Political Scene

INDIAN POLITICAL SCENE

Dr. R. Gangadhara Sastry

In recent times the whole world appears to have been suffering from a sense of insecurity which it has never experienced earlier.  Ironically, it has all been its own making as no nation had ever thought of contributing to the establishment of a just world order that would have a better distribution of wealth in the world among its population.  The recent attack on America vindicates this point.  The question raised is that whether it was right on the part of the terrorists to have perpetuated such a monstrosity against such large number of innocent people who have nothing to do with the political power game.  But it has been the method chosen by the terrorist groups functioning from various quarters of the globe, in order to accomplish their goals, justified or unjustified.  It has been the contention of India for more than three decades that the so-called developed nations should take a serious note of the ever growing menace of global terrorism.  Since they were never attacked, nor ever they thought that anybody would ever venture an attack on them, all Indian protests were unceremoniously ignored. Now the vulnerability of the U.S., stands more than exposed.  The nations of the world are put on alert.  The attack on America, stands as a strong warning to all the nations pursuing policies aimed at exploiting the weaker nations for economic gains.  It has also political overtones.

It is common knowledge that the Taliban was a creation of the Americans with the assistance of Pakistan as they wanted the Russians to be thrown out of Afghanistan during the cold war years. Osama Bin Laden happens to be the Frankenstein’s monster.  The meticulous planning and flawless execution of the worst conspiracy that went into the attack on the WTC towers and the Pentagon had sent such frightening signals to the nations all over the world that, every nation began to tighten up security measures.  Driven by a sense of unprecedented fear, nations began to utilise all their resources in one direction, i.e., security against terrorist attacks.  The fear was compounded by the appearance of Anthrax coated letters being posted from unknown destinations.  For a moment it had appeared as if the entire edifice of the U.S., administration began to collapse as the Senate, the Supreme Court and even the White House were closed, though for a shortwhile.  India and Israel were also warned by the terrorist organisations who attacked the U.S.  Evidently, it was the Muslim fundamentalists who were behind this horrible massacre of thousands of innocent people belonging to more than sixty five nations.

Once it was established the Al Quad organisation headed and funded by Osama Bin Laden, with a number of branches in various countries over the world having very close links with the Taliban that was at the of the attack. Mr. Bush, the President of America resolved to punish the Taliban and hunt down Osama Bin Laden.  As a long suffering victim of cross border terrorism from Pakistan, India has offered unconditional help to the U.S.  But Pakistan appeared to have played its cards well by going all out in support of the U.S. by exploring its geopolitical position.  It has utilised the opportunity in resoling its myriad problems including economic crisis, though it has lost the sympathy of the Talibans and even to a large extent the Muslim nations. India has obtained an assurance from U.S., Britain and other countries that the war against terrorism does not stop with Afghanistan.  On it’s part the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, the U.S. and Britain had helped in projecting India’s stand on various national and international issues.  By entering into strategic partnership with Russia by strengthening diplomatic relations with the U.S. and by vehemently criticising the trade policies of the advanced nations in his speech at the UN General Assembly, the Indian Prime Minister had sent a message that India is a nation with a will of its own and that it is competent to tackle its problems itself.

The recent capture of Mazara-Sherif, Kabul and Jalalabad and the imminent fall of the Taliban stronghold Kandahar have made the coalition partners intensify their efforts to forge a broad-based government under the control of the United Nations.  Ofcourse, the victory of the Northern Alliance is not to the liking of Pakistan, which is in difficulties.

It is all a different picture as we analyse the internal political situation in India.  The following are the highlights:
(a)                The Supreme Court of India has richly contributed to the healthy working of Indian democracy through its unanimous judgement in the case against Miss Jayalalitha, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the judgement banning smoking in public places.
(b)               The reinduction of the former Defense Minister Mr. George Fernandez in to the Cabinet is widely criticised as a retrograde step.
(c)                The dubious methods employed in changing the Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Uttaranchal are not regarded as fair political practices for a Party that claims to be different from others.
(d)               The attempts at restructuring of academic courses have become controversial on the plea that they haron the secular character of education.
(e)                The POTO is being vigorously opposed by the opposition parties and a few others.
(f)                 Finally, the ban imposed on the SIMI in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America although it is cleared by the courts at the moment, has come under criticism as the government, according to critics, was lenient towards organisations like the RSS, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal which are alleged to be carrying out attacks on the minorities.

In conclusion, it would appear appropriate to note that, in the critical situation prevailing inside and outside the country, with all sorts of coalitional compulsions heavily hanging over its future prospects, the NDA government sums to be pulling on well.

Let us hope all parties including the opposition will desist from giving priority to party interests above the national interests.