s not the first time that the Bollywood hypocrites have signed such petition. These are the same people who signed the Yakub Memon’s mercy petition; these are the people who are leftists. There are a series of Twitter war between Rangoli (Kangana Ranaut’s sister) and Soni Razdan. There are series of attacks by actress Swara Bhaskar on BJP leaders and their policies. This virtual war has taken a cruel turn, Payal Rohatgi, a small-time actress not much known for acting or films, these days circulate videos attacking all those who attack BJP or Modi. She sometimes talks blatant or on religious lines. Pallavi Joshi, another actress who is seen hell-bent on supporting BJP’s failed politics too. Mostly, these actors are either supporting BJP or against BJP. However, those against BJP are not necessarily the supporters of the opposition of BJP. On the contrary, the supporters of BJP can be seen randomly attacking everything, which goes against the interest of BJP or PM Modi. The entertainment industry, which was purely here to entertain people, has got entangled in mudslinging. Some industry persons have gone to another level of making films such as “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” and “Padman” which are based on subjects that are a part of the BJP campaign. This is why a political party also prefers to give tickets to actors and actress as any popular actor/actress do have a huge fan following.

Political parties can find an instant vote bank while they invite any actor/actress to join their party. So, half of their battle is won when they can make a popular star join their party. Anyway, they are being launched under the popular banners of the party, for which actors and actress do not need any experience in politics. They may be acting as puppets in the hands of senior members of the party. However, their being in the party strengthens them for getting more votes and raising funds for the party. The recent entry of Urmila Matondkar in Congress speaks in volumes. It will not be wrong to say that currently the most powerful of all the actors/actresses who have turned to politics is Jaya Prada, who is taking on Samajwadi Party single-handedly. Although actors and actresses from the South Indian Cine World have written new versions of success in politics, the Bollywood actors and actresses have not been proved so lucky. Some may also join politics just to make money, acquire lands, and find peaceful old age with the lucrative career by joining the government. Also, there are many actors who try to remain out of politics. There are also many who love to have power and position. In fact, most of them find it as a way-out to earn more money through uneven means. It’s all about business in the end. With time, I believe our entertainment industry will decide the fate of politics; this is how they can beat this notorious nexus between the entertainment market and politics. All those who support or all those who attack have somewhere forgotten that they are performers. People loved them for their skills; unfortunately, they are using the same skills in political mind games, and let us see how the nation is going to deal with it.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

This is why India lagging behind! — Part I

Afternoon Voice

April 22, 2019

India comes after China and Japan when it comes to the foreigners who are spread across the globe either for education or employment. Chinese and Japanese return to their country eventually, they don’t leave their citizenship and they always prefer to work for their country at the end and this is what matters the most to them.

The number of Indians spread across the world is increasing day by day and the numbers are increasing not to return to their country back and this is very depressing, damaging and heart-wrenching for the nation itself. In the name of democracy, India is growing in new ways, where the roads of a small villages lead to town, town to metropolitan and finally from metropolitan to another country by leaving this country, and the question that comes at the front is that ‘are these roads have become the actual identity of India’?

Leaders, who are always excited to run the country, spend most of the time of their tenure on the land of the other countries all because that the whole system of this country is either completely dependent on capital or capitalists who first coagulate government and then to themselves through that same government. If politics of the country wobble at that time, they leave citizenship first and then question India’s institutions while the government, as well as the people of India, remain silent.

Despite the entire glare about India in the world. There is no increase of dollar in the Indian market and question has been made unsettled. 40 billion dollars in 2017 and 43 billion dollars in 2018 was invested in India whereas, in the country like Brazil, the foreign investment in 2018 was 59 billion dollars where the government spends least of their time and money on travelling around the world.

However, China has 143 billion dollars foreign investment in 2018. Before comparing India to other countries, we must first understand the fact that when Modi-Yogi government organised a seminar on the basis of Gujarat model in UP, then a foreign corporate who agreed to invest in the state, however, a few days later when researches came out, it was known that the state which is highly dependent on the agricultural economy has neither provided any means to the farmers so that they can save the crops nor the government has any special schemes for cows, bulls or lands where farmers do the cultivation, which is an evidence in itself that the UP government has failed to even work on ground level in favour of farmers as well as arranging very basic needs for the state people.

