Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The countdown starts' that was published in Newsband


The countdown starts
The countdown for elections to the 17th Lok Sabha begins. There are developments that has taken place in India so far like expansion of the scope of its democracy through widening representation, devolution of power and redistribution of resources. The various maladies that have afflicted the country’s democracy are disinformation campaigns, corruption, disenfranchisement of the weaker sections of the society, the corroding influence of money and muscle power in elections, and divisive majoritarian tendencies.
The ECI has announced a series of fresh measures to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and curb some rapidly growing hazards such as the spread of falsehoods aimed at creating social polarisation for consolidation of votes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who rode to power in 2014 on the agenda of material progress through Hindutva, has to defend his reign to seek a second term. His opponents sense an existential danger from him and are trying to mobilise those left behind or who feel disempowered by his governance.
The very simple and important manifestos for 2019 elections should be, save Domocracy, protect Indian Constitution, provide security from ruling Government dictatorship to all sensitive Government agencies like defence, RBI, judiciary, etc, bring down sky high level corruption, transparency, accountability, end of mighty is right, liberties and security to professional journalists, spreading of fake news, implementation of law and orders, peace and harmony, safety and security of innocent citizens, and off course economy, education, health and employment, etc. 
The entire opposition is crying wolf about 'their existential danger' from Modi. They don't have an effective narrative to counter the various measures implemented by this government successfully over the last 5 years and therefore, resort to 'scare-mongering' of all types. Otherwise, where's the need for these bunch of opportunists with diametrically opposing views to come together? Even that they can't do because everyone is focused on the PM's chair and not on people's welfare or country's development.
The government that wants to rule India needs to be efficient and   honest. India is a big country with more than hundred crore people. There are 29 states besides few central ruled territories and economic problems of the states and union territories are different. Planning for each state is necessary. Use of public money should be proper. Merit must be the sole criterion for the selection of candidates for jobs. Work culture should be there. Public investment to create jobs is a must.

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