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Vol. 72 No. 24 Modi’s Trump Card July 2, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

A Policy to Eliminate Every statement or a visit by a exactly what you have, a true Toiletless People foreign dignitary has to be related friend…I am thrilled to salute you, to our attitude on . Even Prime Minister Modi, and the if there is no mention of Islamabad, Indian people for all that you are we stretch the observation to the accomplishing together. Your point where it is meant to be so. accomplishments have been vast,” PM Modi in USA American Presidents have so far said Trump. The President also D. K. Giri been hedging an open criticism of described Prime Minister Modi Pakistan because the US has been and himself as “world leaders in supplying arms to Islamabad. But social media” and that it has In the Name of Public for the first time, America has enabled them to directly hear from Interest dropped ifs and buts to pull up their citizens.” J. L. Jawahar Pakistan for abetting terrorism and giving shelter to the militants. In the past, had friendly presidents in John F. Kennedy, Bill President Donald Trump in a joint Clinton and Barrack Obama. But Fast Against Lynching statement with Prime Minister they did very little to help New Dr. Prem Singh , following their first in its strategic and development meeting at the White House, made requirements. They were obsessed terrorism the cornerstone of mutual with the thought that they should cooperation between the two not in any way rub Pakistan on the countries. The statement went wrong side. never beyond the usual American position wanted them to do anything which Editor : while criticizing Pakistan it echoed would mean a tilt towards it. G. G. Parikh Indian concerns regarding the Chinese-led Belt and Road But President Trump has Managing Editor : Guddi Initiative. departed from the past American policy. The resolve of the two D-15, Ganesh Prasad, President Trump, recalling his countries to strengthen anti-terror Naushir Bharucha Marg, election campaign, said that he had cooperation has come as a big - 400 007. pledged true friendship with India. diplomatic win for New Delhi and “I pledged that if elected, India a big blow for Islamabad which was Email : [email protected] would have a true friend in the trying to portray the Hizbul militants Website:www.janataweekly.org White House. And that is now as “freedom fighters.” 2 JANATA, July 2, 2017

In his individual remark, is busy with the Presidential before to do business with India. President Trump said: “The election in India. However, the Probably, the State Department, security partnership between the personal equation between Trump too, encouraged them taking the US and India is incredibly and Modi would not be to the liking cue from President Trump. important. Both our nations have of Congress president Sonia been struck by the evils of . On his first meeting with the terrorism and we are both US President, Modi has played the determined to destroy terrorist In the US State Department, the Trump card cleverly. With his organizations and the radical Congress does not have that kind party BJP already well entrenched ideology that drives them. We will of a priority which it had earlier. In in India and spreading its wings destroy radical .” forthcoming Presidential election in in the rest of states, what Modi India, Modi looks like having an required was some foreign The two leaders seem to have upper hand. Therefore, all support. None could have been forged a lasting friendship that American policies are being shaped better than America’s, particularly President Trump himself took Modi presuming that the BJP would once at a time when has openly on a guided tour of the White House again win the election in sided with Pakistan and trumped besides accepting the Indian Prime 2019. The support that Modi has in up some incidents in the northeast Minister’s invitation to send his the country at present indicates that to allege that India had occupied daughter, Ivanka, to India for a the opposition is no match for him. some of the disputed territory. meeting. All these augur well. On Were all non-BJP parties to come his part Modi, with President Trump together and fight the next election, standing beside him, declared that they might emerge as a formidable Janata Subscription America was India’s primary group. partner for “its social and economic transformation.” The effort which chief Annual Rs. : 260/- minister is making China is the first one to react. It gives some hope. Otherwise, the Three Years : 750/- has chided India for going to the performance of the opposition would American camp. And, as usual, be dismal. The demonetization that Demand Draft / Cheque America has boosted Pakistan to the Modi government introduced had stay with Beijing. Islamabad has some adverse effect on the people understandably stayed quiet. initially but it is slowly fading away. on Although President Trump has However, the GST, which is coming hinted that the supply of arms to into force from the first of July, Mumbai Bank in favour of Pakistan might stop, the latter has could sting the government badly. not uttered a word. Probably, it is With a lot of opposition in parliament JANATA TRUST waiting for the outcome of the and a prolonged debate and meeting between President Trump discussion, the bill was finally D-15, Ganesh Prasad, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. passed. Naushir Bharucha Marg, That should take place sooner than Mumbai 400 007 later. It looks as if someone must have briefed President Trump on The Congress party has made these points. Otherwise, he would no comment which would be not have tilted towards the BJP Janata construed as criticism of the as he did openly after his first Modi-Trump meeting. The meeting with Modi. The Prime American President’s criticism of Minister continued to woo the is available at Pakistan is to the liking of the Indian Diaspora and the CEOs party but it cautiously awaits from Apple, Amazon and Walmart www.lohiatoday.com overall reaction in the country. to invest largely in the country. The Congress, like other parties, They are more inclined than ever JANATA, July 2, 2017 3 A Policy to Eliminate Toiletless People

Sandeep Pandey

When Narendra Modi initiated his makes us wonder the kind of society India the caste system further Clean India campaign nobody would we want to create? On the morning prevents the from using have thought that it can become of 17 June, 2017 employees of available toilets. For example, a deadly one day. The symbol being Nagar Parishad of Pratapgarh were number of domestic workers used for this campaign is Mahatma taking photographs of women who do different chores like cleaning, Gandhi’s spectacles, a man who belonging to Mehtab Khan slum cooking or baby sitting in mostly stood for non-violence resolutely. A defecating in open with the objective upper caste middle class or upper number of things were not imagined of shaming them as a government middle class households do not have which would happen after Narendra policy. Zafar Khan who was also a permission to use the toilets inside Modi’s ascension to power - new resident of this slum decided to these homes. They have to find reasons would be discovered to protest. The accompanying some bush, tree or wall outside to harass some people, some of which Commissioner Ashok Jain instigated relieve themselves. could become fatal. For example, his dalit sanitation employees to beat people would be beaten up on the Zafar to death. The resurgent India It is the government officials who suspicion of having consumed beef has found a new reason to lynch are responsible for the death of Zafar and could be even killed, if a Muslim people. Khan. The Rajasthan boy chose to marry a Hindu girl, in Vasundhara Raje Scindhia, who the name of Love Jihad, he or they Do the women who defecate in termed it as an unfortunate incident, may have to scurry for cover, if open enjoy doing so? When they should have resigned taking moral police suspected a man don’t have toilets at home where are responsibility. accompanying a woman of harassing they supposed to go to relieve her then Anti-Romeo squads were themselves. If people don’t have The Commissioner Ashok Jain ready to jump upon him, Kashmiri toilets who is supposed to build it for follows a religion which lays special students studying in other states of them? If anybody was to be punished emphasis on non-violence. Jains are India could be beaten up at the for open defecation of women in known to take care so that no micro- slightest provocation after being Mehtab Shah slum it should have organism gets killed because of them. labeled anti-national, etc. More been the government officials whose The Jain monks tie a piece of cloth serious intractable problems like responsibility it was to create the around their mouth and nose for this famers’ suicides, malnourishment of toilets. If the land on which the slum reason. Jains don’t eat onion and children, human trafficking of girls was built was government land and garlic to keep their passions under and women from and possibly personal toilets could not check. Yet Ashok Jain didn’t seem through India, people have been built on it then the to have any qualms as he got Zafar including children begging on major government should have got a Khan murdered. street crossings of national and state Sulabh toilet built there. capitals, daily corruption at Narendra Modi’a cleanliness government offices, schools and If we compare India’s situation drive has completed three years. hospitals were not touched. For with her neighbours then it would Citizens were charged a new cess. politics of latter issues become clear that governments in Large amount was spent. But the did not have to potential for India have not given priority to ground reality doesn’t seem to have communal mobilization as the former. construction of toilets. In India mere changed. The cows are eating as 34% population had access to much plastic on roads as they were The manner in which Communist improved sanitation in 2010 doing before and amount of Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) compared to 92% in , 64% untreated sewage that flows into activist Zafar Khan was lynched to in China, 56% in Bangladesh, 48% death in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan in Pakistan and 44% in Bhutan. In (Continued on Page 10) 4 JANATA, July 2, 2017 PM Modi in USA

D. K. Giri

The India-US relations draw growth. So, there is a dichotomous Modi said, “Fighting terrorism, and heavy media and intellectual bilateralism between India and USA. doing away with safe shelters, attention; especially when Indian To expect any robust and substantive sanctuaries, and safe havens will be Prime Ministers visit US or the talk is unrealistic. an important part of our Presidents of come to cooperation”. Both of them together India. As usual, Modi’s visit to USA All these analyses and inferences said that Pakistan should not allow generated much excitement, are largely speculative, as nothing is its soil to be used for terrorist expectation and a good deal of permanent in politics, national or activities. Perhaps, what is a big anxiety too, given the unpredictable international. Trump is known for take-away for India from this visit nature of Donald Trump, the US blowing hot and cold, is capable of is the US decision to designate President. The media, experts, changing his mind quite frequently. Hizbul Mujahidden leader Syed commentators jumped into He was revving and ranting about Salahuddin as a global terrorist. pontificating on the visit, the process China, its unfair competition in and the outcome; proffered a lot of business, its expansionist tendencies On trade, which was worrying advice to Modi on what he should etc. but he met the Chinese premier commentators, it does not look so expect and extract from the US in perfect bonhomie and declared the ominous. Trump wants ‘fair and President. relation with China as normal. People reciprocal’ trade ties. He wants talk about influences on Trump, from barriers to US exports removed, so The reactions by some experts to his son-in-law, and other family that USA makes up the trade deficit the timing of the visit, the pre-visit members. But, surely, despite of about 31 billion USD with India, bilateral scenario, especially Trump’s Trump’s idiosyncrasies, there is a although it is peanuts compared to comments on India on climate foreign-policy establishment in US - 374 billion USD deficits USA has negotiations etc. were not charitable, which would maintain the sobriety with China. Both the leaders were nor optimistic. Modi, was invited late and continuity of their approaches to hopeful that the major tax reforms after two heads of states from Asia different countries and world issues. carried out in their respective had already been to US, namely Trump is moving and shaking things countries would “unlock immense China and . They feel that as never before in US, but as, he economic opportunities”. India does not figure in US priorities settles down a bit more, he will as much as China and Japan do. shape up, or ship out, as they say. At The talks covered areas like clean Second, Trump ran India and China any rate, what were the items on energy, such as clean coal, and down for their selfish approach to Modi’s agenda with USA, or Trump, scientific and technical collaboration climate security negotiations. Third, and what is he coming back with? across the sectors. The president of US would not dilute its trade relations India-US Business Association had with China, nor would it upset its Trade and terrorism were the made, in a newspaper article, a strategic alliance with Pakistan, in predominant issues in discussion comprehensive list of five areas to view of the unfinished business in although they covered other areas be covered during the talks. US- Afghanistan etc. Fourth, US like energy, environment, and India defence partnership; currently is following an inward- economy at global level. On reinvigorating US-India agricultural looking, isolationist approach to world terrorism, Trump said, “both our dialogue; creating energy trade and politics, including in South Asia. So nations have been struck by the technology initiative; building US world engagement will be evils of terrorism, and we are both cooperation in health and security; reduced. India, on the other hand, is determined to destroy terrorist and building a forward looking trade looking for and is in need of some organisations and the radical agenda. greater engagement for the sake of ideology that drives them. We will its security as well as new economic destroy radical Islamic terrorism”. What is the net result for India JANATA, July 2, 2017 5 from this visit? The foreign policy arrangement is meant to prevent the and sympathisers of the Congress experts and media have different misuse of exports in building military party would still argue that Nehru had interpretations of the intent and capabilities for aggression and laudable foreign policy principles. outcome of the summit meeting destabilisation. Likewise, the They maintain that Nehru’s between Modi and Trump. Some Australia Group consisting of 42 panchsheel and non-alignment were say, on defence and terrorism, India member states including all the 28 signal contributions to India’s did well to gain positive outcome, but members of European Union was international image and role. There on trade and climate change issues created in 1985 to prevent the was not much change of Nehru’s the results were not in India’s exports that have the potential to be approach until India went through the favour. Let us list the gains from the used for chemical and biological LPG-liberalisation, privatisation, and meeting before we critique India’s weapons. This was started with the globalisation. “Continuity and US policy, which ought to be done initiative of Australia, after Iraq used change” was the maxim of India’s in the national interest of India. On chemical weapons in 1984. That is foreign policy. However, after the matters of cross-border terrorism, it why it is called Australia Group. cold war, the non-alignment had a was a big gain. Since India and Fourthly, India joined the Global natural death. India’s ally and friend Pakistan bilateral relations are not Entry Programme, also known as Soviet Union disintegrated. India normalising, what is worse, are ‘international expedited traveller was left with no friends as it being influenced by other countries, initiative’. This would facilitate continued to profess its non-aligned namely China and US, it was speedier entry of Indians into USA. character. Some commentators like important that US took an Global entry Programme allows Sashi Tharoor would say “Nehru’s unequivocal position on Pakistan’s expedited clearance at the US policies were moralistic running sponsorship of terrorism. Secondly, customs and border controls. The commentary” on international US support for UN Convention on concession India may have to make politics. Tharoor incurred heavy International Terrorism, which is in terms of greater opening for backlash for saying so from the Obama Administration was reluctant US exports to India. At the same Congress party. But he was also to do, will be good for US as well time, India needs to expand its endorsing what Lord Bhiku Parikh as India. The treaty proposed since exports to USA. The logical said in a talk on ‘India’s place in the 1996 has not been signed for want corollary to increase in exports is a world’. Lord Parikh was debunking of consensus. This treaty, once vibrant domestic economy. Nehruvian foreign policy as he said signed, will criminalise all forms of “Nehru’s policies gave India a sense international terrorism and deny The consulting editor of Indian of misplaced self-righteousness”. terrorists’ access to funds, arms and Express, Pratap Bhanu Mehta had He added, “Nehru developed Indian safe havens. This will also make suggested that India should ‘enlarge foreign policy as though he was the listing of terrorists easier and the frame’ in negotiation with USA. speaking for the whole of Asia, helpful. Secondly, the US supported What he was arguing is, India is a homogenising the entire continent India’s membership of Nuclear big democracy priding itself on its and ignoring internal conflicts”. Supplier Group, which China has multiculturalism, an accommodative From such a perspective, which been opposing. China has stated society despite minor distortions. critiques Nehruvian idealistic and again, as Modi was in USA, that it While US is backsliding on utopian approach to world affairs, will block India’s entry into NSG. democracy and multiculturalism one should evaluate our relations with Thirdly, USA supports India’s under Trump, India could be the USA. membership of Wassenaar exemplar country to the world as a Arrangement and the Australia multicultural pluralist democracy; use Two things should inform and Group. Wassenaar Arrangement, this as a negotiating point with guide India’s foreign policy including signed by 41 countries, seeks to United States. What a puerile its approach to USA. One, India control the exports of conventional argument! India has been a should not aspire to play the role of Arms and dual–use goods and democracy of some kind for 70 world leader with so much poverty technologies. It is a multilateral years. How has it helped India and backwardness. The foreign export control regime signed in internationally? It draws sympathy, policy of a country is a function of Wassenaar, the that is but not respect, nor solid support. why it is so named. This Many experts, mainly the supporters (Continued on Page 14) 6 JANATA, July 2, 2017 In the Name of Public Interest

