Abdul Basit Alvi
Elections stand as the bedrock of democratic societies, offering citizens the authority to elect their leaders and influence the trajectory of their nation. However, in recent times, there has been growing apprehension regarding the surge in deceptive election tactics that erode the integrity of the electoral process. These dubious strategies encompass misinformation campaigns and endeavors to suppress voters, corroding faith in democratic institutions and jeopardizing the fundamental essence of representative governance.
Within the fervor of Indian electoral competitions, politicians often resort to unethical methods that cast doubt on the integrity of the democratic process.
A prevalent malpractice in Indian election campaigns involves the exploitation of religious and caste-based divisions to consolidate votes. Politicians leverage identity politics, fostering rifts within communities for electoral advantages. This not only exacerbates societal divisions but also undermines the principles of secularism and inclusivity. Many politicians employ the divisive tactic of catering exclusively to specific communities or interest groups, perpetuating a fractured political landscape that impedes the formulation of comprehensive and inclusive policies benefiting the entire populace. Cash distribution and voter bribery are common occurrences in Indian elections, with politicians offering cash, gifts, or other incentives in exchange for support. This compromises the democratic process, fostering a culture of corruption and subverting the principle of voting based on informed choices. Incumbent politicians often misuse state resources for electoral gains, diverting government assets to fortify their campaigns. This unfair advantage disrupts the level playing field crucial for free and fair elections.
Indian election campaigns frequently witness the dissemination of false propaganda and disinformation to tarnish the image of opponents. Rumors, fake news, and doctored videos circulate on various media platforms, swaying public opinion and diminishing the credibility of the electoral process. The association between politics and criminal elements remains a significant concern in Indian elections, as politicians with criminal backgrounds secure party tickets, casting a shadow of criminality over the political landscape and compromising the democratic ideals of representation and governance. Violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) are not uncommon during Indian election campaigns, with politicians frequently flouting the MCC through hate speech, false promises, and inflammatory rhetoric. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is essential to ensure strict adherence to the MCC.
Elections are imminent in India this year, and the BJP, as usual, is employing questionable methods to appeal to the Hindu majority in the country. India’s electoral arena has witnessed the rise of disinformation campaigns, particularly on social media platforms. False narratives, misleading images, and fabricated stories often circulate during election seasons, influencing public opinion and potentially impacting voter decisions. The extensive reach of social media makes it a powerful tool for those looking to manipulate the narrative. Voter suppression, aimed at obstructing specific groups from exercising their voting rights, is a concerning issue in India. Instances of voter intimidation, restrictive voting laws, and selective implementation of identification requirements have raised doubts about the inclusivity and fairness of the electoral process.
False election tactics in India also involve exploiting religious and communal sentiments. Politicians may employ divisive rhetoric to polarize communities, seeking to consolidate support within specific demographics. This strategy not only undermines the principles of secularism but also risks escalating tensions within society. Election campaigns in India often face allegations of illicit financial practices, including the distribution of cash, gifts, or other incentives to influence voters. These tactics compromise the democratic process by undermining the idea that elections should be a fair competition of ideas rather than a transactional exchange. The spread of fake news and rumors, often disseminated through traditional and digital media, remains a persistent challenge, contributing to distorted public discourse and making it difficult for voters to make informed decisions.
Recently, Modi inaugurated the Ram temple in Ayodhya, bringing back painful memories for Muslim residents. The Ram temple now stands on the site of the Babri Masjid, which was demolished by extremist Hindus in 1992. Shahid, a resident of Ayodhya, recounted the tragic events surrounding the Babri Masjid’s destruction, stating, “On the day of the demolition, my father was set on fire by extremist Hindus. Not only did my father perish in this heart-wrenching incident, but also my uncle and other relatives lost their lives.” Shahid expressed the heaviness in his heart, noting that while the inauguration of the Ram Mandir is a significant day for Hindus, it has left a void for the Muslim community, as their mosque and connections were taken away. Shahid lamented that the construction of the Ram Mandir in place of the Babri Masjid has widened the gap between Muslims and Hindus. He remarked, ” Not only are Muslim mosques at risk, but Christian churches and Sikh gurdwaras also feel insecure in the hands of extremist Hindus and Modi government officials. Modi’s timing of the temple inauguration, just weeks before the elections, is seen as an attempt to secure the support of the majority Hindus, showcasing his Hindutva and extremist approach to garner sympathy from the masses.