At present, the Indian economy has hit the lowest point. Each decision made during the 2014 elections stayed unredeemed. The forceful quest for the neo-liberal policy has constrained the institutionalisation of cronyism as the dominant feature of this government. This is the fountainhead of high-level corruption and scams. The government’s defensive corporate association and sponsorship have prompted the undermining of regulators, independent agencies and set down the methods to ensure the guideline of check and balance.

Be it the Rafale jet deal, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the telecom division shenanigans and the great bank robberies — these have carried the components into play with crony capitalism as the focal point. Accordingly, instead of famous discernment, the horrible condition of the Indian economy isn’t just the result of a botch of monetary and money related circumstance but determined by cronyism. There are many factors which talk length about the bad governance in the last five years that have weakened the nation.

Demonetisation itself is seen as one of the biggest scams of this country in decades. Money had returned to its place before November 8, 2016. The four goals proclaimed by the government were never intended to be accomplished and the questions now emerging are that who benefitted from this action of banning high denomination of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes? It was reported that large conversions have taken place in Gujarat cooperative banks.

Demonetisation has demolished the cash-driven unorganised and informal sectors which have severely dented the economic growth and impacted employment devastatingly. It has now unfolded that, after Raghuram Rajan’s exit, the RBI Board had cleared the demonetisation exercise, and they had similarly dismissed the veracity of the government’s claims. However, the effect of the exercise likewise needs a closer examination. In view on these facts and developments, a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe is essential into this whole exercise to bring out the truth behind this disastrous decision.

Since the Rafale deal took place, the Modi government has come into radar of criticism and there is nothing bad about it as the government is obliged to answer the questions raised by opposition leaders. New certainties are turning out on the inconsistencies of the government in clinching the Rafale deal. The most shocking of these is the government’s own affirmation in the Supreme Court that there is no sovereign assurance from the French government but just a letter of comfort which isn’t lawfully enforceable to ensure the delivery of this high-value contract.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

Let us save earth from dying: Part I

C K Subramaniam

April 22, 2019

We celebrate World’s Earth Day on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. On one end, constant research and innovation make it possible to produce various new products, but it is lagging behind in finding out ways and means to make environmentally friendly products as we see the amount of trash or waste generated by various products in increasing day by day and littering the roads.

Our planet earth is a unique planet. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only planet to support life. A balanced environment on earth is what makes the survival of species possible. Modern man has made great development in the fields of science and technology. Today, he is all ready to settle a living community on Mars. So, when even the planets of our solar system have not been able to escape the grasp of man’s advancing technology, can the environment on our own planet remain untouched?

It is said that trees are the pillars of life on earth. To purify the air and help to maintain the ecological balance on earth the survival of trees is a must. Forests are our wealth and means to our progress and prosperity. Man has been mercilessly for wood, fodder, and other domestic or industrial purposes. Deforestation also leads to pollution. Our growing population caused trees to be cut down to make space for cultivation and for constructing houses or for establishing industries for finding job opportunities. As a result, our forests disappeared and the atmosphere which was quite clean and clear has now become land for agriculture, river valley projects, roadways, railways, and other Industries. Cutting of trees leads to soil erosion which results in the formation of infertile wastelands on earth.

Humans are God’s most beautiful creation but now they are acting ugly by cutting down the friends of our environment trees. These trees maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Without trees, there would be no control over soil erosion, floods, droughts, pollutio, etc. The trees also maintain a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide gases in the air. Besides these productive functions, trees have innumerable productive functions. They provide man with timber, fuel, pulp, gum, resin, rubber, fruits, nuts, etc. So, the trees are really very important. In a tropical country like India, 1/3rd of the land is under forest and it is time to maintain the growth of trees and report the damages caused to the trees.