J. L. Jawahar

Life Insurance Corporation of the proceedings. That is an obvious government. Or can the courts India (LIC) as the name indicates is statement and gives no scope to dictate policies? Is there no an insurance company, and the involve them in it. It is not clear on distinction between legal and premier organ for insurance in India. what grounds the Hon’ble Court felt administrative matters? Is there no As insurance company it has to be it necessary to involve the SEBI. separation between the areas of more careful about how it uses its judiciary and executive government assets so that any liability will be met Actually there has been no breach and legislatures? without any difficulty. They naturally of any law in the investments made chose safe lines of investment. In by the LIC. It is not a matter to be It is not the High Court alone. Even addition, if the investments also bring decided by the courts of law, not even the Hon’ble Supreme Court is in that in some revenue it is still better. As a by the government. It is exclusively habit. Somebody approaches with a prudent management they chose ITC for the LIC to determine where to petition that Yoga must be made as a safe and remunerative invest as long as they do not break compulsory in all schools and direct investment. In every respect ITC is any law. The petition should have been the government to do so. The Court a sound company. rejected by the court. They could issues notices to all concerned. That have advised them to approach their is in the name of public interest. It is But in the month of April, 2017 members of parliament or assembly an excuse to take any matter for the LIC was drawn to the Bombay or government directly. Instead, they consideration. Courts go to constitute High Court with an allegation that felt it necessary to try the case and benches with two or three judges to the investments made in ITC are also tried to expand the area of try these cases. (More important against public interest. In the report litigation by involving unrelated cases involving legal issues can wait it is not stated if the petition organisations into the fray. It is for decades) There is no place or mentioned any Act which forbids entertained as a “Public Interest need for legislatures in our such investments. Rightly, LIC Litigation”. What is the public interest representative democracy. That stated in their affidavit, in reply, that involved in it? There are many place is usurped by the courts. The their investments are in line with the industries that are not conducive for courts can determine what the policy of government and also in the public health. These matters were government should do and should not best interests of the organization discussed many times and settled. do. Because of indiscriminate and public welfare. In such a entertainment of petitions in the name situation there appears no ground for The petitioners, a surgeon in the of public interest, people have come the Hon’ble Court to entertain the Tata Memorial Hospital and a to believe that courts are the savior petition prima facie. But they have Managing Trustee of Tata Trusts, are in all situations. The mechanism not only entertained the petition but also not laymen not to understand that prescribed in the constitution is have gone to the extent of trying to it is a matter of policy to be decided by ignored and undermined. It shows make the Securities and Exchange the government and not a matter of lack of respect for the constitution Board of India a party to the law to be decided by the courts. They which is also being encouraged by petition. In their affidavit in reply, could have gone to the members of the judiciary. Naturally it relieves the SEBI is reported to have excused parliament or legislative assembly elected representatives of any themselves from interfering in the demanding that a policy shall be responsibility to the constituents and litigation. They pointed out the devised to prevent investments in they feel free to enjoy the status and petitioners “neither prayed for any tobacco industry as they are perquisites without any relief against them nor involved in detrimental to public health and pass commensurate responsibility. They share ownership”. It fell on an some Act for the purpose. It is obvious do not grudge the development and organization like SEBI to tell the that policies are not dictated by courts want to perpetuate it. court that they are “neither a and are legitimately decided by necessary nor a proper party” to legislatures and executive Alas! That is our democracy. JANATA, July 2, 2017 7 BJP is Mythicising its Anti-Emergency Role

D. L. Sheth

Professor DL Sheth is Honorary Senior Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. On the 40th anniversary of , he spoke on the principal characters of the anti-Emergency movement, the Bharatiya ’s attempts at appropriating it, Finance Minister ’s role and whether the Modi government displays authoritarian tendencies. Excerpts:

Even before imposed the Emergency, wasn’t tremendous pressure already building up in the political system?

Yes, the origin of this pressure was new energy in the party system who were to later constitute the can be traced to the split of the and civil society. Mrs Gandhi took Janata Party, the Akalis and other Congress party in 1969. For the advantage of this to win the 1971 regional entities. They felt Mrs first time, there was a divide along election and emerged as the national Gandhi’s charismatic appeal ideological lines, between the old leader. Then she won the threatened their revival, even Congress, the old regime, and the Bangladesh war. She was now the survival. new Congress represented by supreme leader of Indian politics, Indira Gandhi, who was taking pro- thereby pushing all other parties into The Left prospered with Mrs people initiatives (such as the a crisis. Gandhi. For the first time, you had nationalisation of banks, mines and an ideological division in the political abolition of the privy purse). It On the other hand, you had civil culture – Mrs Gandhi and the Left would be tempting to see the divide society groups led by Jayaprakash together were pitted against the rest, as one between the Right and the Narayan, or JP, among the few from who were stereotyped Right, Left in the Congress, but it was the pre-Independence period who conservative, pro-Capitalists, but really more new than Left. was still around, who had socialist who were seen by people as credentials, and was Gandhi-esque, nationalists, opposed to corruption, This destabilised the political in the sense that he was for the and engaged in popular movements system. Till then, the country’s country, not for posts. He was telling in Gujarat and Bihar. JP was the politics was of the noblesse oblige the people that the country had leader of these movements. His very kind. The split redefined the polity. stagnated because of corruption. In presence enabled these movements Mrs Gandhi got support beyond fact, JP said Mrs Gandhi was the to acquire a national appeal. expectations. Her popularity fountain of corruption. threatened the political parties no Then came the Allahabad High end; they thought they were at a There were other sources of Court judgement? dead-end. dissatisfaction – for instance, price rise and unemployment. Gandhi was Yes, the Allahabad High Court Did the political parties cynically for political power. Yet her judgement [June 12, 1975] declared experience an existential threat policies infused her with a Mrs Gandhi’s election from Rae because of her policies? charismatic appeal for the poor. By Bareli null and void on the grounds contrast, the lower to upper middle that she had misused the official Right after the split, Gandhi class were more in the civil society machinery for her campaign. She evolved a new language of politics. movements of JP. All this was went in appeal to the Supreme The parties could not adjust or leading to a confrontation. Court, which granted conditional respond to it. Secondly, her policies stay on the judgement – she was opened up the politics. The old style The civil society also had a party barred from voting in the of politics was defined by , structure, which included the until the final judgement but could by patron-client relationship. There socialists, basically leaders of groups remain as Prime Minister. 8 JANATA, July 2, 2017

The judgement was a catalyst? bespectacled knicker-wallahs, five So who were the people who or six of whom would assemble in faced the brunt of the Emergency? Yes. Raj Narain was one whom neighbourhood parks. They Mrs Gandhi had defeated in Rae suddenly came alive because of JP. Socialists and civil society Bareli and who had petitioned the He was a lifeline for them. It was activists, people who were court. He’s portrayed as a by participating in the JP movement dissenters. The power of oppression clownish figure. But if there was that the RSS-Jan Sangh came into was decentralised – those who were one person who, after JP, had a role mainstream politics. tortured at police stations were the in upstaging her, it was Raj Narain. ones organising everyday protests. He persisted with the case, never If you think how the Emergency In comparison, spending two-three gave up. The judgement was a was countered and resisted at months or years in jail wasn’t that blow to her. She couldn’t take it several points, you won’t find bad. Somebody should write on their because of her belief in the divine many BJP characters. You will find life there! theory of family rule. Feeling the socialists and others, but not the insulted, she went on to impose the BJP. They were on the margins of Who were the people organising Emergency. politics. Really, you wouldn’t call the everyday protest? their leader, , JP was both the guiding mainstream, would you? The young, the socialists, the figure and the symbol of the anti- liberals, and the NGOs. Even here Emergency movement. But What about AB Vajpayee, LK at this institute [CSDS], for instance, who were the other principal Advani? people got together and opposed the actors? Emergency. We feared a They were all creatures of the crackdown, but didn’t face it. But The entire youth of the country, JP movement. It was the RSS’s the group comprising the socialists people whom we can loosely label considered judgement to seize the and liberals were suppressed, and as socialists – the JP-ites, the Lohia- opportunity provided by JP’s anti- there were instances of ites, men like Ashok Mehta. The Emergency movement for coming disappearances. In fact, the real spread and life of these dispersed into the mainstream and working oppression was outside the jail. characters called socialists was out their agenda through Though not quantifiable, the principal clearly underestimated. Though democratic politics. Since it was a headache for the regime was the attacked by both the Congress and cadre-based organisation, it could everyday protest. My perception is the Left, they were engaged in actually issue diktats such as: “so based on the many visits I made to popular movements and had also many people have to go for the jail- friends in the jail. fared well electorally – for instance, bharo andolan [‘fill the prisons’ in 1967. JP’s call for Total Revolution movement].” If you look at the It’s very important to understand brought all these socialists on one number of people who were jailed the culture of resistance to know how platform. during the Emergency, they must the Emergency was opposed. It be the highest. They had the cadres involved having an item inserted in What about the role of the BJP? – and their families were looked newspapers, or distributing after by the organisation. pamphlets clandestinely, or writing There was no BJP then. graffiti on walls, or networking with Are you implying that groups in other parts of the country Yes, they were then known as Jan they didn’t face the brunt of what is resisting the Emergency. It was like Sangh. called the Emergency crackdown or getting kicks as if you were oppression? underground. They were also stagnating, were painted in a corner, despite the Yes, they didn’t face the brunt of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s the Emergency. Once a person was is credited for having organised famed network. The RSS-Jan in the jail, he didn’t face much an anti-Emergency meeting in Sangh was then typically problem there. It wasn’t as if they . How significant symbolised by 40-something, were being tortured. would that have been? JANATA, July 2, 2017 9

It would have been significant in opposing the Emergency was even more fundamentalist for those days. People were scared significant and glorious. otherwise. Had Indira Gandhi given then. a more nationalist face to the What about then RSS chief Emergency, it is hard to tell whether Weren’t such meetings being Balasaheb Deoras apologising to the RSS would have opposed the held countrywide? You said even Indira Gandhi? Emergency. the CSDS organised a meeting. Yes, Deoras did write such a Considering the role of Yes, such meetings were being held letter. The RSS was ambivalent socialists, would you agree the all around. I don’t know how much I about Mrs Gandhi. They considered BJP is trying to appropriate the can tell you about this place. But Rajni her a nationalist, a hero who defeated memory of the anti-Emergency Kothari [CSDS founder and eminent Pakistan and created Bangladesh. movement for itself? political scientist], for instance, was Vajpayee called her Durga. They about to be arrested. Mrs Gandhi’s were ambivalent about Mrs. Gandhi– They are trying to. But it doesn’t then principal secretary, PN Dhar, because they saw her winning a war wash with me. called Kothari and said, “Move out in for the Hindus for the first time! 24 hours or you will be arrested.” But the way the BJP leaders talk Kothari didn’t want to leave, but he Individual cases apart, the RSS about their role in opposing the was in such poor health that we had was not offended by the Emergency, Emergency, it appears today that to push him out. not in the way socialists and liberals they were the sole opponents of it. were. The RSS’s decision to oppose Are you saying Jaitley’s anti- the Emergency was based on a This is because of the dispersal Emergency endeavour wasn’t so mature, political judgement about of socialists. You feel ashamed of unique? their future. Lohia-ites like , , Sharad Unique? Not at all. Whether you Why do you say it was a mature Yadav – though for him [Sharad went to Bombay or Madras or judgement? Yadav] I still have respect. You wherever, there were spontaneous wonder what lessons they learnt protests. For the first time you felt The Sangh’s decision to oppose from the Emergency. They have that democratic culture had been the Emergency gave it ample political become casteists. They squandered imbibed in India’s public life. You space in the mainstream and the opportunity to build a party didn’t have supporters of the accorded credibility to the Jan Sangh organisation. It’s such a pity that Emergency other than those who (later BJP). From a long-term others don’t create parallel were in the Communist Party of perspective, JP made a mistake by memories about the anti-Emergency India. That finished the CPI, but the forming the Janata Party. History movement, memories that are more (Marxist) would have been different had he democratic, liberal and cultural. survived. decided to lead a coalition of parties. By contrast, the BJP used the Wasn’t that because the CPI(M) Do you mean the Janata Party anti-Emergency movement to build opposed the Emergency? sanctified the RSS-BJP? itself.

I wouldn’t say they opposed the Yes. When the Jan Sangh In every organisation’s history Emergency. But yes, they didn’t became BJP, they kept the Janata there is something which it wants to support it. They were unhappy about in its name. So from being the Jan celebrate and mythicise. Before the it. Sangh, they became the Bharatiya Emergency, what did the RSS-Jan Janata Party. In the process, they Sangh/BJP have? The murder of Would you say the role of Akalis got the janata [people] so to speak. Gandhi. During the Independence was more significant than the BJP’s? This was the gain they hadn’t had movement when the non-communal in 100 years. On the positive side, nationalism was emerging, what was Looks like so. I wouldn’t like to it enabled the BJP to give space to their record? There was nothing in compare the two, but the Akalis’ role Hinduists who would have been their contribution to the 10 JANATA, July 2, 2017

Independence movement which Could that lead to authoritarianism? Human Resources. My problem could have given them legitimacy. with this regime is what they are This is why I say the anti- No, I have great faith in Indian doing to the Non Governmental Emergency movement was a lifeline democracy. After the 2014 election, Organisations – the NGOs – or the for them. This is the only thing they I met a whole range of people who film institute in . This is some have to celebrate, and also because thought they would be put in jail as kind of McCarthyism, which too had behind its celebration they can hide soon as Modi became Prime popular support. It is a witch-hunt their past. Minister. They lack faith in the Indian of those who disagree with the people. He is the elected Prime regime. You also have the problem It’s a pity that the memory of the Minister – you can oppose him, you of not recognising the rights of anti-Emergency movement means can contest his ideology, you don’t minorities. more to the BJP today than it does have to accept him. After the big win to the fragments of the Janata Party. in the 1971 election and the In other words, what you are Bangladesh war, Indira Gandhi took saying is that majoritarianism, unlike Do you think the majoritarian just two-three years to lose her authoritarianism, still subscribes to philosophy of the RSS-BJP could popularity. rules. lead to authoritarianism? Let me put it this way – they will Yes, absolutely. But it needs to be There is a problem of context try to be authoritarian, but they won’t fought. That is why we should here. Since the mid-1980s, succeed. expand the public discourse from Nehruvian secularism has been secular-communal to liberal-illiberal. turned by Congress into what I call So can’t authoritarianism come permissive communalism, which in a way different from what we –Ajaz Ashraf, Scroll.in means you are permitted to be experienced during the (Continued from Page 3) communal on certain issues – Emergency? symbolised by the opening of the river Ganga in remains the gates of the Babri Masjid and closing I may see authoritarianism coming same as before. The Clean India the gates for Shah Bano. The BJP from the Marxist Left, but not from campaign is a failure. People got has taken advantage of it to push their Right. There are just too photographed with brooms in which project – how to bring about a many countervailing forces among no member of Valmiki community congruence between electoral the demographic Hindus. We was seen who actually do the majority and cultural, rather religious, shouldn’t read something, that is, cleaning job daily or enter our majority. The Emergency provided authoritarianism, into our political sewers. The credit for whatever them the chance to work out this culture which doesn’t have that – but cleanliness we see around us goes congruence. They didn’t succeed which might become a self-fulfilling to the Valmiki community. until 2014. The jury is now out. prophecy as a result. This government will have a majoritarian Probably more money was spent What’s your verdict on the BJP’s thrust – the challenge is to fight it in publicizing rather than actual project? without encouraging a brand of cleaning in the Clean India minorityism. campaign. My general feeling is that Modi knows politics and power. For the So you are very sure the The policy of Narendra Modi first time, the ideology is Emergency will never be imposed has created a new category of not that of [Vinayak Damodar] and authoritarianism will not raise its discrimination in India. It mostly Sarvarkar (who coined the term head in the future? overlaps the rich-poor or caste- ‘Hindutva] or [Madhav Sadashiv] outcaste divide - the toileted and Golwalkar [the second chief of the But it need not always be about the toilet-less. By eliminating the RSS]. It is Modi-like Hindutva, imposing the Emergency. It could toilet-less people India can claim which, to define it, means Hindu ka also be about on how to tighten the to have increased the percentage bolbaalaa rahegaa (Hindus will be screw – and on whom. For example, of population with access to in prominence). it is being done in the Ministry of sanitation. JANATA, July 2, 2017 11 Controlling the Past

