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print versionThe manner in which the inauguration of the new Parliament was carried out is disgraceful on four counts and reflects how systematically this BJP government is moving towards the establishment of a Hindu state in all but name. First, the President was not even invited to attend the opening ceremonies let alone to make the inaugural address as should have been the case. This was a deliberate violation and undermining of the foundational principles and procedures of the particular form taken by India’s liberal democratic set-up. That President Murmu should have endorsed this behavior shows how subordinate she is to Modi’s dictates. Second, along with this unjustified usurpation it is noticeable that only Modi addressed the participants and hogged the limelight which is in perfect keeping with his egomaniacal character wherein he is only comfortable in giving monologues and generally projecting his pictorial image everywhere in a fashion that seeks to outdo what Goebbels did for Hitler. In this respect a ridiculous nadir was reached when his image was embossed on every single Covid vaccine certificate issued to citizens.
The introduction of the ‘Sengor’ to the proceedings and its permanent installation next to the Speaker’s Chair in the new Parliament building, apart from being justified through historical concoction, clearly signifies two further attempts to degrade the meaning of Indian democracy. This glorification of a monarchical and Hindu symbol displays the Modi government’s contempt for the strongly republican and therefore anti-Royalist character of India’s political nationalism which must now also be portrayed as having an intrinsic Hindu dimension. It is entirely appropriate that most opposition parties boycotted this event. What is shocking is that there were a few non-BJP parties that didn’t and that some liberal commentators were deluded into thinking that this was an occasion for collective democratic celebration that should not have been boycotted when it was really a carefully designed programme to further the Hindutva project and enhance the claim that the Modi government are the true caretakers and defenders of Indian democracy and nationalism.
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That Brij Bushan Sharan Singh has not only not been properly investigated let alone arrested at least under POSCO injunctions is bad enough but his presence at the Parliament inauguration is clear evidence that the BJP government, which prioritises Singh’s political clout over his oppressive actions against women, is not going to pursue proper justice for the wrestlers. Indeed, the Delhi police under Central orders decided that the wrestlers’ proposed march to the new Parliament was excuse enough to physically assault them and their supporters followed by mass detentions. Their makeshift shelters at Jantar Mantar have been demolished and cleared and though subsequently released the wrestlers and their supporters are now not being allowed to go back there. The wrestlers’ cause has received widespread support even from many who are otherwise supportive of the BJP and Modi. Will some of these ‘Modi bhakts’ now do a rethink? The PM is fond of talking of everything under the sun especially about his admiration and concern for Indian womanhood but has remained silent about the testimonies of sexual violence perpetrated by this BJP MP. This is in keeping with Modi’s general silence when it comes to criticizing the innumerable public wrong doings and brutalities of the Sangh’s activists, officials and leaders. This government apparently thinks that it can wait out the wrestlers and that now that they are removed from public scrutiny at the “shop window” in central New Delhi both their struggle and public support will fizzle out. This must not be allowed to happen and all progressive forces must continue to give their support till justice is fulfilled. In this respect it is important that we are not trapped into the language of nationalist hubris and undue glorification. Far too many people and public commentators have gone on about how the wrestlers have won international medals and brought ‘honour’ therefore to the country; as if this makes their case all the more commendable. Regardless of whether the wrestlers did well in their sporting career or not, Singh’s behaviour deserves the strongest condemnation and legal punishment. Respect for the dignity of women and indeed for the dignity and rights of all who suffer sexual abuse is the primary general principle that emerges from this courageous struggle and is to be whole-heartedly defended.
The agitating women have said they will discard their medals in the river and that further, they will subsequently terminate their lives. We appeal to them not to take such a step. Forms of agitation need to suit the outlook of those we are agitating against. A regime that has risen on the basis of promoting rape culture will display no shame at the death of women achievers, or any number of women. We urge women’s rights activists, and all social and political forces opposing or claiming to oppose the BJP to gather in ever larger numbers in solidarity with the agitation. We remind people of how a countrywide mass movement had developed after 16 December 2012, but we also urge all to be active before further lives are lost.
Dated: 30 March 2023
