In the past year, and particularly in the last 2-3 months, the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s statements have been unbecoming of his office, reflecting his underlying belief system.
- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas: This slogan appears to have been a facade to assuage minority fears. The Prime Minister’s recent rhetoric reveals his true character, suggesting he may be remembered as a leader for upper-caste Hindus, much like historical zealots such as ; King Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Anti-Muslim Rhetoric: The Prime Minister has made inflammatory statements, such as labelling Muslims as infiltrators and suggesting that Hindu wealth would be distributed to those with more children and Ram temple at Ayodhya would be locked, if he loses power. This not only exhibits deep-seated animosity towards Muslims but also diverts attention from crucial issues like taxing the wealthy to stoke Hindu-Muslim distrust. Such divisive comments are unbecoming of a leader of his stature.
- Selective Truth and Political Convenience: The Prime Minister’s willingness to distort facts for political gain is concerning. For instance, he misrepresented an incident in Bangalore involving a Hindu shopkeeper playing bhajans, accusing Congress-ruled states of anti-Hindu bias. Yet, when Muslims are victims of violence, he often dismisses it as a state issue. This selective outrage undermines his credibility and is detrimental to national unity.
- EAC’s Misleading Demographic Report: The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the PM recently published a report on demographic changes, which is not their role, claiming a 43% growth in the Muslim population and a 7% reduction in the Hindu population between 1950 and 2015, based on data from the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA). However, the government’s own National Family Health Survey (NFHS) shows a significant decline in fertility rates among Muslims, contradicting the EAC's report. This misuse of foreign data, when the government often criticizes international comparisons, highlights the sycophancy within the EAC, reminiscent of past autocratic regimes.
About ARDA: Founded in 1996 by Purdue University professor Roger Finke with a grant from Lily Endowment, ARDA originally focused on American religious data but expanded globally in 2005. The EAC’s reliance on such data raises questions, especially when domestic data paints a different picture. Notably, Business Standard reported that using the EAC’s methodology, Buddhists would appear to have the fastest-growing population, further discrediting the report.
The BJP’s IT cell and media figures amplified these misleading claims, exacerbating social tensions.
Impact on Social Harmony: The Prime Minister's statements have caused significant harm to social harmony. Today every group on Whats app be it of class mates, be it of Employees of a company and be it even a Family group are facing the consequences of this discord. Efforts to maintain this harmony are undermined by his divisive rhetoric, risking civil strife if minorities continue to face baseless allegations and humiliation.
Foreign Minister’s Conduct: The Foreign Minister’s frequent outbursts against Western media and Western nations create an illusion of India’s heightened global influence under the current government. It is for the naive to learn that US today is more concerned about its own Elections, Russia -Ukraine War, about Gaza and Red Sea and growing intimacy between Russia and China , rather than Indian elections. However, this aggressive, misleading stance and ideological fanaticism has strained relations with neighbouring countries. For example, Maldives has sought new alliances with Turkey and China, acquiring drones from Turkey for security. All of this, jeopardizes India's relationships with other neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Finally, the Prime Minister’s recent actions and statements, along with the Foreign Minister’s excessively aggressive diplomacy, have not only damaged India's social fabric but also risk losing influence in its own neighbourhood. A course correction is imperative to restore social harmony and maintain positive international relations. It will not be wrong to quote Mr Narsimha Rao who way back in 90s (Refer The Flawed Inheritance by JN Dixit) on Pakistan’s continued hostility had said ; Pakistan’s continued belligerence is not unexpected but what is to be seen is as to how long it can sustain itself with this kind of animosity against India” Mr PM the same is applicable to you as well ; Being from RSS, the hatred for muslims is expected from you but it is to be seen as to how long you can continue to promote this animosity against Indian Muslims.