Sankara Narayanan

The Sangh has appropriated the from the JP-led movement and five-point programme,” she image of being anti-Emergency offering to work for the infamous wrote. crusaders in the absence of counter 20-point programme. She did not narratives from other pivotal players. even bother to reply any of his Swamy’s indictment of the RSS, letters.” in contrast to Kapoor’s, wasn’t Every anniversary of the confined to individuals. It extended Emergency brings the memories of “In fact for most of the 20- to the organisation as such. Swamy the darker side of the authoritarian month Emergency, Vajpayee was wrote that RSS leader Madhavrao regime of Indira Gandhi and the out on parole after having given Muley was the one who advised him heroic struggle launched by the a written assurance that he would to go abroad. Swami wrote, ”A opposition parties and freedom not participate in any programmes tearful Muley told me in early lovers under the leadership of against the Government,” Swamy November 1976, I had better to overthrow wrote. escape abroad again since the RSS that dictatorship. Recently gone had finalised the document of 42nd anniversary was no different. The two weren’t the only surrender to be signed in end luminaries who apologised to Indira. January of 1977, and that on RSS-BJP leaders as usual Swamy cited a book by Akali leader Vajpayee’s insistence I would be recounted the tales of resistance they Surjit Singh Barnala which provides sacrificed to appease an irate mounted against the dictatorship of a ”vivid description of other Indira and a fulminating Sanjay Indira Gandhi. But what they will not erstwhile Jan Sangh worthies who whose names I had successfully talk about, or counter, are the chose to walk out of prison on blackened abroad by my accusations Dr promise of good behaviour”. campaign.” made against their leaders during the late 1990s, in early 2000 and on Stories about RSS chief Deoras In an article published very many occasions in the past, till apologising to Indira have always by ‘Outlook’ magazine in March he joined BJP against their leaders. been in circulation. Coomi Kapoor, 1998, Swamy is quoted as saying, Swamy’s sister-in-law writes in her “Just to get out of the prison on On June 13, 2000, a fortnight book, ‘The Emergency: A personal parole, Vajpayee had given a before the 25th anniversary of the history’: “Ironically, Deoras, who letter of apology to Indira Gandhi Emergency, Swamy claimed that the was put in jail, did not play such and had created a bad then RSS chief Balasahab Deoras a heroic role. From prison he sent precedence.’’ An article published and former Prime Minister A B several letters to Indira Gandhi by ‘’ 25 Vajpayee betrayed the anti- praising her leadership, and these November 2012 quoted Swamy as Emergency movement by tendering were perceived as a form of saying, “During the Emergency, apologies to Indira Gandhi in writing. apology and a plea for pardon.” Vajpayee wanted me to surrender. Swamy wrote in his article titled He felt that it would send the right “Unlearnt lessons of the Kapoor’s narrative illustrates that message. The RSS had told me not Emergency” published in ‘The Deoras wasn’t the only RSS to, under any circumstances. So I Hindu’: ”It is on the record in luminary who buckled under didn’t.” the Assembly pressure. ”Many more ‘Twenty proceedings that Balasaheb Pointers’ – paying allegiance to Different accounts make it clear Deoras wrote several apology the Emergency powers, they that Vajpayee was neither a doughty letters to Indira Gandhi from declared their allegiance to Indira opponent of the Emergency as he inside the Yerawada jail Gandhi’s Twenty Point has been made out to be, nor was in Pune disassociating the RSS Programme and Sanjay Gandhi’s the RSS steadfast in opposing 12 JANATA, July 2, 2017 Emergency. The role of the RSS in Avoid Irreversible Ecological Loss the resistance against the Emergency wasn’t bigger than that of socialists, without whom the Our country is threatened with irreversible, the chances of reversing movement to reclaim democratic and many kinds of ecological threats. are so less once the projects have civil rights would not have While it is important to try to reduce been completed that the damage floundered. all these threats and risks, the most caused by these projects is also likely urgent of these challenges is to try to to be almost irreversible. This The Sangh’s narrative of the anti- reduce those risks which are of an statement should also be seen Emergency movement has gone irreversible nature ie those risks and together with the several warnings unchallenged for a variety of threats which once unleashed either which eminent experts including reasons. One, the collapse of the cannot be reversed or else reversing those who have held important Janata Party and the dispersal of these will be so difficult as to be almost positions in the government have socialists have prevented the impossible in practical terms. been giving about the high risks and creation of Emergency memories adverse impacts of various river-link parallel to that of the Sangh. Two, One clear example of irreversible projects. several Janata Party’s offshoots damage relates to the impact of GM over the last 25 years have aligned ( genetically modified ) crops . This It is very unfortunate and a matter with the Congress, which means aspect of irreversible damage is very of deep concern that such criticism of the Emergency would be important to understand in India as technologies and projects with the criticism of the Congress. we have a very strong and powerful potential of inflicting very serious and lobby for GM crops in India today irreversible damage are being Three, the anti-Emergency with enormous resources at its pushed and promoted at the highest movement provided the Sangh with disposal and its reach extending to levels in India. All those who are a means to mainstream itself. Till the topmost levels of decision concerned about the future welfare then, it had been a marginal force, making. of our people and the welfare of next having contributed little to the generations should oppose those Independence movement and known As Prof. Susan Bardocz has technologies and projects which can more for its role in the killing of noted, “GM is the first irreversible cause serious and irreversible Gandhi. The JP movement sanctified technology in human history. When damage. the Sangh. This has prompted it, with a GMO ( Genetically Modified –Bharat Dogra help from friends, to spin myths about Organism) is released it is out of our its own role in the anti-Emergency control; we have no means to call it movement. back ...Since GMOs are self- replicating, releasing them might Four, the party in power is relatively have dire consequences for human By better placed than others to scribble and animal health and for the its name on the milestones of the past. environment and change evolution.” This truism was on display on the B. Vivekanandan 42nd anniversary of the Emergency, This statement must be seen as it was on the 25th as well – the together with numerous other Price: Rs. 20/- BJP was in power then too. statements of reputed scientists and groups of scientists which have As BJP leaders celebrated drawn attention to numerous serious Janata Trust their role in resisting the hazards, risks and adverse impacts D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Emergency, it was yet another of GM crops. attempt at scrubbing from the Naushir Bharucha Marg, public memory what is Next we would like to give the Grant Road (W), inconvenient to them and writing example of river-linking projects. history in black-and-white, as is While the risks and harmful impacts Mumbai 400 007. their habit. in these cases may not be completely JANATA, July 2, 2017 13 Over 40,000 families in Narmada Valley To, Shree Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Republic of India

Subject: Appeal for Intervention and protection of the right to life and livelihoods of over 40,000 families in Narmada Valley facing submergence due to Sardar Sarovar Dam Respected Modi ji,

Water is life, and the people of construct houses. House plots are at Thousands of trees are going to India from ages have welcomed the a lower level than the road, so during be submerged without carrying out arrival of monsoon. In the past few the rainy season waterlogging causes compensatory afforestation as days, the arrival of the monsoon has diseases. directed by the Forest become a threat to life and livelihood (Conservation) Act 1980 and the of a large number of our people. I The said Supreme Court order Rules and Guidelines there under. In have received information about the clearly states that Resettlement and a country whose soul is so deeply impending plight of the people Rehabilitation of the Project embedded in religion and whose residing in the Narmada Valley that Affected Families to be complete in identity is formed by its culture, is unfolding as the monsoon arrives. all respects before any forcible drowning of thousands of temples A few days back, many concerned displacement of these villages is and mosques and hundreds of citizens had gathered in the national directed. Closing of the gates is de archaeological sites without taking capital to express strong facto a method of forcible eviction necessary steps to shift them is disappointment about the inhumane and thus, not only a barbaric act but unacceptable not only to the people act of closing of the gates of the also a disrespect of the court order. facing involuntary displacement but Sardar Sarovar Dam, which appears More than 40000 families, with their the whole country. to be inconsistent with the order of residential houses, livestock, the Supreme Court of India dated 08 hospitals, schools, shops and all The Narmada Control Authority February 2017 in the Special Leave other civic amenities, are still living (NCA) reportedly claimed zero Petition No. 7663/2016. Closing the in these villages. The resettlement balance in funds for rehabilitation gates of the dam will drown more and rehabilitation sites are not even work in 2015, but very recently the than 40,000 families living in the close to completion. The tenders to information gathered through RTI Narmada Valley who are not carry out the necessary work at Act by the Narmada Bachao rehabilitated yet. these sites were issued last month Andolan and the gazette notification by the government. Given this clearly show that this was incorrect. I write to you on behalf of these condition, the government is now people of the Narmada Valley, proposing to erect tin-sheds to Our country has a thriving artisans, farmers, labourers, fish- accommodate lakhs of people. democracy and as the head of a workers, and many others who are Intimidation tactics—e.g. putting up democratically elected government, staring at submergence of their land posters in the villages asking people you can still opt for a people based and livelihood due to closing of the to leave, sending officials with path for economic development. I gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, messages to the people that the appeal to you to extend your kind help at its full reservoir level of 138.68 police will use force to throw them to the people facing submergence meters. For these people without out, making them sign ambiguous and ensure justice. Your urgent rehabilitation, basic amenities like and incomplete affidavits that state intervention seeking a status report drinking water and electricity are not their agreement to vacate—are from the NCA, which has been the available. Some sites have black soil, inhuman acts of brutality by the justification for the closure, may be which makes it very difficult to government. useful in finding where the truth lies. 14 JANATA, July 2, 2017

There are people from Scheduled 5. Direct the All this is essential to ensure Tribes, thus enabling PESA Act, but Govt. to constitute a committee to the faith of people in non-violent, no consideration has been given to assess the impact on environment, democratic and constitutional tribal rights and to the resolutions of river and forests by submergence governance and struggle for their the Gram Sabhas. and also the impact in downstream rights. I, on behalf of the people flow of the river. Last year, the sea of Narmada valley, now appeal You have come to power with a intruded into the River up to 30 km, to you for immediate attention massive people’s mandate. I request adversely impacting the agriculture and intervention to save the you to intervene and ensure the and industry, and the communities people threatened by following to stop the injustice and to living in those regions. submergence. safeguard the constitutional rights of the people of Narmada Valley: With best regards,

1. Direct the Madhya Pradesh Jayanta Bandyopadhyay Govt. to do a comprehensive re- (Continued from Page 5) survey of project affected people and give priority to rehabilitation first its national strength and attributes. by following orders of the Supreme And the national strength is Court so that no family is evicted measured by the growth and without rehabilitation. development of a country. India is still a developing country with large 2. Direct the Madhya Pradesh pockets of poverty and vast Govt. to take advice from every swathes of the country outside the Gram Sabha following section 4 of pale of modernity or prosperity. PESA Act to seek their consent and Second, no country has been or will advice on appropriate ways of be independent or non-aligned in an making rehabilitation sites and interdependent world. Moreover, a providing amenities essential to country has to surrender part of its them. sovereignty in order to secure larger gains in economy, security and 3. Order the Madhya Pradesh scientific and technical knowledge, Govt. and authorities to provide the etc. Look at the countries of benefits to farmers as per the European Union. So, from day one, Supreme Court orders and ensure the policy of non-alignment was a alternative livelihoods, rights of fish non-starter in view of India’s workers on the reservoir, rights of national interest. The apologists put artisans to land on the banks of the it to the prevailing world order. But river, rights to boatmen for free that is a rationalisation of Nehru’s access to the river, new plots to actions which did not help India’s shopkeepers or sufficient cause of developing a country after Price: Rs. 20/- compensation by bringing adequate decolonisation. So, moving closer to change in policies. USA on respectable terms is a necessity for India, especially when 4. Direct authorities to provide the China-Pakistan axis with moral Janata Trust lists of work done till today, number support from Russia is encircling D-15, Ganesh Prasad, and details of applications received India. The call to action is making by various authorities, such as NCA, India’s economy strong, not just Naushir Bharucha Marg, NVDA, GRA and others concerned GDP but per capita growth and Grant Road (W), so that remaining work can be development which will give it the planned in a more comprehensive leverage it needs with its friends as Mumbai 400 007. and amicable manner. well as enemies. JANATA, July 2, 2017 15 Fast Against Lynching

Dr. Prem Singh

I observed a 7-day fast at Jantar from social-political-educational- Defense sector. During the rule of Mantar in Delhi from June 25, religious organizations came to the previous government, the Land 2017 to protest against the lynching venue; farmers-workers-students Acquisition Act of 1894, was slightly of our own citizens in their own unions too came to attend; many amended in the interest of the land- country by mobs. On the first day, people came of their own. But they owner farmers. When the present Bandana Pandey (General Secretary, all expressed solidarity with the cause. government came to power, it Socialist Yuvajan Sabha) was with The presence of the youth continued brought the Ordinance on that new me in the fast. to remain encouraging; they came in Act. It is privatizing the ‘Navaratna’ large numbers on the seventh day units of the public sector. It is selling During the fast several friends also. Many youths from the nearby railway stations. To keep the including Medha Patkar, Janata cities of Delhi came over after reading attention of people away from this Dal(U) general secretary Arun the news on social media. heinous national crime, it has Kumar Shrivastav, Dr. engaged them in mutual differences Jain, Rajput, Ramesh Renu Gambhir, Prof. Gopeshwar and violence. Chand Sharma, Mahesh, Sadat Singh and Manju Mohan offered fruit Anwar and Akram and many others juice to end the fast with the hope Supporters of neo-liberal policies, visited the venue. that the society will take strong action whether they are political leaders or at every level to prevent mobocracy, civil society activists, cannot stop Listening to poems, opinions, which defies the constitutional order mob-lynching. Communalism has discussions and even heated and human civilization. been the effective tool of capitalist arguments at the venue of the fast occupation from the beginning. It was was a unique experience. It was as if Lohia was not in favour of due to this that the country was diverse public voices, different . Due to his participation in divided. Now the country is again shades of academicia, soul-searching the freedom movement, he had a being divided. Therefore, the desire poets and social philosophers had all long experience and the courage to and efforts of the neo-liberal come together to speak about the go to jail. Many of us do not have supporters in this direction are crisis afflicting the country. It was a that. But it seems that there are naturally doomed to be half-hearted very reassuring experience in itself. not too many options left. If people and inadequate. Yesterday, Bhai Mithilesh Shrivastav survive from the mob, it is possible read his poem. Himkar, Yogesh and that a part of the life might be spent The experience of the fast has Neeraj read stirring poems by senior in jail. If mobocracy continues to inspired us to work further towards and many new poets. Abhishek grow like this then chances are that preventing mobocracy. Many Shrivastav did not read his own poems political workers will also be colleagues have resolved to work but he made significant suggestions targeted, just as some writers and together. The efforts will continue. on how to plan solid and consistent intellectuals have been targeted. We have to assure the minorities, work to put a stop to mob lynching. And governments will stand far especially the youth, that everyone Amalesh Raju came to the fast venue apart. Just like they are doing now. has equal rights in India. They need and supported the cause. So also not give in to fear, and should not to poet-journalist Vimal Kumar. The present government is be misguided. working day and night to transfer Senior colleagues Ramchandra the public-social-national resources I request village panchayats, Rahi and Anil Nauriya continually of the country into the hands of municipalities, laborers, farmers, discussed for a long time the situation domestic and foreign corporate students, social-religious organizations and problems in the country and in houses and multinationals. As soon and individual citizens to contemplate the world. as this government came into power, upon this serious issue and make it allowed 100 percent Foreign efforts that incidents of mob-lynching On the last day, July 1, many people Direct Investment (FDI) in the are stopped immediately. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, July 2, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, July 2, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday July 5, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 25 Courageous Civil Servants July 9, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Visa Tangle too Disrupts Government officers after Minister () at the Software Business retirement take to sanyas, but some time to complain that if the Mrinal K. Biswas courageous ones have spoken government was not serious about against the intolerant society that implementing its recommendations, India is becoming. In their open letter why did it waste his time and the time Government Negligent they say, “It appears there is a of other members of the Commission? Towards Right to Education Sandeep Pandey growing religious intolerance that is aimed primarily at Muslims.” Manmohan Singh at the time expressed his helplessness. He Secularism and the State : Apparently, there has been no reportedly told Justice Sachar the Categorising the Nehru Model discussion or mention about the bureaucracy seemed to have come Anil Nauriya sentiments of this letter. The BJP in the way and what was promised which sets the tone of society to the Muslims remained only on probably did not want any discussion paper. The report had hardly any Modi Brings Israel Out and let the matter die as it has. Yet, adherent when the BJP came to from Closet the fact remains that the Muslims do power. The Muslims, once in a while, D. K. Giri not get their due. They are 17 crores do recall the report to underline their or 12 per cent out of India’s total grievances, but the media has shown population of 1.2 billion. As Justice no interest. as a Peaceful Method of Rajinder Sachar’s report has pointed Vibhuti Patel out, the treatment meted out to them Even otherwise the media has was worse than what the Dalits go come to tilt towards Hindutva. The through. voice of pluralism is hardly audible. Editor : Things have come to such a pass that The report is a decade old but none those who talk about pluralism are G. G. Parikh of its recommendations has ever looked down upon and considered Managing Editor : Guddi been implemented, not even under pro-Muslim for some personal gain. the Congress. What it means is that The BJP philosophy has come to D-15, Ganesh Prasad, a soft kind of Hindutva had spread prevail. The Congress Party which Naushir Bharucha Marg, into the country even before the BJP draws its connection with those who Mumbai - 400 007. came to power. One expected the struggled for independence and its Congress party to take up the point ethos of one country for all without Email : [email protected] made by Justice Sachar. I understand distinction of caste or creed is not Website:www.janataweekly.org that he even went to the Prime credible any more. 2 JANATA, July 9, 2017

