Some Random Focus Points..

The Sangh

The Sangh viewpoints, generally co-ordinated by RSS (Rashtriya Swayam-Sevak Sangh), are not only a natural continuation of the British doctrines but also are self-destructive based on hate and mistrust. The Sangh conveniently oppose everything that British rulers were against and used to keep a dead silence on the ill-intended divisive policies and explicit and implicit cruelties of them that damaged the social fabric and collective wisdom of India. They are always active in blaming pre-British India (and post-British governments) for everything and try to give a narrative that, protectionism and reversal of 500 years back, with some speculations on fancy wisdom, will guide us to prosperity. In reality, they use these tactics to grab power, like the British, just to gain control of the capital, which is quite evident from the policies and priorities of BJP governments.

On the other hand, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was well aware of this trap, and while allowing them to function, he aimed their transformation. But, on a serious review, as a nation in general and the Congress in particular somewhat failed to keep the ideological views to keep them in the right place.

The Backdoor

The systematic political polarization of the institutions, in fact, started much before the BJP officially started ruling the country. From the late 1960s, sympathisers of the Sangh views managed to deploy trojan horses and narratives of security concerns to support the ploys. These elements were instrumental in decision-making now and then, even in the UPA regime. I wish to highlight just two examples of their influence:

• The rules and regulations of TADA, UAPA, ED and NIA were practically formed to bypass judicial jurisdiction, and the ability of subjects to go for appeal is minimal. The period of detainment for trial is without a cap. This clearly shows the non-democratic attitude of the people involved; and clearly not a Congress way of doing things

• The foreigner’s act and passport act related rules and regulations were amended much before CAA 2019 with almost similar provisions of CAA 2019. This indicates that the work was under preparation.

Also, there was no friction from higher officials in accepting the BJP regime, and the stage was already set to accept them. On the other hand, brilliant officials like T N Sheshan and Raghuram Rajan were used to tarnish the image of the Congress block in a structured way.

We can see these as the results of a well-planned and coordinated backdoor effort, which everyone should seriously handle. Even if the INDIA block gets a political mandate, sizable such activities will serve the government with a well-defined hidden agenda. Congress should be sensitive to tackle this, as these, in effect, nullify our democratic participatory political vision of our country.

Focus Points

In the above context, the below focus items seem very relevant to me, to keep ourselves focused on nation-building and to neutralize ill-informed narratives:

Promotion of small-scale production houses, logistics and market generation

Promotion of domestic and international tourism, related production/market generation like memoirs, souvenirs, native products etc  

Mandatory state holdings and mandatory state participation on boards of all corporates that cross a threshold level or revenue or asset. This will increase visibility as well as not tax revenues

Tax soaps and waivers to corporates should be made accountable. They should be linked to the direct permanent employment produced by them or the value they produce for nation-building

Develop mechanisms to prevent tax/raid terrorism. Financial crimes that do not affect life and people may be settled with fines and charges, there should be empathy to allow the accused to recover and correct, rather than destroying the venture or long jail terms

All draconian laws should be reviewed. All laws and agencies should be sub judice and the ability to appeal should be ensured. Detaining more than a month without proper conviction should be strictly prevented

Mechanisms to avoid hijacking of power should be developed. Prevent the formation of power centres and centralization of power in all democratic institutions

The government should own a religious education framework and should start generic places of worship so that institutionalization of religion can be resisted and moderate versions can be preached

Remove religion and cast from all records, except census. There should be a separate religion cast and language registry set up, where one can register his/her affinity, from time to time

Bring back birth-based, registration-based and naturalization-based citizenship.

Uphold the right for dignity – social awareness and systems should ensure – education, self-reliance, social commitment, self-respect and mutual respect

Participation of old age people and veterans in serious activities so that their dignity is upheld, rather than treating their issues on the grounds of charity

NB: Shared to staff of Dr. Shahi Tharoor on April 2024 via mail