To fulfil greed and selfish desire, we have disturbed the ecological balance. Our body is made up of five elements fire, water, earth, air, and ether. These very elements constitute the universe. Unless we take due care and protect the environment, we will be threatening our own health. The process of cleanliness begins from within. The purity of the soul is reflected in the face, and purity of thought should be translated to the purity of action. Ask what you can do before telling others what to do. The environment around oneself should be kept clean, starting from one’s own. Do not abuse the environment around you. It should be protected with great determination and perseverance. This responsibility rests with each and every one of us.

All of us desire to live in a conducive environment. “Cleanliness brings happiness,” says a proverb. If we keep our minds happy, our thoughts will be pure. The purity of thoughts will result in the purity of speech. This is, in turn, will result in the formation of clean habits. Clean habits will further good conduct. Good conduct is what ultimately matters. Just as nature adapts itself according to the varying seasons, man must also learn to live in unison with nature. God had blessed us with benevolent Mother Nature: magnificent mountain peaks peeping out from behind the clouds, adorned by rivulets, waterfalls and evergreen forests, the scent of the gentle breeze and soothing climate. Everyone around the world has been uniformly blessed by God when it comes to the partake of such wonders. Let every family pledge to plant at least one tree thereby strengthening the foundation of our motherland.

(The latter part will continue tomorrow.)

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

SC receives EC’s detailed report on biopic PM Narendra Modi

Web Team

April 22, 2019

A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday received the EC’s detailed report on the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and directed the poll panel to supply a copy of the report to the producer of the movie.

The bench also comprised justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna and it has fixed the date of hearing on the plea of producers challenging the EC’s ban on the movie on Friday (April 26).

The Election Commission on April 15 was directed by the apex court to revisit its previous order and take an informed decision on banning the pan-India release of the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after watching the full movie.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers had challenged the EC’s ban on the biopic’s release till the current general elections are over and informed the top court that the poll panel has taken the decision after watching the promo, and not the entire movie.

While EC’s counsel Amit Sharma had stated that since the entire movie was not available, the decision to ban the release was taken after watching the trailer. It was then that the apex court directed the panel to go through the entire film.

The EC had on April 10 stalled the release of the film until the end of the poll, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field during elections should not be displayed.

The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers “not to exhibit the film titled ‘PM Narendra Modi’ till further orders”. The film was earlier set to release on April 11.

Letters to the Editor: April 22, 2019

Web Team

April 22, 2019

Serial blasts in Sri Lanka

The world is getting crueller each day and the serial blasts in Sri Lanka which have killed over 280 innocent lives comes as a shock. Terrorism has become a global phenomenon and even countries like Pakistan that breed terror outfits are not free from acts of terror. Terrorism is an attack on humanity which doesn’t differentiate between language and religion which is cause for concern in today’s world where bloodshed has become the order of the day.

The World should unite against terror and we need to eradicate terrorism from the roots. Terror camps need to be identified and targeted. Intelligence is the key to identifying terror activities and like-minded nations should pressurise nations like Pakistan to act against barbaric groups who carry out blasts across the globe. The globe should stand united with Sri Lanka in their hour of need and those responsible for blasts in the island nation should be punished!

S.N.Kabra

Right to make the change

The Constitution of India gives every adult (18 years or above of age) the right to choose representatives through the exercise of his/her right to vote. The voters exercise their right to vote to elect representatives to the Lok Sabha, the State Legislative Assemblies and the local bodies down to the Gram Panchayat.

As a democratic country, India is built on the foundations of the election. Our Parliament and Legislatures are of the people, by the people and for the people. Voting is a constitutional right that we are privileged to have. We take it for granted, but the Constitution has given us the right to elect who we want, and the right to make the change.

Jubel D’Cruz

Charges against CJI needs proper investigation

It will be not wrong to say that India has been suffering from very big challenges for a couple of years. There is no institution which is not under the pressure. We don’t know who are they but it seems that they are not in favour of the country. It is needless to say that in the near past, our country has faced many failures socially, morally, economically and educationally and so on. Nowadays, once again our judiciary system is facing almost the same special kind of pressure, as Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has expressed when the allegations of sexual harassment are being hurled against him because he is hearing a sensitive case next week. If these arguments are really as true as CJI said then really it is a matter of great concern, and if reality is not as real as CJI reacted, then it is also a matter of great anguish. This matter should be investigated very carefully so that it could be clarified that it is a political ploy against CJI or reality which is not expected from such legend and big personality.