The dynasty rules the party and to them for having shown courage Minister Adiyanath Yogi has does not give space to anybody else. during the Emergency. Indira was transferred 26 top secretaries to the Even the Working Committee of the very particular that those who government to make way for the party, which used to be in the news, challenged her were sidelined. people he considers nearer to his does not exist. One has never heard party’s philosophy. This is different of the AICC, or the party president’s The government of Narendra from the centre where the Prime elections. In an effort to let her son, Modi is not about promoting one man Minister has reportedly seen to it that Rahul, be an arbiter, Congress and his idiosyncrasies. It is more about those secretaries who fail to do their President has seen to ideology, the Hindutva. That makes jobs are given due warning. Modi is it that there would be no dissenting it much more ominous. One person considered by the civil service to be voice. can always be removed but ideas are a ruler who means business. harder to dislodge. That is the Senior members of the party difference between totalitarianism So far there is very little evidence openly express their disappointment and democracy. In the first, it is one that Modi can rise above ideology. that new and fresh voices are not person who tries to change the people. He still has two more years to go in entertained by Mrs Gandhi because In the other, it is the people who his five-year tenure. Maybe, he she is keeping the seat warm change top rulers. would now take some hard decisions exclusively for Rahul. He is so to put the country before the party. much the apple of her eye that even Unfortunately, today it is daughter Priyanka—she goes down Hindutva versus pluralism. better with the masses—has been Despotism of one person has been Janata Subscription pushed into the background. replaced by the despotism of ideology. This can be seen in the Priyanka’s most powerful way a 15-year-old Muslim, Junaid, Annual Rs. : 260/- selling point is that she resembles was stabbed to death on his way her grandmother, Indira Gandhi. back from a shopping spree to Three Years : 750/- Never mind that Indira had many celebrate Eid. Those responsible negative points. For example, the for his killing first abused him on Demand Draft / Cheque excesses committed during the account of his religion. Emergency when one lakh people on were detained without trial. The What is tragic is that those who Shah Commission, which held struggled for independent India do open sittings to bring out how the not count and the ones who were Mumbai Bank in favour of common man was maltreated, said never near the frontlines are ruling in its report that the Emergency the country. Where were the Hinutva JANATA TRUST was imposed because Indira voices when Nehru, Gandhi and wanted to save her seat after Maluana Azad were caned by the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Justice Lal Sinha people in solar hats? Naushir Bharucha Marg, disqualified her for six years. Mumbai 400 007 Instead of honouring the judgment There are some liberal voices who she changed the whole system of recall the independence movement governance. Subsequently, she and who led it, but allowed her younger son, Sanjay, the ruling party’s emphasis is on their to effectively rule the country with philosophy which was looked down Janata the support of his red necks. upon in a pluralistic country for which the nation was fighting. Back in those days there were is available at also a handful of serving and retired It is tragic to see that the civil civil servants who dared to defy servants themselves are wearing the www.lohiatoday.com authoritative governance and badge of Hindutva. In UP, where the suffered the punishment meted out BJP has come to power, Chief JANATA, July 9, 2017 3 Visa Tangle too Disrupts Software Business

Mrinal K. Biswas

Whether information technology expanding middle class who wish to visas are issued for a maximum industry is set for a course of boom move to the land of opportunity with period for seven years for to blur is the current angst for India. their knowledge-based education. executives and managers and five The spectre of restrictive H1B visa There is a fear that the new years for others. Business process policy by the US and the creeping administration will be heavy-handed outsourcing (BPO) is another disruption technology are the twin and cut down present strength of mechanism, under US close watch, threats that put a great strain on STEM workers and severely limit through which American companies India’s $150 billion IT industry. new admissions with strings attached. outsource large volume of work at At present, US issues 85,000 H1B less cost to Indian companies like Whether there will be a sigh of visas each year—65,000 to foreign , TCS. relief because of bold predictions by workers and 20,000 foreigners just the software association of 1.3-1.5 graduated from US universities. In It is still an open question how the lakh new jobs in 2017-18 period, 2015, some 64 per cent of this H1B US administration will act after along with 10-11 per cent domestic visas were issued mostly to Indian IT reviews of the current issue are revenue growth backed up by 7.6 technocrats who are employed at placed on the table of Trump. It is per cent rise in exports last year is greatly reduced pay by American almost certain that the present under the country’s keen watch at standard . leeward of the Indian IT industry in present. According to National particular will cease to exist in the Association of Software and The US administration and law- new order of things. In that event the Services Companies (Nassocom) makers worried at lack of jobs for Indian IT industry may go downhill, chairman R Chandrashekhar, this eminently employable Americans in because our IT sector is sustained industry faces continued headwinds the STEM sector because of chiefly by its marketability in the US from the US market. availability of cheap immigrant and Western Europe, the latter also workers seem determined to clamp showing signs xenophobic tendencies. The Indians mistakenly hoped that down on foreign workers for whom Our globally acknowledged software Trump-Modi meet last June-end Donald Trump stands steadfast. At expertise is the mainstay of our would untangle US threats of putting present, visa-holding knowledge services sector which command 55 a stop of a free run of Indians in the workers earn $60,000 annually per cent share of the national US software and services sector. against the normal pay of $130,000 economy (agriculture holds 18 per The subject was not there on the for an American in that field. Trump cent, industry 27 per cent). A discussion table of the two leaders appears to insist that the eligible aliens diminution of this strength will affect because Prime Minister Modi was must be offered a shade higher than hard India’s thriving middle class. aware of US President Roland the normal pay to show that it is worth Trump’s sensitivities on foreign paying because there is not enough It is not that gloomy, says workers flooding the US job market, qualified Americans to take jobs in Nasscom. Infosys claims that particularly in the IT industry. that sector. revenue growth in constant prices last year (2016) was 8.3 per cent, The Indians working or will be Similarly LI visas, which US State which was the fastest in the industry, working in the US under optional department issues to high-skilled despite various headwinds. But practical training (OPT) falling within foreign workers for transfers to the increasing automation is giving pain science, technology, engineering and US after they work in American nevertheless. The onset of disruption medicine (STEM) category have companies abroad for some period. technology is playing havoc and has come under the Trump It is found that in 2011, some 25,898 severely disturbed the survival administration’s critical review, to the of the 44,820 LI visas issued went instinct of the existing software consternation of India’s ever to the Indians. These two types of business in India and abroad. 4 JANATA, July 9, 2017

A disruption technology is one that Some 65 per cent of the existing positions by 2021 because of displaces an established technology IT technocrats are unable to acquaint intensified automation and and shakes up the industry or a themselves with it and are bound disruption. ground-breaking product that creates to lose jobs. They are at best a completely new industry. Harvard cybercoolies and expendable. It is not only visa problem for the Business School Professor Clayton Indeed, Infosys has “released” more budding IT technocrats the disruption M Christensen has coined the term than 11,000 jobs last year because technology is the bane for new and disruptive technology in his book The of automation. The little known existing technocrats as well. The Innovator’s Technology in which HIS Research projected that India software business as a whole is at a he shows sustaining technology is set to lose 6.4 lakh low-skilled crossroads. relies on incremental improvements to an already established technology while disruptive technology lacks GST or Great Harrassment ? refinements, often has performance problems but it appeals and invites . These days BJP bigwigs are common people. One is reminded of Through disruptive technology pitching their voices to claim great the wicked step of old colonial rulers laptops are replacing desktops, PCs patriotism by repeating the who had put tax on salt. displace typewriters, personal hackneyed slogan; One Nation, One Tax. If that is now exhibited as The law as of today has conferred computing disrupts television industry draconian powers on the Tax as well as great number of other an article of faith, one fails to understand why the party was Administrator. It is a patent feature activities, E-mails largely make of the bureaucratic machinery that it letter-writing obsolate, cell phones opposing the same thing tooth and nail just three years before. Early indulges into harassing tactics even disrupt telecom industry which in turn if many checks and balances are are yielding grounds to smart phones, ruling dispensation under the Congress had introduced the bill of provided in the law. Here, the law social networking upsets phones, itself has bestowed tremendous emails, instant messaging and event GST. And the BJP, then forced to occupy opposition benches, was powers on bureaucracy, planning. Cloud computing, 3D euphemistically called as Anti- printing and more such innovative calling it a most vicious piece of legislation. It is difficult to fathom profiteering Authority. Are learned measures have revolutionized the lawyers in the drafting section so software industry and the revolution what brought about change of heart in the saffron camp. naive? Do they not know that the has just begun. ingenuity of the business world knows Well, there is a saying in : no limit while designing the lanes to Indian IT is inadequately equipped Der se aiye, durust aiye - Better bypass the law? to cope with the oncoming disruptive late than never. However, one technology which is basically wonders why the superb legal brain The law provides that the innovative in nature. There will be behind the bill made it so registered dealers will have to file some of the most innovative and complicated. In the first place, the quarterly returns and also annual evolutionary disruptions we will see claim of being “One Tax” falters on returns. Why? Can not the clerks in with more connection, more two counts. There are as many as the GST office do simple addition of automation and with more significant seven rates of taxes .Why so? It four figures? impact in business and investments. could very well have been reduced Finance will be automated, big data It is very atrocious on the part of to, say, 10 % and 20%. And a the Government to have given effect will get even bigger, the internet of diarchy-like system is introduced. everything begins, mobility will to the new law without having a trial One category to be monopolized by run for a small area and short period. continue to dominate and the like. the Centre is over 15 million and the Indian engineering institutes are other below 15 million to be Well, the traders should be turning out large number of IT administered by the States. prepared for worst kind of technocrats but with little knowledge harassment.And the consumers for of disruption technology. It is feared Most obnoxious is the proposed great turmoil. that some 80 per cent of them will levy of 5 % on cloth. Like food, cloth be unfit in the new scheme of things. is also a primary need of the –Pannalal Surana JANATA, July 9, 2017 5 Government Negligent Towards Right to Education

