The Shape of Things to Come

[Sukla Sen]

In 2014, the BJP had polled 31% of polled votes.

While this was pretty much slated to come down in 2019, it actually went up to 37% -- under the impact of Pulwama-Balakot.

This time, as yet, we had Ram Mandir: Modi has provided (homeless) Lord Ram an appropriate shelter.

Then bursts forth the Electoral Bonds.

Of course, the narratives of Vikash vs. Vinash form the larger backdrop.

As compared to 2019, (i) the poison of Hindutva -- with a proactive state machinery at its service -- has spread wider and deeper and (ii) the "field" has turned significantly more tilted -- via the blatant weaponisation of ED, IT, CBI, ECI and also the mainstream media and the Courts largely going with the regime.

Yet, it's still not Putin's Russia, rather Erdogan's Turkey.

So, it's the final chance and it's for all those opposed to this monstrous regime -- the political parties, civil society organisations, conscientious individuals -- to try their utmost, in an admittedly very tough situation.

Two very informed comments:

I. 'India is going to have its least free & fair election in 2024. See these 5 indicators' by Yogendra Yadav at <https://theprint.in/opinion/india-is-going-to-have-its-least-free-fair-election-in-2024-see-these-5-indicators/2019854/>.

II. '2024 general election is a masterclass in crony capitalism and authoritarianism' by Saba Naqvi at <https://frontline.thehindu.com/columns/2024-general-election-crony-capitalism-authoritarianism-ed-raids-and-arrests/article68006060.ece>.

(Also watch: <https://youtu.be/Lng1wBz1mfA>.)

And, finally, a short excerpt from an appeal for funds by the CPIML [Liberation].

<<For years we took India's Constitution and constitutionally mandated system of multiparty democracy and federal framework for granted. The build-up to the 2024 Elections tells us that we can no longer afford to do that. The Modi government is bent upon converting India into a one-party state. Two Chief Ministers including the sitting CM of Delhi have been arrested in the poll season and the CJI is being heckled for striking down the unconstitutional Electoral Bonds that had legalised corruption.

In the ten years of Modi rule, the undermining of parliamentary democracy has already reached an alarming level. And now the government is aiming at manufacturing a 400+ majority to inflict more damaging blows to the Constitution. A third successive term for the Modi government will be an absolute disaster for our constitution and parliamentary democracy, for our cultural diversity and everyday existence.

The government is using every unconstitutional measure and unscrupulous trick to hold on to power with the backing of its corporate cronies and the Godi Media. We the people of India have to apply our constitutional power of the vote to end this reign of disaster and rebuild India as a robust democracy. Please exercise your vote and make it count in this decisive battle for the future of India, for the triumph of democracy over dictatorship.>>