Md Azim

Who cares Model Code of Conduct?

It is very worrying that nowadays BJP leaders are not taking the Model Code of Conduct to their hearts at the time when the election process is going on all over India. There is an endless list of BJP leaders who are destroying MCC. One of them is Sadhvi Pragya who made a nonsense opinion about Karkare who was martyred for sake of the country and another BJP’s Badaun candidate Sanghmitra Maurya who said, “If people are absent on the poll day, cast a fake vote. It is high time for the Election Commission to carry out strict steps against such people who are destroying MCC. Otherwise, the Election Commission’s double standard role may lead the country to a big disastrous.

A Zafar

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Sri Lanka: Death toll rises to 290, 24 arrested so far

Web Team

April 22, 2019

At least 290 people were killed and over 500 injured in bomb blasts that ripped through churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago.

The police said on Monday that at least six Indian nationals have been reported among the foreigners who died in the blasts. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday identified two more individuals killed in the blasts. “We sadly confirm the deaths of the following two individuals in the blasts yesterday, K G Hanumantharayappa and M Rangappa,” Swaraj retweetd Indian High Commission in Colombo’s tweet.

According to police 24 people have been arrested for blasts so far. The curfew imposed following a series of explosions was lifted at 6 am, as scheduled. The blasts, one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history, targeted St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and Zion Church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress.

Shiv Sena reconnects with ‘right’ roots

Suraj Chandran

April 21, 2019

The Shiv Sena has always been known for attacking its alliance partner BJP on several issues affecting the nation in the last few years. The party left no chance to criticise its alliance partner, be it over issues like Pulwama terror attack, Ram Temple issue, and Article 370 and it even declared to fight the polls alone in the state. However, with the approaching general election season, they changed its stance and joined hands with BJP in a way to consolidate the alliance against the opposition parties. This is looked after as Shiv Sena reconnecting with its lost roots of ‘Hindu nationalism’ again, the ideology that the founder of the party Balasaheb Thackeray floated with. Even after forming the Maharashtra government together, Sena has always used its mouthpiece Saamana to express its displeasure over the policies of BJP. Opposition parties like Congress and NCP had criticised Sena for its double standards and asked it to withdraw support to the BJP government.

Sena nonetheless has sealed a pact with the BJP for contesting the Lok Sabha polls jointly. The party has agreed on a 25-23 seat-sharing formula with BJP. Last year, Sena had taunted PM Modi saying Chowkidar (watchman) Chor Hai (is a thief) but now the party is supporting BJP’s #Mainbhinchowkidar campaign. Sena has always followed a big brother approach while having an alliance with BJP. However, the scenario has changed drastically after the BJP won the Lok Sabha polls convincingly in 2014. After emerging as the single largest party, BJP has started demanding more seats from Sena for contesting assembly polls.

Former minister and NCP leader Shashikant Shinde said, “The alliance between Congress and NCP is not visible at the lower level but it is working. While I am unaware of the urban areas, people residing in rural areas are not pleased with the government. People will not vote for BJP. Sadhvi Pragya has made statements against martyr Hemant Karkare and its effect will be seen in the entire nation. Sena supporting Sadhvi is unjustified. Why didn’t they support her when she was granted bail?”

Sena and BJP had differences with the seat sharing issue as both decided to contest 2014 assembly polls separately. BJP clinched 122 seats and was short of numbers required for government formation. NCP came forward to lend outside support to BJP. However, NCP later withdrew support to BJP as Sena which won 63 seats came out in rescue of BJP by offering support to it.

BJP MLA Snehalata Kolhe told Afternoon Voice, “Sena-BJP will win 35-40 seats in Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra. People are today more concerned about development and patriotism. People are not bothered about who is contesting polls in local areas but they want a strong person as the PM candidate at the national level. At least in Maharashtra, people are more concerned about development and issues like Ram Temple construction have taken a backseat.”