Sandeep Pandey

The Right of Children to Free and Municipal Corporation is blissfully to restore the positive image of Compulsory Education Act came into unaware of its role under the government schools. being in 2009 and became effective RTE Act in . The situation from 1 April 2010. However, is likely to be the same in other In Lucknow recently a fast was Government’s attitude towards its places. organised to get Justice Sudhir implementation is at best Agarwal’s judgment implemented lackadaisical. Government and local authority which directs the children of all those have been tasked with establishing receiving salaries from government It is the duty of government and schools in the neighbourhood where to study in government schools. The local authority to ensure that children there are none, within three years government chose to ignore the fast. belonging to weaker section and from the implementation of the Act. The fast was withdrawn on the 7th disadvantaged group are not But there are a number of residential day on 3rd July, 2017 accepting juice discriminated against and prevented areas like Sector P, Basic Services from a child who begs and mother from pursuing and completing for Urban Poor Housing, near of another child whose admission elementary education on any ground. Jogger’s Park, Dubagga in Lucknow was ordered by the DM in Navyug But in the 2016-17 academic session where there are no schools. How are Raidance school but the school didn’t 105 children were denied admission the children supposed to receive admit this child. This was a slap in by City Montessori School, Navyug education? the face of government and Radiance, City International, St. Mary administration. Will Yogi tell us how Intermediate College and Virendra The local authority has also been he proposes to get these 105 children Swaroop Public School in spite of an assigned the duty of ensuring admitted to schools which are openly order by the District Magistrate under admission of chilren of migrant violating the RTE Act? During the section 12(1)(c) of the Act. 14 of these families to government schools. current academic year also CMS has children who were supposed to be Vijaya Ramachandran, social activist gone to the court challenging 40 admitted to CMS went to the High and daughter of former President R. admission orders stating that these Court but even the High Court didn’t Venkataraman has been working for children do not fulfill the norms give a clear-cut direction for the cause of education of children prescribed under RTE Act. How can admission. Would the administration, of construction workers and brick it be that Jagdish Gandhi, the government and court have been so kilns in Kanpur for over four decades manager of CMS, finds fault with lax if these children belonged to the now. Her request to the government every admission that is being elite? and administration to get children of approved in his school by the Basic these workers enrolled in Shiksha Adhikari, the district level The local authority is responsible government schools is being education officer? Either the BSA under the Act to maintain records of completely ignored. is incompetent or Jagdish Gandhi is children up to the age of fourteen playing truant. Does the years residing within its jurisdiction The Chief Minister administration or government have and ensure and monitor their while launching his the will power to take action against admission, attendance and ‘Study Well, Grow Immensely’ powerful private schools? Jagdish completion of the elementary campaign has distributed books, Gandhi is certainly denying the right education. They are supposed to uniform, shoes, socks and school of education to some children. provide infrastructure including bags to children and said that he school building, teaching staff and doesn’t want a single child to be out It is good that the government learning material, facility for training of school but didn’t elaborate on how wants to restore the prestige of its of teachers and ensure good quality he wishes to achieve this. The only schools. But that is not going to elementary education. But good thing he said was he would like happen by merely distributing 6 JANATA, July 9, 2017 material items required to attend higher level officials including Similarly, Madras High Court in a schools including books and dress or Principal Secretary of education recent judgment has disallowed by tree plantation campaign which department saying that if they don’t starting a English section saying that has been linked with the enrollment arrange abovementioned things for teachers have no interest in teaching drive this year in U.P. till 31 July. It schools their salaries would be in government schools as their own will happen only when the children stopped from January, 2018. children don’t study in them. of government officers, employees, people’s representatives and judges Farm Movements Should Give More will study in government schools. The quality of government schools will Attention to Reducing Costs change dramatically overnight if this happens which will directly benefit Recently the demand for better stage and at the same time the risks the poor as their children will also and more remunerative farm prices of farmers will also increase greatly receive good education then. has been rightly raised by several as the GM technology is inherently Additionally, it will create an option farm movements. While this is a very hazardous and risky for middle class who are forced to certainly needed, at the same time technology. spend exorbitant sums on the the other very important aspect of education of their children. reducing costs should not be ignored. There is another reason why costs of farmers may increase further in There is also a demand that like In recent decades the costs of our future. These expensive technologies the Act implemented from this farmers have increased greatly. which are being foisted on farmers academic year in Gujarat which Firstly, the government gave full are also ruinous in ecological terms places an annual limit of Rs. 15,000 support to those policies and with very adverse impacts on natural for primary schools and Rs. 25,000 technologies which involved fertility of soil, on water levels and for middle and higher middle schools increasing use of chemical fertilizers, quality as well as on several and Rs. 27,000 for higher middle with pesticides, herbicides, diesel, pollinators and earthworms. Once Science as fees for private schools expensive seeds sold by big ecology is devastated any a similar law should be brought in companies in place of farmers’ own sustainable improvement in farming U.P. The fees limits for U.P., which seeds as well as various farm and its productivity is just not is a poorer state compared to machinery. Secondly, once farmers possible. Hence over a period of Gujarat, has been proposed as Rs. had been lured or rather trapped into time the costs and difficulties of 6,000 and Rs. 10,000, annually, this technology, then prices of several farmers are likely to increase further. respectively for primary and middle- inputs and implements were higher middle sections. increased arbitrarily. Hence it is important to emphasize that the solutions to the problems Lately the High Next came the growing control of should be found along lines which are Court has been very proactive in big companies over seeds with some ecologically protective and in giving strict rulings related to state of multinational companies and their addition are also able to keep the government schools there. It has ruled subsidiaries or partners playing a costs of farmers at low levels. These that until all government schools have dominant role. The ground for this aspects are very important but have basic facilities like benches, tables, was prepared by efforts to somehow somehow not received the due chalk, duster, separate toilets for girls extend patents or intellectual attention even from movements of and boys, computers, science property rights to seeds and farming. farmers. Therefore it is important to laboratories, fans for summer and Then the final stage is being reached re-emphasize the importance of heaters for winter, good quality mid- by trying to spread the technology these aspects. day meals, library, water purifiers, of GM crops which is highly two set of dresses for children the concentrated in the hands of a few The writer is a freelance journalist government would not be allowed to giant multinational companies at the who has been involved with several buy luxury items like expensive cars, global level. This can potentially social movements and initiatives. air conditioners and furniture. The increase the costs and debts of court has come down heavily on the farmers very steeply after a certain –Bharat Dogra JANATA, July 9, 2017 7 Secularism and the State : Categorising the Nehru Model

Anil Nauriya

I. The “Nehru models” the establishment of a secular state of others and does not itself adopt and the “whole growth of our national any religion as State religion.” (The The Historical Nehru Model and movement”. (, Delhi, Statesman, July 7, 1951) the Posthumous Nehru Model July 8, 1951). It is intrinsic to the Gandhi-Nehru framework. It is a And then there is a constructed In most circles where opinion- model of equality and equal Nehru model or a quasi-Nehruvian making on behalf of minorities takes citizenship. model which is actually a place, one of the reasons for posthumous Nehru model appreciation of ’s A secular state was thus constructed largely after the split in approach towards the minorities established which went beyond the the Congress in 1969. This model generally is his statement that usual European notion of a resembled but was somewhat majority communalism, that is, denominational state whose different from the actual Nehruvian sectarianism, is more dangerous than secularism consisted merely in the model. It could not last for more minority communalism. He said that separation from the very church to than 6 or 7 years and ended “the communalism of a majority which that state was a simultaneously dramatically with the firing at community must of necessity bear a committed. We understood, and Turkman Gate, Delhi during the closer resemblance to nationalism rightly understood, a secular state tenure of the emergency regime in than the communalism of a minority to be a non-denominational state and 1976.2 group.” (, November 30, a state that was religiously neutral as 1933) This statement must, specified in the Karachi Resolution Let me to begin with speak about however, be understood along with of 1931. Gandhi in speaking of a the first Nehru model. his insight expressed on the same secular state had also defined it in occasion that majority and minority clear terms in what would now be II. Has the Nehru model failed? communalisms feed off each other. depicted as a Nehruvian manner, that (Idem). His approach is not is in terms of separation of state from It would be fallacious to say so. therefore a blank cheque to minority denominational religion (May 6, 1933; communities to nurture and nurse Jan 27, 1935; Jan 20, 1942; It will be my contention that the their own respective communalisms September 1946; August 16, 1947; actual Nehru model in fact as some of his majoritarian August 17, 1947; August 22, 1947; succeeded. It contained and detractors allege. , 1947; November 28, managed a very serious situation 1947; all cited in my article Gandhi that had developed after the partition One consequence of the focus on on Secular law and State in The of India. It built a state based on this aspect of Nehru’s approach has Hindu, October 22, 20031) equal rights for the citizen and a been that other features of the consensus behind such a state. It Nehruvian secular state have not Similarly, when it came to society, provided for regional expressions of received as much analysis as these as distinct from state, both Gandhi linguistic aspirations as well. deserved. It was hardly ever noticed and Nehru emphasised the concept therefore that there are in fact at of equal respect and protection of all The problem was essentially not least two models that contend for religions, thus reconciling the concept here but with what emerged as a recognition as the Nehru model. of a religiously neutral state with a posthumous Nehru model. There concept of equal respect for the was I would say a cut-off point in The notion of the secular state that humanist values that may be located 1969. After 1969 what might be was implemented after independence in each religion. For Nehru “A called a gloss on secularism came emerged from the Congress-led secular state means a state in which to be projected upon the New freedom struggle. Nehru invariably the State protects all religions, but Congress. The post-1969 left-of- emphasised the connection between does not favour one at the expense centre circle around the then Prime 8 JANATA, July 9, 2017

Minister, was well-intentioned in foundation in historical fact and was Congress did not, after wishing to initiate a break from the an unhistorical attempt to extrapolate independence, place sufficient old guard in the Indian National backward the post-1969 alliance emphasis on the aspect of a social Congress which it believed was between Indira Gandhi’s Congress reform movement in the country.” holding up further economic reform. and the CPI, it was easily toppled (K R Narayanan, Nehru and His In the process the 1969 split in the first by a callow youth and his Vision, D C Books, Kottayam, 1999, Congress which this group helped organised hoodlums, and then after p. 34) bring about also, however, cut the 1980 by a succession of Non- Congress off from its roots.3 Resident Indian lobbies. This defect or shortcoming came to the fore especially after 1969 In fact, the quasi-Nehru model The posthumous Nehruvian model because the split in the Congress and became more contentious in public could hegemonise the state but could the lines on which it occurred had discourse when it began to be not take society with it. This quasi- the effect of cutting the Congress presented as cut off from the Nehruvian model lacked Nehru’s off from the constructive work country’s struggle for freedom and democratic temper. movements, that is the very civil as a sort of immaculate conception. society organisations which were its More than the model itself it is this It disregarded society though roots and which had provided it projection that not only became claiming to speak in the name of the sustenance. problematic but actually helped the people forces of majority communalism in It is necessary to dwell on this particular to present the Nehruvian In the end in the 1990s, remnants point a little further. In the 1930s the vision as an artificial imposition upon of this model, far from defending Frontier Gandhi, Khan Abdul Indian society rather than as a themselves against the onslaught Ghaffar Khan made a tour of natural culmination from its social from Hindutva could not defend even Bengal. On coming back he spoke character and political struggle. the gains from the Gandhi-Nehru at the Bombay session of the AICC framework. in 1934. And the point that he made As I have said, the quasi- was to underline the link between Nehruvian, or posthumous III. Why did this projection the constructive work programmes Nehruvian, model was different become problematic? of the Congress and its political essentially in the historical programmes. He said he noticed in provenance that it sought to project. The answer to this is a complex the course of his tour that people It sought to delink Nehru from the one. were willing to come forward and mainstream national struggle, pluck listen to the Congress wherever the him out of the Gandhi-Nehru To some extent an essential and constructive work programme had framework and to establish an necessary accompaniment had been reached. For example, he noticed, isolated posthumous quasi-Nehru- absent even in the years of the actual that where the (handspun and model whose definition could be Nehru model but this feature came handwoven cloth) programme had subsumed under what currently more prominently to the fore after reached and had been able to help passed for academically acceptable the 1969 events. generate some income, people would progressive ideas. This happened in flock to the Congress meetings to the context of the Indira Gandhi–CPI K R Narayanan (1920-2005), who hear their message. alliance post-1969. The alliance itself would serve as the was unexceptionable; the problem between 1997 and 2002, saw the The vital link that the Frontier arose in the unhistorical attempt to point perspicaciously as early as in Gandhi observed in 1934 was over extrapolate it backwards and seek 1970. In a paper presented at a time lost sight of in independent India to diminish or exclude the seminar on Nehru and Nation- and especially in the post-1969 phase Congress’s own struggles, as it were, building (December 21-23, 1970) at of Congress and Indian politics. The from its own history.4 the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, flaw which K R Narayanan noticed K R Narayanan observed “In his in 1970 was over-reliance, or rather Perhaps because the post-1969 passion for legislative revolution near-exclusive reliance, on state model did not have a strong Nehru and the Indian National action, legislation and state policies. JANATA, July 9, 2017 9

The prevailing logic appeared to be: that neither the Nehru model nor the (Endnotes) Now that we are in power we do posthumous Nehru model, nor indeed 1 not need to build up civil society the models of development in force https://www.academia.edu/ institutions for social reform and in other opposition-ruled states in 19387056/Gandhi_on_Secular_ action because we have the state to their action on the ground placed law_and_State do this for us. adequate special emphasis on 2 This event in 1976 marks the end policies to ensure the welfare and of the heyday of the posthumous The wages of this neglect were human development of the minority Nehru model in a political sense. The not immediately obvious because, for communities.(This was although Constitutional structure with respect one thing, the Congress was Nehru himself recognised as early to secularism did not change and, in historically associated with a network as in 1951 that such special emphasis fact, an express reference to the of ground level constructive work would be required especially in the secular character of the Republic institutions on whose support it could case of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians was inserted in the preamble to the implicitly rely in the first 22 years and others: See The Statesman, Constitution by an amendment made after independence. The 1969 split Delhi, July 8, 1951) And that more later in the year. in the Congress gave a rude shock specific steps are required for their 3 to this arrangement. The education and development.5 For a development of this point implications were not immediately see my article “1969 in Retrospect”, obvious in the short-term. This was IV. What Now? The Hindu, 17 March 2000 : for other reasons, primarily the short- http://www.thehindu.com/2000/ term electoral victories that the The short-coming or defect to 03/17/stories/05172523.htm posthumous Nehru model secured which K R Narayanan drew in the General Elections of 1971 and attention in 1970 remains. Until this 4 That is, for example, the the nation-wide elections to the state is remedied the outlook would remain extensive pre-freedom struggles assemblies which followed in 1972. grim. Even if the present ruling conducted by the Congress and In the General Elections of 1971 it dispensation returns to power and such peasant organizations as were was the freshness of Indira Gandhi’s confines its focus to re-adjustment non-antagonistically associated with faction, which had emerged from the of state policies it is unlikely to it, the various Congress-associated Congress split of 1969, that swayed remedy the flaw that KR Narayanan institutions’ constructive work the electorate. In the state assembly underlined.6 Similarly, whatever programmes, and their strivings for elections in the following year there combination of political parties the social rights of the was the added factor of victory in comes to power in the near future, it underprivileged and for a the Bangladesh War. is unlikely to be able to provide the linguistically accommodative and durable alternative that is required if non-sectarian understanding of Yet the overall impact of the 1969 it merely follows a statist approach. nationalism inclusive of the split in the Congress did not take long A long-term alternative can come minorities. to make itself felt and it was soon about only with the emergence of a 5 Whether this should be achieved obvious that the Congress, or what secular party which has the backing through programmes directed at remained of it, was on a declining of grassroots civil society minorities specifically or through curve. organisations with roots in the programmes aimed at the community life of the Indian people. underprivileged irrespective of Meanwhile, the Hindutva religion, caste and creed is a matter organisations on the other hand had Merely taking control of the state for consideration. In my opinion, a been working ceaselessly in society will not suffice. mix of the two approaches would be and the rise of these organisations more likely to succeed than the one was, in this scenario, like a time [Lecture delivered at the Dr K R or the other. bomb waiting to explode. Narayanan Centre for Dalit and Minorities Studies & Centre for 6 The expression ‘present ruling A more recent recognition Zakir Husain Studies, Jamia Millia dispensation’ refers to the Congress- especially in the wake of the findings Islamia on March 3, 2009. The led coalition in power in India in 2009 of the Sachar committee has been endnotes are subsequent additions.] when this lecture was delivered. 10 JANATA, July 9, 2017 Modi Brings Israel Out from Closet

