Independent India's greatness or poor show, good or bad, Secular or religious politics, successful democracy or caste and regionalism - all in some way or other is attributed to Congress Party. Politics is all about power, power is about existence and existence is for survival. Congress did everything it could and has been going for it's existence.
During the initial decade of Indian independence, the national building was molded by absolute desire to make India a Great nation on the earth. Building dams, making foundations for solid education system and more importantly learning to live peacefully unlike separated cousin Pakistan are few good examples. While India can positively cheer of it's progress, over the period of time Congress politics has come down to single agenda - Survival. For this, beginning 60's - Congress started playing with fire. First it applied the schema with in the party and tested. Then, applied externally. The game plan has been simple. Invent a problem - put the opposition parties (or opponents) in defense, divide them, gather votes on cheap popular agenda, or talk moral high ground, deceive the public and return to the power.
Interestingly, this Congress game plan was a huge success. Indira Gandhi became Goddess Durga. Bangladesh was created. Along with that, came India's first national crisis. The nation, which was by and large living in peace was flooded with Bangladeshi refugees. What Congress (and Indian Government) do know but would not admit is - since 1971, when Bangladesh created the Hindu population is rapid declining. For any statistics, if these Hindu's are running away from Bangladesh - then they must be the refugees in India. But, most of the refugees are Muslims. They arrived (keep up the inflows still) initially into Assam and West Bengal. Over the course of years, all these refugees slowly seep into India's hinterland. Shiv Sena which cries foul of these refugees in Mumbai is branded a communal party. For the vote bank politics, Congress would use the secular agenda and join with the other so called secular forces to undermine the problem. Most of the people knew Assam and other north Eastern states, West Bengal are simmering with communal fire. It is a matter of time - it will blow up, after the intermittent flareups seen occasionally. Infernos would be imminent. For Congress party survival by Congress Party.
Back in 80's Congress had difficulty with Akalis in Punjab. Akalis - a Sikh Party for protecting Sikhs interest. Congress had a difficulty with them. To counter Akalis, Congress incited alternative power politics. The richest state suffered for decades, host of innocent citizens were killed. When their alternative, Brindanwale became a liability - the worst events took place Indian history. Golden temple attack, operational blue star, assassination of Indira Gandhi, many senior politicians and Army officers - Sikhs massacre. Congress ignited fire destroyed many dreams and aspirations. Despite all this tragedy congress could get back to power. Congress knew to arbitrage the situation. Rajiv Gandhi took center stage. Indira Gandhi became martyr. Rest forgotten or conveniently ignored.
Rajiv is credited with igniting two fires. One in Ayodhya in Northern India. The Babri Masjid gates were opened - and the turn of events in the subsequent years divided the nations communal fabric. However, for all this Congress found another Prime Minister to wash off hands. Despite all this, congress party survival in Utter Pradesh is marginalized by communal, Secular and religious parties. Even then, Congress still works with them for their survival. Rajiv Gandhi's other fire was in down south. Tamil issue. In the end, the fire consumed Rajiv himself. Yet, for survival Congress party work closely with the parties that sympathized Rajiv assassins. Again, for existence, survival is the key and for survival power is the key. Congress knows this better than any other political party in India.
After going into oblivion for a decade, Congress returned this time with Sonia Gandhi's agenda. This time, Congress is playing with two fires. We are not sure what would be the eventual outcome. While the Gujarat and hunting Narendra Modi is is an opportunity to be exploited - Telengana is it's own creation. For more than a decade, they are playing with a state and it's people precariously. They created leaders, invented formulas, confused the nation for their survival. Congress is bound to take the decision for it's own benefit. Remember, it is not in national interest. Underestimating people power is Congress high command naive thinking. Both Andhra Pradesh and Narendra Modi / Gujarat fires are very serious in nature. This is happened with Punjab or Tamils. The problems seemingly under control initially consumed many.
Partition of India, Punjab, Bangladesh, Tamils all have catapulted them into power. But on each of these occasions, most of the Indians paid heavy price. Playing with fire is not good politics. It will bound to consume. Will it be lucky again?
No comments:
Post a Comment