Modi and the BJP are engaging in misinformation by crafting a self-fabricated narrative about the post-Pulwama attack. The former High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, has disclosed many secrets in his latest book, ‘Anger Management.’ According to the revelations, India had informed Pakistan about the readiness of its missiles. In fear of an imminent Indian missile attack, the Prime Minister of Pakistan urgently sought communication with PM Modi to prevent a full-blown military crisis. The call was facilitated by then-Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mehmood, who contacted his counterpart in Delhi. These events unfolded a day after the Balakot airstrikes carried out by the IAF on terror hideouts in Pakistan on February 26, 2019, in retaliation for a terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. Envoys from the US and UK in Delhi relayed that Pakistan was prepared to de-escalate the situation and address India’s concerns about terrorism based on the information provided in India’s dossier. PM Modi, during a campaign speech, confirmed that it would have been a ‘Qatal ki Raat’ if Abhinandan had not been returned. The revelation of this book during India’s election period raises concerns about the fabricated and misleading nature of this story, highlighting the potentially malicious intentions of Modi and the BJP in seeking support from the masses.
Indian politicians have a knack for spreading falsehoods, and numerous instances support this claim. In an attempt to garner the sympathies of the Hindu majority, they have consistently lied about Pakistan, using threats against our country. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, Modi stated, “The security forces have been given complete freedom, and the blood of the people is boiling. Our neighboring country, isolated internationally, believes such terror attacks can destabilize us, but their plans will not materialize.” Amit Shah asserted after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, “The prime minister has made it clear that from now on, we will not let terrorists and their sponsors sleep in peace. We will take the strictest possible action against them.” On the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, he declared, “The decision to revoke Article 370 was a historic move that would integrate Jammu and Kashmir completely into India. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin are both integral parts of India.” Rahul Gandhi, commenting on the Balakot airstrikes, stated, “I have a clear message for Pakistan that terror attacks like Pulwama are not going to weaken India’s resolve but strengthen it. Our Prime Minister is not going to be shaken by your threats.” On the abrogation of Article 370, he remarked, “National integration isn’t furthered by unilaterally tearing apart J&K, imprisoning elected representatives, and violating our Constitution. This nation is made by its people, not plots of land.” Sushma Swaraj, during the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, asserted, “We do not need lessons on democracy and human rights from a country whose own situation is charitably described as a failed state.” On another occasion, she stated, “India does not need to fight against Pakistan. Pakistan is a terrorist state, and it should fight against terrorism. This is not India’s battle but Pakistan’s.
The BJP exhibits several weaknesses, one of which is the concentration of power within the central leadership, particularly around Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party’s national president. This overemphasis on centralization limits the scope for internal democracy, potentially stifling dissent and sidelining emerging leaders. Despite traditionally criticizing other parties for dynastic politics, the BJP has not been entirely immune to familial political legacies, raising concerns about the party’s commitment to promoting meritocracy over dynastic considerations. Factionalism within the BJP has become apparent, with differences in ideological interpretation, leadership preferences, and regional interests leading to internal divisions. Effectively managing these factions and ensuring a united front has proven challenging for the party’s leadership.
The BJP has faced criticism for its economic management, particularly in relation to issues such as unemployment, economic slowdowns, and the impact of certain policy decisions. While the party claims to have undertaken economic reforms, weaknesses in effective communication and implementation have been evident. The BJP’s emphasis on identity politics, especially along religious lines, can contribute to social polarization, with accusations of favoritism toward certain religious or social groups hindering the creation of an inclusive national narrative.
Handling farmer protests, particularly in the context of contentious agricultural reforms, exposed vulnerabilities in the BJP’s approach to addressing widespread concerns. The perceived disconnect between the party’s leadership and the concerns of the farming community highlighted the need for more inclusive decision-making processes. Challenges in effectively communicating policies and initiatives to the public have also been evident, with clear and transparent communication essential for garnering public support and countering opposition narratives. Despite some electoral successes, critiques of the BJP’s election strategies have emerged, with a focus on polarizing issues overshadowing substantive policy discussions and contributing to a divisive political climate. The party and Modi have been accused of hiding their weaknesses by promoting misleading narratives and running anti-Muslim and anti-minorities campaigns.