D. K. Giri

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to relations with unpredictable US by 1992, many Arab countries had Israel, first ever by an Indian Prime president Trump; the hope and recognised Israel. India knew that Minster is an historic event, for both strategy is that Israel will back up the Oslo peace accord was to be the countries. Modi was given the our relation with the US, and make signed between Israel and Palestine, top-most reception with the ‘highest up the gaps in it. Obviously, India- which was done in 1993. In fact, the protocol team’ led by the Israel’s Israel relations are quite close at the story in the India’s foreign policy Prime Minister himself. Such honour moment and under BJP, they are circle is that an Indian diplomat asked is extended only to the pope and the likely to be closer as BJP is not PM Narasimha Rao, in American President. Also, Modi will dependent on the vote-bank that exasperation, “Shall we wait for be staying in the same luxury suite influenced the relation in the past. every Arab country to recognise at the King David hotel that US India’s policy towards Israel Israel before we set up diplomatic President Donald Trump stayed in suffered from a mismatch between ties?” The Prime Minister saw the during his visit. So, apparently, the national interests and international point and relented: Israelis consider Modi’s visit very principles India would have liked to significant, taking place in “changing adhere to. This has been the burden Prime Minister Nehru was guided paradigm and changed architect” of of “Nehruvian foreign policy”. by anti-imperialism, anti-colonialism, international politics, as suggested by Nehru’s idealism took precedence and third world solidarity. He was Mark Sofer, an important official in over pragmatism that is India’s averse to any close tie with the Israeli establishment and a former national interest. This is evident from colonial west, and Israel was veering Israeli ambassador to India. On several lapses in India’s foreign to the west. History has it that Indian part, Modi is also doing few policy in the past including towards Nehru spurned the request made to things first time during this visit. He Israel. India voted against the UN India by Israel through Albert is not going to Palestine as Indian resolution on creation of Israel on Einstein to support formation of leaders have done in the past. India 29 November 1947. Israel was Israel in the United Nations. In is treating Israel-Palestine relation as created on 14 May 1948. After two addition to his abhorrence to western a de-hyphenated one. India also years, in September 1950, India colonialism, he had domestic political seems to treat this visit, important in recognised, but did not give Israel compulsions. Having taken the as much as it wants to bring its friend the diplomatic contact. It took 42 issue to UN, Nehru needed Israel out from the closet to be the years for India to have the diplomatic the support of the Arab countries. closest ally. Foreign policy tie with Israel. In 1992, Prime The subsequent Congress leadership commentators are remaking that, Minister Narashimha Rao allowed had an additional compulsion, the “we should know who our friends the Israel diplomatic mission to start vote-bank that supported Palestine. are in international politics and Modi operating in India. By then, things At the same time, Nehru sought is doing just that”. This is Modi’s had changed so much, that India Israel military support when China second visit to Israel - he has been found it easy to do so. The cold war invaded India in 1962. The Israel’s there before in 2006 as the Chief had ended, the Soviet Union, India’s first Prime Minister David Ben Minister of Gujarat. Modi is close ally had disintegrated; India had Gurion refused initially as Nehru impressed with the military and suffered the worst foreign currency wanted no Israel flag on the arms economic achievements of Israel, shortage, had gone to World Bank supplies, but when Nehru agreed to and he is not shy of acknowledging for loan, and United States for have them under Israel flag, the it when others were, due to vote- defence support. It is believed that arms and ammunitions were sent bank politics, says another ex- US put some pressure on India for from Israel. Again in 1971 war with diplomat and commentator. Yet diplomatic ties with Israel. India was Pakistan, India asked for support others would urge India to get closer wary of the reactions of Arab from Israel. Then Israel Prime to Israel given the uncertainty of countries in dealing with Israel, but Minister Golda Meir promptly JANATA, July 9, 2017 11 diverted the arms to India that were to the relationship. India-Israel deepen co-operation with India is the being shipped to Iran. When India defence cooperation continues to space technology, in an attempt to did the nuclear tests in 1998, major grow stronger, although many reduce their over-dependence on countries including USA and Japan projects are shrouded in secrecy. USA. Israel and India have had imposed sanctions, but Israel did not India is one of 39 countries Israel space cooperation since 2008, when join them. It continued to do business has signed a “secret cooperative the Israeli commercial radar imaging with India. Next year in 1999, in agreements” to prevent information satellite TecSAR was launched by Kargil War, Israel again rushed leaks from joint-security projects. ISRO. Next year, Israel gave India military equipments India urgently Israel intends to buy arms from India a radar imaging satellite which India needed, and following the war, Israel too. The Israel defence sources say named as RISAT-2. This satellite helped improve India’s military “while we sell one weapon to India, aims to provide India with greater intelligence and surveillance critical we want to buy another from them”. earth observation power for to anti-terrorist operations. Another This augurs well for India as it will surveillance and defence. There are milestone in the bi-lateral relations benefit from two-way transactions. talks about closer cooperation in was the visit of Ariel Sharon in 2003, cyber security. the first by the Israel head of state, In agriculture, the co-operation when the Delhi statement of started seriously with the signing of In this visit, there will be three friendship and co-operation was the Agreement on Agricultural MoUs in agriculture and water, signed. Since then, there have been Cooperation in 2006. The Agreement space cooperation and on launching many high-level visits from both unfolded into Indo-Israel Agriculture of CEO forum. There is also a plan countries including the Indian Project. Its main goals are: increasing to set up an Indian cultural centre in President in 2015 and the Israeli crop diversity, increasing crop Jerusalem. The media speculates president Reuver Rivlin this year. The productivity, and increasing resource that, Modi and Netanyehu will take current India-Israel bilateralism is efficiency. Through this project, the relationship into new heights. based on two main pillars; the Israel provides best practices, What are those new heights, defence, and agriculture although technical know-how, training and however, is not clear. Both the Prime there are other trade subjects. Some, orientation to Indian farmers. Ministers pay tribute to India-Israel journalists are in fact saying that, in Moreover, the project has set up 26 ‘deep connections’ and ‘natural partnership with Israel, India has the Centres for Excellence in partnership’ and their ability to chance of fulfilling its age-old slogan agriculture, out of which 15 are complement each other. True, both “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”. operational. These centres the countries are plural, democratic, showcase advanced Israeli have similar security concerns, at On defence, India is the biggest technologies: horticulture least in regard to terrorism. Israel market for Israeli arms, and for India, mechanisation, projected cultivation, had come out strongly and openly in Israel is the third largest supplier orchard and canopy management, favour of India on terrorism, and has after US and Russia. Israel sold nursery management, micro- named Pakistan, for its terrorist acts Phalcon aircrafts to India whereas irrigation and post-harvest in India. it withdrew its sale of the same management. The project is in third aircrafts to China, as US opposed to phase now as Indo-Israel Experts in India support a closer it. US have considerable say in Israel Agriculture Action Plan for 2015-18. tie between India and Israel. But, military sales as many Israel defence Israel has one of the best agriculture from Israel point of view, there is an technologies are developed with US technologies in the world, and their elephant in the room. That is Iran. funds. The defence cooperation deployment in India has led to 5 to India wants to have normal ties with between India and Israel has grown 10 fold increase in crop-yields with Iran and is planning to have gas from buyer-seller relationship to 65 per cent reduction in water use, pipeline from it. Israel is wary of joint-production and research. The and considerable decrease in the use Iran’s antipathy for the Jewish state. co-production is expected to help both of pesticides and fertilisers, Iran is also secretly building its the countries sell to other third world according to a report on the project nuclear capability. When push countries. Joint military exercise by in 2015, comes to shove, India has to make a the Israel and Indian armed forces choice. The choice is between would provide further strategic depth Another area Israel wants to petroleum and renewable or nuclear 12 JANATA, July 9, 2017 energy. Accordingly, it can identify itself against collective hostility. It surprises. Although bilateralism is a or discard allies. The second thorn has stood its ground of alone in the process not a one-off affair, he may in the flesh is the so-called ‘Islamic Arab world. It was expected that, give a strong push to the relations to Terrorism’. If India moves closer to under Modi, India would have a make it a durable friendship between Israel it may incur the animosity from sudden pro-Israel shift. It seemed the two countries. The international terrorist organisation not only from so initially but Modi stepped back a circumstances will demand him to do Pakistan, but from other Islamic bit and tried the usual balancing act so. Only that both countries have large countries too. How far this theory is with Arab countries. The Palestine minority population, and they must plausible, is a matter of solid President was invited to New Delhi maintain their pluralist culture, they evidence on the origin of terrorism. and Modi visited other Arab must treat their minorities fairly in So far, it is all coming through or countries too before going to their respective countries, failing from Pakistan. Israel. which, they will lose the legitimacy of a new friendship, will be seen as Modi has some liking for Israeli Prime Minister Modi is hard to comrades-in-arm in anti-Islam technology and ability to defend predict. He is fond of springing campaign. Western Railway Employees Union Grant Road Station Building (E), MUMBAI – 400 007.

WREU, the oldest trade unions in the country, earlier known as BB&CI Railway Employees’ Union, is in the services of Railway men since 1920. WREU, a free, independent and democratic trade union, is a founder member of AIRF and HMS.

WREU fought for upliftment of railway men and their family in particular and labour class in general for the last 94 yea.rs. WREU/AIRF is instrumental in creation of PNM, grievance solving machinery in 1951, payment of PLB to Railway men since 1979, implementation of series of Cadre Restructuring in Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ categories in Indian Railways, implementation of recommendations of the 4th, 5th and 6th CPCs with modifications and RELHS Scheme for Railway men.

WREU was led by prominent trade union leaders, viz. late Miss. Maniben

Kara, Late Com. Jagdish Ajmera, Late Com. Umraomal Purohit, Late Com. Chandrashekar Menon, etc. In memory of late , WREU established a charitable trust namely “Maniben Kara Foundation” with the objective of lighting against the evils of the society.

Apart from trade union activities, various non-bargaining activities such as organizing Health Check-up Camps, Blood Donation Camps, Family Planning Camps, Anti-Dowry campaigns, HIV-AIDS Awareness Campaigns, Safety Seminars, Trade Union Education Class,’ Adult Education, Guidance Camp, etc. are conducted for the benefits of the railway men and the general public. JANATA, July 9, 2017 13 Satyagraha as a Peaceful Method of Conflict Resolution

