But for Covid-19 pandemic that had hit India, of late, after causing immeasurable damage to the lives of people in the West, the celebration of prime minister Modi 2.0 government’s first anniversary, would have been Grand Gala Fest festival to Indians in general and Hindus in particular. For this, analysis and reasoning are not necessary. They are all wide-open in the public domain. For enumeration to reiterate what the government had done to this nation in its initial first and foremost year of the second-term was:
One: Abrogation of Art-370 to bring J&K back on par with other states in the country. It was a commendable move which no other (so-called) secular government could have done for the fear of losing their minority-vote bank. The two-Union Territories thus formed out of the erstwhile state, J & K, are right now under the control of the Central government. Of course, for the time-being. Later, as stated by the Home Minister J&K may get the statehood (as the issues settle and the time goes by). Geopolitically, the situation in the world is fluid. It is speculated that once the US withdraws its army from Afghanistan, Taliban would have their sway in that region. They are always pepped up by Pakistan. There is likelihood that Pakistan eventually eggs them on India, especially on Kashmir Valley. All this is thwarted by this government strategically by this move of abrogation.
Two: Expedition of Court proceedings to bring out the Ayodhya -Temple Verdict, is an achievement by itself. No other (so-called) secular government would have taken this initiative (of expediting the process in the court) to make Hindus satisfied. Of course, the Court followed the due procedure. The credit goes to Modi-government, for having understood the Hindu-mind and how keen they are as a civilisation in their reverence to Lord Ram, an epitome of Dharma.
Three: Passing of the law for the removal and punishment of Instant-Triple-Talaq by Muslim-men, a barbaric practice was another feather in the cap for the Modi- government. For, that paved the way of empowering Muslim women. The move for making the law against instant triple talaq was, as a matter of fact, had come from the Muslim-minority-community itself. All that government did, was only to strengthen the resolve of the beleaguered Muslim women, who in large numbers signed the petitioned and went to Supreme Court for their rights.
Fourth: The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by both the Houses of parliament had been welcomed by the country. But for the accompanying string of NRC/NPR, that led to some sort of stir in the minority community (propped up by the opposition); it was a much-needed Act.
On welfare measures of the poor, this government is progressing forward on all fronts to alleviate their hardships, by offering free-gas, electricity, sanitation coverage; housing for all etc. the government intends to supply free potable water to all poor houses very soon. It is taking steps in that direction. Amidst, Covid-19, many reforms are made for farmers: such as free-market access within all Indian states, pensions for the farm labourers after attaining 60 years, privatisation coal-mines are some measures to name with. Though the government is very high on intent, in implementing all these government reforms, the main hurdle is, as many are pointing out: the bureaucracy. According to some quarters, Indian bureaucracy, instead of being a steel-frame for the government has become a steel-cage of the government.
The hurdles for the government right now are the Covid-19 pandemic-control and the global recession that has an impact on the local economy. Internally, Covid-19 opens-up a policy-window for the government to take up its reforms. But how far it becomes successful is: a wait and watch. For, India to pick up growth there is no sufficient stimulus to the people. India’s problem is not unemployment. In India our problem is employed-poverty. For, most of our labour-force is in informal sector. Their wages are low. So, wages matter more than jobs for economic stimulus.
The incursion of China at the borders of Ladakh region is a huge issue that has to be diplomatically tackled, as short term solution and a long term policy. In this connection and in the scenario of new cold war between China and the US, India is coordinating with the countries in Indo-Pacific region to play a major role as “middle powers”. As a part of this plan, recently Prime Minister Modi ji spoke with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on bilateral issues of trade and regional issues regarding China’s aggression on sea waters. Right now, our prime minister is the only tallest leader in the country to take the country forward. Hence, a heavy burden lies on his shoulders. First, let this fog of Covid-19 lockdown clear. Then, we may usher in a new dawn where India perhaps has a bigger role to play in the world-nations.