Both the parties have formed a pre-poll alliance to contest the Lok Sabha polls. While the opposition parties like Congress-NCP have called Sena an opportunistic party which is more bothered about power, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has stated that his party has allied with BJP for ensuring the development of Marathwada region and Maharashtra. Even BJP president Amit Shah used to criticise Shiv Sena but he has played a vital role in convincing Sena to support BJP for Lok Sabha polls. He also stated that the BJP and Sena government worked hard to restore Maharashtra’s glory. Uddhav and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had shared dais while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls in Latur. Will both parties ensure a repeat of their 2014 Lok Sabha poll performance this year?

Shiv Sena MLA Vaibhav Naik asserted, “Hindutva and development are our agenda. There were some differences with the BJP but now everything is working well yet.”

On the other hand, even though NCP is having a pre-poll alliance with Congress, its president Sharad Pawar has not seen sharing platform with Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Shiv Sena has backed the nomination of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur as a BJP candidate. Sena parliamentary party leader Sanjay Raut stated, “We welcome the nomination of the Sadhvi as a BJP candidate,” When pointed out that her name was yet to be cleared in Malegaon case. Raut said, “Let people judge her.” Raut also added that Sadhvi was brutalised in the jail and she had to undergo severe hardships.

Hindu Nationalism getting consolidated

Vaidehi Taman

April 21, 2019

I‘ve been always a great admirer of Balasaheb and have always considered him as a mentor in journalism. Besides being a bold and upfront politician, he was a journalist to the core who always understood the basic elements and ethos of the fourth pillar of democracy. That way, I’ve been always closely observing Shiv Sena and its politics, their stand on many issues, the cause for their ideology, voters, and the people of Maharashtra. Although, there can be always a debate and criticism around it as we live in a democracy, and no person or party can be perfect when it comes to scrutiny.

After the demise of Balasaheb, Uddhav and Raj parted their ways because of their political ambitions and claims over Balasaheb’s legacy. While Uddhav was blessed with Balasaheb’s inheritance when he was alive, Raj went ahead to create a new political party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), claiming over Balasaheb’s ideology and political legacy.

Balasaheb was known for his Hindu nationalistic ideas wherein he always stood for the Hindu cause and their interest and it was not limited to Maharashtra but nationally. Be it Ram Mandir issue, Mumbai blast case, communal riots, etc. — he was always very upfront and firm on his ideas whenever he spoke and made any statement. It was Balasaheb who forged a strong alliance with BJP which is again considered to be a Hindu nationalistic party since its inception. Balasaheb was regarded highly by the BJP leadership and we have always seen all the BJP leaders coming to Mumbai and pay him a visit, taking ideas and guidance from him and making strategies for not only Maharashtra but National politics as well. In fact, in his times, Shiv Sena was always regarded as the big brother of BJP in Maharashtra politics and whenever they won any election, it was Shiv Sena which led the government and BJP always took the back seat. That was the charisma of Balasaheb and his leadership.

Although things changed immediately after his demise, as his legacy could not be consolidated by Uddhav and Raj and both of them parting their ways made it uncertain which one is going to be the next leader and provide the leadership to the Shiv Sainiks after Balasaheb’s demise. This indeed created a vacuum in the Maharashtra and national politics. Moreover, both were young leaders; so, it was expected from them that they will hand over the batton to the senior BJP leaders who worked alongside Balasaheb, which eventually they did not agree to and wanted to downplay the seniority factor. No blame to them for this as in politics, you always try to take the last mileage. However, this led to bitterness between both the coalition partners and the bitterness caused the core idea of the alliance going missing. It was no more Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena for quite some time when we saw Shiv Sena leaders attacking BJP on almost all the issues. We could not see the consolidated Hindu nationalism stand from the coalition partners. Whenever BJP spoke of Ram Mandir, Shiv Sena was missing. Whenever BJP spoke about Article 370, Shiv Sena was missing. Whenever BJP talked about NRC, Shiv Sena was missing. Rather we saw Shiv Sena criticising BJP on all these issues and occasions.