Vibhuti Patel

The quest for peace is an eternal the social, political, cultural, considered as a weapon of soul force pursuit for human fulfillment. Peace economic and psychological to resist any kind of oppression. or absence of antagonistic, violent, conditions, which influenced the life While Gandhi regarded Satyagraha or destabilising conflict is essential and personality of Gandhi. He as a way of life, during the freedom for existence to become life, for adopted the non-violent approach to struggle of India, Satyagraha was survival to become human. Human resist all the forces that exerted used as a weapon to resist the beings can become human and pressure on him physically and authority of the state and to achieve humane only in conditions of peace. psychologically. various things for the general Creativity, spirituality, individual and welfare of the people. collective achievements attain He believed that the supreme law grandeur and glory only when there that governs all living things and the Gandhi and his chief lieutenant is peace. Qualities of compassion, universe is nothing but love and non- Sardar had forgiveness, love, sharing and violence. It was Gandhi’s firm belief conducted the at universal solidarity become that the basis of all religions of the Champaran and Bardoli not only to cherished and sought after virtuous world was the law of love. The very achieve material gains for the attributes only when a community, purpose of non-violent resistance people, but also to resist the unjust society or nation is at peace-within and upholding the principles of truth authority of the then British regime. and without. War on the other hand, was none other than asserting the The Movement internal or external, civil or military, freedom of oneself over his mind and of 1930, which was started with the declared or undeclared valorises body. breaking of the Salt Law at Dandi, bravery-the capacity to kill or be and the Quit India Movements were killed-the destruction of human life Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha classic examples when Gandhi and and accomplishments; it mocks is an integrated concept and includes his colleagues used Satyagraha as compassion and conscience; it truth, non-violence, non-stealing, a weapon of the soul force. belittles refusal to erect artificial chastity or Brahmacharya, poverty walls that divide human beings in the or non-possession, bread labour, Satyagraha as a means of name of one identity or the other; it fearlessness, control of the resistance and conflict resolution has glorifies the destructive principle and palate [Asvada], tolerance, different forms. Hunger strike devalues the principles of creation Swadeshi and removal of [fasting], Hartal [striking and life. The warmongers are untouchability. work], hijrat [immigration] etc. are invariably persons with few qualms some of the forms suggested. The of conscience, ever ready to Scope of Satyagraha principles, conditions and eliminate and exterminate human life, qualifications of Satyagraha are emotions, thought, ideas, and According to Gandhi, relevant to all these forms. achievements. Satyagraha can be adopted by anybody. Gandhi said that Relevance in the Twenty-First Mahatma Gandhi developed an Satyagraha was like a banyan tree, Century integrated approach and perspective which had innumerable branches. to the concept of life itself on the Truth-Satya and non-violence- Is Satyagraha relevant to the basis of his experiences and together made its parent present-day society or the Twenty- experiments. His ideas, which came trunk from which all the innumerable First Century? The answer is not a to be known as his philosophy, were branches shoot out. [Iyer. 1973, simple yes or no. a part of his relentless search for p. 265] truth. [Iyer. 1973, p. 270]. The When we try to decide whether it concept of Satyagraha is related to Satyagraha has also been is relevant to the present day society, 14 JANATA, July 9, 2017 the fundamental thing we have to be relevant wherever the goal is • Ahimsa is an expression of our consider is the nature of the present- prosperity, welfare and development, concern that our own and other’s day individual. because without truth and non- humanity be manifested and violence, there cannot be peace and respected; and Gandhi was well aware of the without peace there cannot be increasing influence of materialistic development. • We must learn to genuinely love considerations on the modern society our opponents in order to practice and individual. According to Gandhi, Three Pillars of Satyagraha Ahimsa. the main objective of Satyagraha was to eradicate the evil or to reform The Gandhian quest for peace rests 3. Tapasya-willingness for self- the opponent. In the present socio- on the foundation of non-violence. sacrifice: economic political system, there is a For conflict resolution Mahatma dire necessity to wean the individual Gandhi used method of Satyagraha •A Satyagrahi [one who away from the influence of wealth, [insistence on truth or Zeal for practices Satyagraha] must be luxuries and power. Truth] that has three pillars: willing to shoulder any sacrifice which is occasioned by the In all the educational institutions, 1. Sat-which implies openness, struggle which they have initiated, right from the lowest level to the honesty, and fairness: rather than pushing such sacrifice level of university, it would be or suffering onto their opponent, worthwhile to teach the young people • Each person’s opinions and beliefs lest the opponent become the concept of Satyagraha and the represent part of the truth; alienated and access to their principles of truth and non-violence, portion of the truth become lost; as the basic factors contributing to • In order to see more of the truth and the peace, harmony and the welfare we must share our truths of the society. cooperatively; • The Satyagrahi must always provide a face-saving way out for In all the industrial establishments • This implies a desire to the opponents. The goal is to and other places of mass employment communicate and a determination discover a wider vista of truth and also, Satyagraha would be a viable to do so, which in turn requires justice, not to achieve victory over alternative to other methods for the developing and refining relevant the opponent. peaceful resolution of disputes and skills of communication; and conflicts. And in all walks of life, Conflict resolution discourse of wherever there is scope for conflict • Commitment to seeing as much modern problem solving and win-win and disharmony, the practice of the of the truth as possible means that [as opposed to power-based and zero principles of truth and non-violence we cannot afford to categorize sum] approaches leading to in the smallest way possible, would others or ourselves. integrative conflict resolution [as definitely make a great contribution opposed to mere compromise and in bringing about peace and harmony. 2. Ahimsa-refusal to inflict injury on distributive outcomes] strongly others: echoes Gandhi’s own writings and Satyagraha as an ideal and as a the analyses of some Gandhi great weapon of conflict resolution • Ahimsa is dictated by our scholars. The Twenty-First Century will always serve as a great commitment to communication radical thinkers of environment, inspiration to the people of all and to sharing of our pieces of the human rights and women’s generations to come, both in India truth. Violence shuts off channels movements advocate conflict and elsewhere. It may not be of communication; resolution techniques as potentially possible for ordinary human beings being about more than the solution to practice Brahmacharya, poverty • The concept of Ahimsa appears of immediate problems that see a and simple living in the age of in most major religions, which broader personal and societal scientific and technological suggests that while most people transformation as the ultimate goal. development, but the usefulness of may not practice it, it is respected truth and non-violence will always as an ideal; Gandhian Satyagraha should be JANATA, July 9, 2017 15 squarely located within conflict a sharper edged weapon, but development of the emerging field resolution discourse. In this principle by disappointing his of conflict resolution. Forgiveness of non-violence Gandhi introduced expectation that I would be has been a topic of increasing interest technique of resistance to evil and offering physical resistance”. both academically and to untruth. His Satyagraha is inspired [Gandhi, M. K. 1925, October practitioners. There seems to be a by boundless love and compassion. 8. ] healing and liberating quality to It is opposed to sin, not sinner, the forgiveness that helps both evil, not evildoer. For him truth was Hence if the attempts at individuals and societies move away God. Truth is not yours or mine. It is conversion through these measures from revenge and toward neither Western nor Eastern. fail, the tools of non-cooperation or reconciliation. In a word, forgiveness civil disobedience may be brought offers hope. In a time of tense Process of Satyagraha into play. conflicts based on caste, class, ethnicity, race, gender, religion and The success of a Satyagraha Given this presentation of moral territory forgiveness may have campaign to resolve any conflict equivalent of War or Satyagraha as extraordinary value as a daily ethic, rests on three basic assumptions. a background paper, it is now left as well as a practical process. They are: open to examine and test the efficacy of Satyagraha by referring After demolition of World Trade • That there can always be found to certain recurring points of debate Centre youth of America have some elements of common or controversy: formed an organization, named as we interest to all the contending want peace no war and want to parties; The role of the individual start a new dialogue, to replace especially the charismatic personality hatred by propagating friendship • That the parties are or at least in Satyagraha; and among the nations and different might be amenable to an appeal Satyagraha; Satyagraha as a way communities. The United Nations to the heart and mind; and of life and as a process or weapon has declared this decade as of conflict resolution; and the Decade of Culture of Peace • That those in a position to Satyagraha against incorrigible and Non-violence for the Children commence Satyagraha are also in violence. of the World. In this context, a position to carry it through to the Gandhian thoughts on conflict end. If these prerequisites are In the Twenty-First Century, transformation are gaining increasing fulfilled, the scene is set for the Gandhian concept of forgiveness global popularity. process aimed at the required seems to be central to the theoretical (To be concluded) conversion to be initiated. This can involve several steps, reasoning Communal Riots in with the opponent, then persuasion through self suffering wherein The Socialist Party strongly purposes, especially in West Bengal. theSatyagrahi [Seeker of Truth] condemns the Trinamool Congress The RSS should refrain from such attempts to dramatize the issues government and Chief Minister disruptive activities. at stake and to get through to the for failing to stop opponent’s unprejudiced judgment communal violence in Basirhat and The Socialist Party pays tributes so that he/she may willingly come Baduria areas of 24 Parganas district to communal riots victim Kartik again onto a level where he/she in West Bengal. The party also Chandra Ghosh, resident of Basirhat, may be persuaded through natural condemns the radical Muslims and expresses sympathy for the argument. This is the process of directly involved in communal affected people. moral appeal through self- violence and demands legal action suffering in lieu of coercion. against them. The party believes that The West Bengal unit of the Gandhi while he summarizes this RSS is endangering the security of Socialist Party will prepare a report process says, ”I seek entirely to the country by creating an on the prevailing communal tension blunt the edge of the tyrant’s atmosphere of ‘Hindu insecurity’ in by visiting the affected areas. sword, not by putting up against East Border areas for the political –Dr. Abhijit Vaidya R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, July 9, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, July 9, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday July 12, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 26 Pilgrim’s Progress July 16, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Implications of Ramnath Kovind’s Presidency When terrorists attack from the which they cherish. It had nothing Prem Singh front, it means that they are not to do with politics. Unfortunately the afraid of consequences. The story of whole episode, as the days pass by, counterattack to kill seven pilgrims, is being politicized. The BJP is to Hazards of Mobile Phones returning from the Amarnath Yatra blame. It has not bothered that the and Towers in Kashmir, is somewhat similar. party has a share in the state Bharat Dogra Lashkar-e-Toiba did not hesitate to government and some of the blame taking on the police or the army as would come to it. In the Name of Cow: Lynching if the terrorists knew that the counter and More Lynching challenge would fall short of their This is not the first time that Ram Puniyani resolve to harm the security forces attacks on yatris have taken place. accompanying the yatra. In August 2000, the terrorists had opened fire on over 95 people, Near Death of Lashkar is a possibility, leading to a death toll of 89. The The Indian Postal System particularly when it has not claimed series of attacks, which began on the Niranjan Haldar the responsibility yet. Even if they night of 1 August, were believed to claim the responsibility, there is no be planned. The following year, too, certainty that they are doing so to terrorists opposed to the local outfit Satyagraha as a Peaceful Method of Conflict cover up the homegrown terrorists. Hizbul Mujahideen’s ceasefire Resolution -II Even the J and K Police have declaration, had attacked a pilgrim Vibhuti Patel pointed fingers at Lashkar. It is base camp at Pahalgam. A total of quite likely that Lashkar is the 32 people were killed in the base Editor : perpetrator. The Lashkar is being camp strike at Pahalgam, of which G. G. Parikh battered so much in most countries 21 were Amarnath yatris. in West Asia that it wants to resell Managing Editor : Guddi itself. If it can frighten India, there Similarly, a militant hurled two is every possibility of nations in grenades at a camp and later opened D-15, Ganesh Prasad, West Asia coming under its spell of fire near the Amarnath shrine on the Naushir Bharucha Marg, fear. night of 20 July 2001, killing nearly Mumbai - 400 007. 13 people, including three The nation is justified in women yatris and two police Email : [email protected] expressing its horror because the officers. The attack took place Website:www.janataweekly.org yatris were on the pilgrimage of faith around 1:25 am near Sheshnag, one 2 JANATA, July 16, 2017 of the highest stops on the way to bite you one day.” Indigenous Islamic country. the Amarnath cave. terrorists are now a reality and they do strike here and there. The attack Leaders like Yashin Malik and What is baffling is the fact that on the Samjhota Express is said to Shabbir Shah have become nearly 15,000 security personnel and be the handiwork of homegrown irrelevant. Syed Shah Geelani and policemen were deployed to offer terrorists. Mirwaiz have a following but that protection to the Amarnath pilgrims was because they talked about in 2002. Yet, a terrorist attack could The biggest casualty of the Pakistan and Islam at the same time. not be averted as eight people were Amarnath Yatra is the Kashmiriyat, They even support the stone-pelters killed and 30 were injured. The a secular belief propelled by the saying that the stones were being attack took place before dawn on the sufis. This faith asserted itself when hurled in the name of Islam. It is a Nunwan camp on the way to the Maharaja Hari Singh quit the dangerous trend to emerge. Amarnath shrine, according to government and left it to the popular reports. leader, Sheikh Mohammad New Delhi will have to think hard Abdullah. There was no communal and come up with a solution which Coming back to the attack on the feeling at that time. Fundamentalists is acceptable to the people in the yatris in Jammu, Congress vice and the propaganda by Pakistan have Valley and the ruling party at the president has hit out destroyed what was so beautiful. But centre. Home Minister Rajnath at the government over the attack, why should we throw in the towel? Singh has accepted the responsibility terming it a grave and unacceptable For 70 years we have been of arranging the yatra without any security lapse and asked Prime upholding India’s ethos, secularism mishaps. The BJP should consult Minister Narendra Modi to accept and democracy. with other political parties and take responsibility. ”This is a grave and necessary steps which have the unacceptable security lapse. The PM We have added the word consensus behind them. needs to accept responsibility and secularism in the preamble of our never allow it to happen again... constitution. Ironically, Indira India will never be intimidated by Gandhi did this when she, as these terrorist cowards,” he said in Prime Minister, had imposed the Janata Subscription tweets. Emergency. She detained one lakh people without trials and imposed Annual Rs. : 260/- The bus, which was fired upon by censorship on the press. And she terrorists in Kashmir, was not openly said that the press did not registered with the Amarnath Shrine resist the restrictions she Three Years : 750/- Board and plying without any introduced. L.K. Advani was quite security cover long after the evening correct in chiding the press Demand Draft / Cheque deadline fixed for the vehicles after the Emergency: “You were carrying Amarnath yatris, said asked to bend but you began to Congress chief spokesperson crawl.” on Randeep S Surjewala. Were the Kashmiriyat to assert Mumbai Bank in favour of Pakistan may be involved, but itself, the basic values like the free that is only a suspicion so far. The press would come to be respected. government must lay before the The Kashmiri Muslims have country the evidence of Islamabad’s themselves to decide their faith involvement. But we must cleanse in togetherness which is being JANATA TRUST our own house. The establishment replaced by fundamentalism. I was D-15, Ganesh Prasad, is involved in training Hindu recently in Srinagar and found Naushir Bharucha Marg, terrorists and as Hilary Clinton has to my horror that the youth, which Mumbai 400 007 said that “if you nourish snakes in has taken to the gun, want to your courtyard, they are bound to convert the Valley into a sovereign, JANATA, July 16, 2017 3 Implications of Ramnath Kovind’s Presidency

Prem Singh

In the upcoming presidential Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi waiting in Rashtrapati Bhavan to election, the BJP candidate accomplished in the Gujrat sign it. Advani, perhaps, couldn’t Ramnath Kovind’s election to the laboratory what Vajpayee had have done this. The Modi-Shah duo post of the President of India is fait feared he would, when the BJP refrained from brazenly installing accompli. The debate around the decided to make him Chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, to presidential election is restricted to Minister. The fertile land on which carry this out right away, due to BJP playing the caste-card. The first Godhra, and then the entire some apprehensions. This task has Congress fielding Meira Kumar Gujarat pogrom was played out, been postponed for now. against BJP’s caste-card, merely had already been prepared by the changes the discourse as to whose decade-long neoliberal policies. If a Dalit does this, it can be said candidate is the better or more Narendra Modi, based on the state that a Dalit from Modi’s ‘New authentic ‘Dalit’. One point raised power, was successful in India’ is carrying forward Baba is that Ramnath Kovind is a eliminating all evidences against Saheb’s work, which the Congress dedicated swayamsevak of the RSS. him and his government, and had delayed or stalled for the past This opposition is moot. Which BJP whoever were declared guilty and 70 years! This is how RSS-BJP will leader is, or can possibly be, not a punished by the court, are now rectify Baba Saheb’s ‘wrong’ dedicated swayamsevak? being released. decision of abandoning . Along with this, those speaking The real reason behind BJP/RSS If the BJP of Bhagwat-Modi- against Hinduism in their assertion fielding Ramnath Kovind is often Shah does not want the Muslim of Dalit identity, will also be taught lost in the debates on the issue. In vote to win elections, it is clear that a lesson. As it is, RSS-BJP is not this write-up, it is our intention to it needs to make up the deficit by going to find it tough to deal with throw some light on that real ensuring the support of another big Dalit and Other Backward Castes reason. community. This can only be the ‘intellectuals’, because just as Dalit community. In the short tenure thrives in the RSS has decided to appropriate of the Bhagwat-Modi-Shah, the womb of neo-liberalism, most Dalit Ambedkar as part of a well thought RSS/BJP have had remarkable and OBC intellectuals too try to out strategy. It may be remembered success in this direction; it does not establish their power/space within that till the time of ‘liberal’ Atal matter that intra-community caste- the neo-liberal framework. Behari Vajpayee, not just ‘palli’ divisions and rivalries for power topis, but formal green ‘safas’ were exist within the Dalit community As this scheme gains momentum, worn by BJP leaders to appease too. Rather it has captured the the RSS will gun for its long-awaited Muslim voters. Even though they sentiments of other backward agenda of dispossessing the were later threatened and told that castes, as well as the tribals. With Muslims, already dispossessed of BJP could get the numbers time it will achieve greater success. democracy, of the country itself. A irrespective of their votes. Hardliner With this, there will be a permanent rehearsal of this may be seen in the Advani too thought this was the solution for winning elections, and events in Muzaffar Nagar four years right way, and placed flowers on also, it will facilitate manipulation back. Jinnah’s grave when he visited and distortion of the Constitution. Pakistan. RSS showed him the door The governor of Tripura recently as soon as he got back home. He’s After the victory of 2019, when tweeted that Shyama Prasad still living the exile, as it were. the existing concept of secularism Mukherjee, founder of Jan Sangh, in the Constitution is replaced by had suggested that Hindu-Muslim Thereafter the RSS resumed its the RSS’s concept of the ‘Hindu work under the leadership of Rashtra’, a Dalit President will be (Continued on Page 5) 4 JANATA, July 16, 2017 Hazards of Mobile Phones and Towers

Bharat Dogra

More and more evidence has between mobile radiation and brain the most threat from the increasing been piling up about the health tumour. Mobile phones emit hazard of electromagnetic pollution. hazards associated with excessive radiation from their antennas and She writes “.... Children’s skulls and and careless use of mobile phones kids are at high risk as they possess bone marrow are thinner and much as well as with the towers installed soft tissues near ear.” more absorptive than those of adults for mobile phone communication. - a fact that explains why children’s The debate on many sided threats The debate over electromagnetic heads can absorb double or more from electro-magnetic pollution is pollution and more particularly the the radio frequency energy of likely to hot up with the passage of hazards of cellphone radiation has adults’ heads…..All are agreed - time and we should not lose any been escalating in many countries, children’s brains and skulls absorb further time in becoming more but the overwhelming tendency has at least twice as much radio careful about avoiding as much as been to try to silence the critics by frequency radiation as those of possible or minimizing the threat of saying that the research conducted adults. Bone marrow can take in ten serious health hazards. so far has not provided any serious times more radiation in children reasons for concern. than in adults, according to reports While hearing a case on this from Swiss scientists in 2010". issue last year a bench of Chief Is this true? What really do the Justice T. S. Thakur and Justices R. existing research results reveal? This view is supported by a lot Banumathi and U.U. Lalit asked of other evidence. In 2001, a the parties to file scientific and The most comprehensive review Commission of the Royal College research data on this issue. The of the existing research in this field of Physicians, chaired by Sir Court also took note of a recent has been authored by Dr. Devra William Stewart, issued this report: book by Justice J. L. Gupta, a Davis in her recent book former chief justice of a high court, ‘Disconnect - The Truth About Cell “If there are currently in which he has written that he had Phone Radiation.’ Dr. Davis is an unrecognized adverse health effects developed a cancerous tumour due award winning scientist, writer and from the use mobile phones, to excessive use of mobile phone. President of the Environmental children may be more vulnerable Health Trust. After reviewing because of their developing nervous According to a study in 2016, in mounds of research papers, Dr. system, the greater absorption of a year forty to fifty thousand people Davis has concluded “...If you energy in the tissues of the head, are diagnosed to be affected by consider all of the studies that have and a longer lifetime of exposure. brain tumour in India out of which been published, most of them have In line with our precautionary about 20 per cent are children. The not followed people for a decade. approach, at this time, we believe study showed a significant increase But if you examine only those that the widespread use of mobile in the number of children affected studies that have analysed people phones by children for nonessential by brain tumour. for a decade or longer you find one calls should be discouraged. We while reporting this study on July thing: Every single one of them also recommend that the mobile 10 2017 said, “Doctors said that this shows that long-term heavy use of phone industry should refrain from could be attributed to long-term cell phones has increased the risk of promoting the use of mobile phones mobile use.” In particular this report brain tumours.” by children.” quoted Dr. P. K. Sethi, Professor and consultant of the neurology Another important conclusion In this context, the evidence department at Sir Ganga Ram drawn by Dr. Davis (who as a fond provided by a team of scientists Hospital as saying, “There is a lot grandmother is specially concerned based in Lund, Sweden is also often of literature that establishes a link about children) is that children face cited. They note that, of course, the JANATA, July 16, 2017 5 intensed use of cell phones by confirmed any serious hazards children come to play. Several children is unlikely to induce any associated with the use of cell researches have indicated that all obvious, dramatic, or immediate phones. It is true that many this can lead to a public health impacts on health. “It may, respected authorities have taken this catastrophe. The full implication of however, in the long run, result in view. That there are two sides to the this may be revealed in about two reduced brain reserve capacity that controversy is accepted even by Dr. decades or so. To prevent this might be unveiled by other later Devra Davis. As she puts it, catastrophe, we have to take neuronal disease or even the wear “Neither the danger nor the safety preventive and precautionary action and tear of aging. We cannot of cell phones is yet certain. How now before it is too late. exclude that after some decades of we manage that uncertainty could (often) daily use, a whole avert a global public health (Continued from Page 3) generation of users may suffer catastrophe.” strife could only be resolved negative effects maybe already in through civil war. A civil war for a their middle age.” What she and some other Muslim-free India may seem far- researchers are saying is - It’s true fetched right now; but within Asia, One important view that has that hazards are not fully confirmed, there’s one happening in emerged in research by several but the available evidence is enough Afghanistan, as well as in Iraq and scientists is that heavy exposure to to call for many precautions. Syria for many years now. Lakhs of electromagnetic pollution may people are being killed. From result in breaking ‘the blood-brain This is also the view taken by drones to the mother bomb attacks, barrier’, particularly in the case of two other authorities on this issue. lakhs of children’s lives are children exposing them to serious Dr. Elisabeth Cardis and Dr. Siegal completely destroyed. A generation hazards. Dr. Devra Davis has Sadetzki who wrote in a publication fed on the footage of the worst civil carefully summarised these serious of the British Medical Association, wars in human history is coming concerns,”When it is healthy, the “Simple and low-cost measures, into its own. brain of rats and humans is full of such as the use of text messages, fat and is well insulated to keep out hands-free kits, and/ or the The way educated, well off anything that is watery. Careful loudspeaker mode of phone could cultured Hindus are falling easy analysis of the brains of the cell- substantially reduce exposure to the victims to Islamophobia, it doesn’t phone exposed rats shows that after brain from mobile phones. seem like they have learnt any just a week of regular two-hour Therefore, until definitive scientific lessons from the tragedy of daily exposure they release answers are available, the adoption Partition. Emotional claims about albumin- a critical material that of such precautions, particularly family and children will not hold should not be found escaping from among young people, is advisable.” against civil war. Hasn’t Modi left the brain. As a result, these rats This appears to be an eminently his family, and even his wife, for remain vulnerable to taking in other reasonable approach. the ‘Hindu Rashtra’? As the noose agents in the blood that normally of neo-imperialism tightens, the would never enter their It is important to carefully hate-mongering against Muslims brain…..Once the blood-brain examine all the existing evidence and Christians will also rise. Other barrier is breached, then anything on this critical issue, particularly minority religious communities will circulating into our bodies at the keeping in view the fact that also get caught in this hate mania. time, alcohol, drugs, toxic children are being exposed all the The failure to become either chemicals, cigarette smoke, diesel time to more cell phone radiation modern or world citizens, will be exhaust, will more readily enter the and cell phone tower radiation not compensated by BJP-RSS by brain from the blood.” just for communication but also for installing ‘Hindu president’, ‘Hindu entertainment and education. prime minister’, ‘Hindu On the other hand, industry Children are exposed to very heavy government’, ‘Hindu development’, sources have steadfastly maintained radiation at a very tender age. In ‘Hindu technology’, ‘Hindu that an overwhelming majority of Delhi, cell phone towers are being knowledge’ and so on, in the studies conducted so far have not installed even in parks where ‘Hindu Rashtra’. 6 JANATA, July 16, 2017 We Just Banned Nuclear Weapons!