Hindutva, rooted in the concept of cultural and national identity centered around Hinduism, has wielded significant influence in Indian politics. Under Modi’s leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has often been linked to the promotion of Hindutva principles, raising concerns about the secular fabric of the nation. Modi’s tenure has witnessed an increased emphasis on religious symbolism and iconography, with public events such as the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya highlighting instances where religious symbolism takes center stage. Such occurrences reinforce the perception of a government closely aligned with a specific religious identity. Modi’s administration has implemented changes in educational and cultural institutions that reflect a Hindu-centric perspective, including textbook revisions, appointments to cultural bodies, and shifts in curricular content. These changes have sparked concerns about the endorsement of a particular cultural and religious worldview.
The protection of cows, considered sacred in Hinduism, has been a contentious issue during Modi’s leadership. The enforcement of stricter laws related to cow slaughter and the vigilant actions of certain groups have contributed to a charged atmosphere, with accusations of promoting a specific religious agenda. The introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and discussions surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have been sources of controversy, disproportionately affecting minority communities, particularly Muslims, and raising questions about inclusivity and equal treatment under the law. Communal tensions have erupted sporadically during Modi’s tenure, prompting concerns about social cohesion. The rhetoric of Hindutva has contributed to an environment where religious minorities feel marginalized.
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has been a polarizing figure in Indian politics, drawing criticism for his leadership style and policy decisions. Accusations of falsehoods and lies have been directed at him from various quarters.
A source of disagreement pertains to the economic promises made by Modi and their subsequent realization. Critics contend that many ambitious economic goals, such as doubling farmers’ incomes, have not materialized as quickly or comprehensively as pledged. It is crucial to distinguish between unfulfilled promises and deliberate falsehoods. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, a significant economic reform under Modi’s administration, faced criticism for its abrupt implementation and impact on small businesses. The lack of adequate preparation led to disruptions. The demonetization move in 2016, aimed at curbing black money and corruption, has been a subject of intense debate. The sudden withdrawal of high-denomination currency notes caused economic disruptions without achieving its intended goals.
Modi’s leadership has been criticized for alleged suppression of dissent and curtailment of freedom of expression. Accusations of stifling voices critical of the government, whether in media or civil society, have raised concerns about the health of democratic institutions. Critics have expressed concerns about Modi’s response to communal incidents, especially during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002. The accusations surrounding his role in handling the Gujarat riots have been a persistent source of controversy. The agrarian crisis and farmer protests in India have prompted criticism of the government’s handling of rural issues. Allegations of neglecting the concerns of farmers and providing inadequate support for the agricultural sector have fueled discontent among certain sections of society. Modi’s communication style, characterized by grand gestures and assertive rhetoric, has been a subject of critique. His speeches and public addresses are carefully crafted to create a specific narrative.
Discussing the international scenario during Modi’s leadership, the BJP-led government has faced numerous setbacks. India has found itself entangled in allegations of engaging in terrorism. Few months ago, Canada made a significant announcement, revealing its active pursuit of credible accusations linking Indian government agents to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. This development severely strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. In an emergency statement to the House of Commons, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau staunchly asserted that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen constitutes “an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” The victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb known for its substantial Sikh population. Nijjar openly advocated for a Sikh homeland in the form of an independent Khalistani state and had been labeled a “terrorist” by India in July 2020. Trudeau conveyed that Canadian security agencies have actively pursued credible allegations pointing to a potential connection between government agents from India and Nijjar’s demise. He indicated that he had directly raised the murder issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi and urged the Indian government to collaborate with Canada in thoroughly investigating the matter. In response to these developments, Canada took the unprecedented step of expelling India’s top intelligence agent stationed in the country.
Furthermore, a court in Qatar imposed the death penalty on eight former Indian navy personnel, accusing them of espionage on behalf of Israel. The individuals sentenced included Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Rajesh. All of these ex-naval personnel were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company owned by a former officer of the Oman Air Force. This firm was responsible for providing training and various services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies.
Readers, the reality is evident on the global stage, and the Indian populace should take notice as well. The deceptions and reversals of Modi, along with the BJP, are apparent, and citizens must demonstrate maturity during the forthcoming elections. A nation like India, which prides itself on being secular and well-civilized, should consider imposing bans on politicians and political parties that have delivered nothing but false promises, superficial gestures, failures, extremism, and international embarrassment.