The real threat to the ‘India as we know it’
The HinduWith the 17th Lok Sabha having ended, the stage is now set for the general election. The spectre of ‘Hindu majoritarianism’, whether intended or not, thus looms large in the minds of sections of the public, alongside a perception that ‘Mandir’ defines the nature of politics in an election year. The Opposition charge sheet includes aspects such as attempts to enforce an Uniform Civil Code, alongside manifest attempts to push through the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’, possibly intended to undermine the role of regional parties. Many other instances of engineered high-level defections to the ruling party at the Centre are again taking place across the country, undermining democratic principles and practices. While no one party may be responsible for this situation, given that the majority of engineered high-level defections have been to the ruling BJP in this election year, the import is loud and clear, viz., that those holding the reins of power are better positioned to alter electoral verdicts by other means.