All through this, we saw the alliance forming the government in Maharashtra where BJP clearly denied their role of big brother and Devendra Fadanvis became the CM of the state. Shiv Sena as an alliance partner was given berth in the central government but was deprived of important portfolios. The message was loud and clear from BJP that you no longer are a Big Brother in the alliance after Balasaheb, you have to earn it. Well, this did not go well through the Shiv Sena leadership and we saw all the bickering and between all these, their core ideology lost its track. Both of them, although being alliance partners, went with their stand alone. In fact, at times, both of them tried to hijack the core issues with the right-wing voters. Shiv Sena marching to Ayodhya for Ram Mandir a few months back was a live example.

In the meantime, we saw Shiv Sena working or pretending to be working with the opposition parties attacking BJP — be it West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visiting Matoshree, be it Shiv Sena praising Rahul Gandhi, be it towing the opposition slogan “Chowkidar Chor Hai” — we have seen it all. However, I personally consider it as the pressure tactics by Shiv Sena on BJP to make them understand that we’re an independent party and if not given our due credit, we can go independently. This I think was a very intelligent and brave move by Shiv Sena and Uddhav in the testing times. At the same time, BJP also realised the fact that they cannot win the battle alone in Maharashtra and without Sena, they cannot perform. BJP and its leaders also behaved maturely in this matter when we saw no rebuttal coming from them or no strong statements coming on all the criticism and attacks from Shiv Sena. In fact, whenever asked, Devendra Fadnavis or the BJP leadership either kept mum or defended their alliance.

As the 2019 elections came nearby, the moves by Uddhav worked and the top brass of BJP approached Uddhav for reconciliation realising his importance. As a wise politician, Uddhav behaved very maturely and a responsible coalition partner. We not only saw both the parties forge the alliance for 2019, but he also agreed to give BJP more seats to fight in Maharashtra realising the national sentiments and issues. He might have given BJP more seats but he successfully made the impression and statement of being a big brother. He even went for the nomination filing of BJP President Amit Shah which was highly unlikely by any Shiv Sena chief. While addressing the function, he was very candid telling the public and cadres that ‘Yes, we were criticising BJP on many issues and had differences with them but this is how democratic our alliance is and we could resolve all of them through dialogues and Shiv Sena BJP is going to fight the opposition together firmly’. He’s been seen doing rallies with the BJP leadership together while the same element has been missing with INC-NCP coalition so far. He’s been making speeches in the same voice with BJP on the issues that we saw at the times of Balasaheb. The latest example is Sanjay Raut coming out in defence of the candidature of Sadhvi Pragya from Bhopal and refuting the Hindu terror theory coined by Congress.

I see all these sequences of events as the consolidation of Hindu Nationalism politics which Balasaheb stood for, the element that went missing after him in Shiv Sena. It seems that this coalition is going to give tough times to the opposition in Maharashtra and the understanding between the BJP-Shiv Sena is unmatchable. One recent example of their understanding to sight, however, I don’t know how true this is but some sources revealed that after getting humiliated by the Congress leadership on the issue of abuse and misbehaviour by some fellow party men, their national spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi decided to leave Congress after serving the party for almost a decade. Sources reveal that her first choice was BJP. However, she was the most prominent and active face of Congress, be it TV, Social media or other which attacked the BJP, PM Modi, and the government from the front as a Congress spokesperson and leader. It would have been really embarrassing for the BJP to induct her into the party within a couple of days of such attacks. However, the BJP realised that she was a great asset to Congress and will be so for whichever party she joins. They didn’t want to either take her or lose her and Shiv Sena played an important role thereby inducting her into the party with the consultation and suggestion of BJP leadership. BJP didn’t take her but technically didn’t lose her. This was complete teamwork by Shiv Sena-BJP.

In the end, I would only like to say that the kind of mature politics and moves Uddhav has shown in the last few weeks, Shiv Sena may reclaim the glory of Balasaheb’s era. Both the parties are going to benefit from this and it’s a great consolidation of both the Hindu nationalist parties and their politics.

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