History was made at the United to the rules of international “We are very pleased that the Nations on 7th 7uly when the Treaty humanitarian law.” treaty recognizes the victims of on the Prohibition of Nuclear nuclear weapons,” Dr. Ruff noted. Weapons was adopted by an ”The nine nuclear-armed states, The preamble refers explicitly to the overwhelming 122-1 vote by UN which refused to participate in these Hibakusha—the survivors of Member States determined to negotiations, are now faced with a Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and to provide a legal basis for the stark choice,” said IPPNW program indigenous peoples who have elimination of the world’s worst director John Loretz. “They can suffered from the effects of nuclear weapons of mass destruction. comply with the norms that have testing. It also acknowledges the been clearly and unambiguously disproportionate health impacts of The ban treaty, negotiated by established by the Treaty and nuclear weapons on women and more than 140 states under the eliminate their nuclear weapons, as girls. auspices of the UN General they should have done decades ago, Assembly, prohibits development, or they will be stigmatized as outlaw “By establishing a clear and testing, production, manufacture, states. comprehensive set of prohibitions, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, a number of important positive use, and threat of use of nuclear “The states that base their security obligations, including obligations to weapons, and provides flexible on the nuclear weapons possessed by assist victims and help remediate pathways for nuclear-armed and other states can either withdraw affected environments, and nuclear-dependent states to comply from extended nuclear deterrence procedures for elimination that can with the prohibitions once they arrangements and cease all military lead to universal membership over decide to join. planning and preparation for the use time, the treaty provides a powerful of nuclear weapons, or face similar legal, moral, and political tool going Conference president Elayne global condemnation.” forward,” Dr. Ruff stated. Whyte, in submtting the final text for the vote, said we were here “to As the founder and lead medical “Today, with this historic treaty, give life to a new treaty that…seeks partner in ICAN—the International the world has changed. The shared to bring together the world around Campaign to Abolish Nuclear interests of humanity underpin this the dream of each and every person Weapons—IPPNW was an active achievement. A nuclear weapons ban to see a world free of nuclear civil society participant in the can be a game-changer towards weapons.” negotiations for the Treaty, working fulfilling the urgent global health to ensure that the final document imperative to eliminate nuclear The treaty will open for signature would fully reflect the scientific weapons.” on September 20 at the UN, and will evidence about the humanitarian enter into force once 50 states have impact of nuclear weapons. Help us sieze the moment! ratified it. “The treaty recognizes the –IPPNW ‘‘This is a landmark achievement catastrophic humanitarian that establishes the illegality of consequences that concern the nuclear weapons once and for all,” security of all humanity, posing Janata said IPPNW Co-President Tilman grave implications for human Ruff. “The Treaty is rooted firmly survival, the environment, food in the humanitarian principle that the security, and the health of future is available at consequences of nuclear weapons generations, said Dr. Ruff. “It also use are unacceptable under any recognizes that these consequences circumstances and that any use of cannot be adequately addressed, and www.lohiatoday.com nuclear weapons would be contrary must be prevented.” JANATA, July 16, 2017 7 In the Name of Cow: Lynching and More Lynching

Ram Puniyani

The lynching of Junaid (June earlier regime in 2011, 2012 and rigid twist and along with 2017) in the outskirts of Delhi, in a 2013 were more in number. This is a demonization of those eating beef. train, did come as a saturation point total lie. According to the data In Gujarat the first laboratory of in the conscience of large sections collected by IndiaSpend, based on Hindu rashtra, even the consumption of society. To express their anguish the content analysis of media of non-vegetarian food has been people came to streets in great reporting, “Muslims were the target looked down upon. Now all over the number in a largely spontaneous of 51% of violence centered on country ‘holiness of Mother Cow’ is protest, ‘Not in My name’. While bovine issues over nearly eight years being propagated and imposed on many critics criticized and (2010 to 2017) and comprised 86% the society with state patronage. undermined this expression of pain of 28 Indians killed in 63 incidents. and anguish of the sections of society, As many of 97 per cent of these In the context of Akhlaq’s it did catch the attention of the attacks were reported after Prime lynching Mr. Mahesh Sharma, union national and international media. The Minister Narendra Modi’s culture minister stated that the result was that our Prime Minister government came to power in May murder was an accident. He was also who has been keeping maun (silence) 2014, and about half the cow-related the one to go and put tricolor on the on the issue came forward to say that violence - 32 of 63 cases - were from body of the accused of the murder, ‘violence in the name of cow is not states governed by the Bharatiya when the accused died in the prison acceptable’; and that Mahatma Janata Party (BJP) when the attacks due to some illness. Another BJP Gandhi would not have approved it. were reported, revealed our analysis leader Mr. Sangeet Som had This bland statement was hardly of of violence recorded until June 25, threatened that if those who have any effect as just few hours after this; 2017.” How easily Mr. Shah wants been arrested for Akhlaq’s murder two more Muslims were done to distort the facts to defend present are punished, a befitting reply will to death in Jharkahnd. government! be given.

The earlier such statement from As such the overall What are the major observations him was after the lynching dissatisfaction, deflected anger also on these cases of lynchings? Eating of Mohammad Akhlaq. (October leads to lynching, as seen in the beef, slaughtering cow and 2015) At that time also nearly two tragic case of the lynching of Ayub transporting cow had been the major weeks after the lynching he opened Pundit in Kashmir. The insanity pretexts for violence. The victims of his mouth on the issue. That which comes up in the mob is most this constructed anger are mostly statement was also bland and hardly condemnable. In case of lynchings Muslims, while dalits have also been had any effect on the Gautankwad in the name of cow, the factors flogged and tortured. Muslims are (terrorism related to cow protection) involved are multiple. With the rise presented as beef eaters, cruel, not as lynching’s continued. So either of Hindu nationalist politics many a respecting Hindu sentiments about Mr. Modi is ineffectual in controlling dalits were earlier killed in Gohana cow, apart from other biases which his cabal, the Hindu nationalists for example when they were have been already spread against involved in such violence, or that skinning the dead cow. Adding on them. The social scene has been so they also know that Prime Minster to this agenda of polarizing society constructed that due to these biases is making such statements for on the issue of cow, last few years and regular instigations, the popular saying’s sake, and that they can as Modi Sarkar has come to power adage, ‘innocents until proved continue their business irrespective. there are overt statements for Gau guilty’ has been made to stand on Raksha (Cow Protection). While the its head to mean ‘Guilty unless Mr. Amit Shah, BJP President, laws of cow slaughter ban had proved innocents’ for Muslims. The defending the present regime said already been there, with BJP ‘silent social sanction’ for killings that the lynching was taking place in ascendance the laws have been given and upholding the act is couched as 8 JANATA, July 16, 2017

‘defense of Hindu religion’ and now Muslims. The propaganda pertains these acts. The claims of ‘good Hindu symbol of cow rules the roost. to the Holiness of Cow and Muslims governance’ bite the dust in the light The benign animal is the pretext for violating that. It is not a coincidence of these atrocities, ghastly violence. To jack up their that such brutal acts have become agenda there are false claims by BJP part of social phenomenon, after Ayub Pundit’s lynching is equally spokesperson that Gandhi wanted a Modi came to power. Gradually the painful one. There is also a need to ban of cow slaughter ban. He intensity has been stepped up. understand the social psychology opposed the idea on the ground that Beginning from Modi’s own operational there and urgent need to there are many who consume beef, statements about Pink revolution, combat that. Country wide the and that country belongs to all. of greatness of Rana Pratap as insecurity of religious minorities he gave his life for protection smashes the claims of ‘Acche Din’, Lynchings are not just law and of cows, to demonization of as the polarizing agenda is taking order problem. These are part of, or Muslims in the name of cow makes huge leaps in the name of Cow and rather byproduct of Hindu clear as to what is the underlying leading to lynching’s’ on regular nationalist propaganda against social psychology, which leads to interval.

Near Death of The Indian Postal System

Niranjan Haldar

The slow death of the Indian Secretariat, Befor down the purpose of sending the Postal System began when the Dept was abolished, onlt the CTO money… If there’s less Money Finance Minister Shri Pranab remained operative in Kolkata. The Order- the needs for delivering those Mukherjee negotiated with the IMF number of telegrams received on the by the Postmen would also be less. for a large loan in 1981-82, with the last day of the Telegraph Dept, undertaking that the Govt. of India thoughthe number of ofices were To reduce the number of postmen would reduce its number of very small, was staggering. to deliver letters, books, journals etc- employees. The Indian Goverment the supply of stamps and postage to did not retrench any employee, but The Government justified the the post offices either discontinued when an employee retired, the abolition of the Telegraph Dept. on for weeks & months, or became very government abolished the post so the pretext that the customers could irregular. The Government that even a temporary staff could not communicate through phones and e- encouraged usage of the Courier be employed in that post. New posts mails. One cannot send any message Service that would bring Service Tax can be created only after the to a newspaper in Stockholm, or the to the Government, or the Speed provision is made in the Cenrtral Human Rights Commission in Post , which brings Service tax for Budget. Geneva unless the e-mail address of the Government more than the price the receiver is known… But for of an envelope. The name of the Department was Telegram- no such number is that of Post and Telegraph. The required.. Next, the Money Order The Post Office had an excellent Telegraph employee had to perform system was curtailed by using system of encouraging Small other jobs. The Post & Telegraph computers, in most of the post Savings. Agents of the Postal Dept. in Kolkata [ then Calcutta] offices where Money Order was System, used to collect Postal discontinued with the Telegram accepted, either there was no person Savings, by visiting the houses of service in all post officesexcept one to operate the computers, or the the small savers. Initially they used in South Calucutta [although there computers turned to be defective.. to get 2% from the amount they was no dearth of customers], at Lake Where the Money Order System deposited, from the Post Market and at the Central Telegraph remained operative, the Money Offices. The Finance Ministry Office [CTO] near the State Order Form had no space to write reduced the discount to 1%, and JANATA, July 16, 2017 9 then to 0%. As a result there was no Apart from the lack of Postmen large letter-boxes by smaller letter- agent to bring in new business, and in the Post Offices, the lack boxes, where no journal can be Ponzi schemes flourished in the of sorters have created more dropped. IRHA Newsletter is country , and many depositors were problems. As there was no sorter published from the postal area of cheated. reportedly at the General Post PIN 700 107. Office, letters were sent from the Old People and Pensioners used GPO, to another Post Office, for The less number of postmen has to deposit their Savings to receive sorting. very badly affected the delivery- the interest on a monthly basis. When system … the 700107 Post Office the people were harassed and Noida is a flourishing urban area in South Kolkata delivers letters, perplexed during the de- in the Capital region- but it’s Post journals etc once a week, or once in monetisation , of Rs 500.00 ,and Office 201-301 has no sorter and less a fortnight.. The local TMC MP RS 1000.00 Bank Notes, the Post number of post men. As a result, [South Kolkata], though not blind, Offices were debarred from opening packets of Newsletter sent to Mr does not respond to any demand, new Savings, or MIS accounts. Vinod Jain in H-901 Elite Homez, though he is a party to pass the Instead, a counter in a Post office Sector-77, Noida 201-301, did not Central Budget. became a counter of Post Office reach his house for the last five Bank that would operate like a bank months. The MPS get Rs 5 Crores every but opening of an account in in Post year under MPLAD schemes, but Office Bank is more difficult than To discourage people to drop they do not bother about the opening an account in an ordinary letters and journals in letter-boxes, impending death of the Indian Postal Bank. the Postal Department is replacing System.

A lynching is much more than just a murder. A murder may occur in private. A lynching is a public spectacle; it demands an audience.

The lynching of Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old dairy farmer, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan at the beginning of this month attracted a live audience of dozens and a virtual one in the millions. Mr. Khan, a Muslim, stood accused of smuggling cows, which are sacred to Hindus. A whole nation watched the scene on its smartphones and televisions: Mr. Khan, a lone hunted figure in white, lurches and stumbles along the edge of a dusty highway. He is pursued by “cow vigilantes,” young men in striped T-shirts and jeans, armed with belts and sticks. Eventually they gain on Mr. Khan, who falls to the ground, clutching his stomach. A crowd with cameras and smartphones circles. In screen within screen, we see Mr. Khan brutally beaten by the vigilantes in broad view of everybody. He died three days later, the sixth fatality since 2015 of a Muslim man subjected to vigilante justice of this kind.

A lynching, unlike, say, a terrorist attack, does not depend on maximizing the loss of life. What matters — whether in the American South a century ago or in India today — are not numbers, but the public, almost orgiastic character of the violence. The crowd surrounding Mr. Khan was baying for him to be doused in gas and set alight. A lynching is a majority’s way of telling a minority population that the law cannot protect it. That is why in the American South so many African-American men were dragged from jails or hanged outside courthouses — unmistakable symbolism of the law’s paralysis.

In Mr. Khan’s case, the law was not merely paralyzed; it actively served the killers. In the first hours after Mr. Khan was attacked, 11 people were rounded up and arrested for cow smuggling — but not one for murder. Three people were arrested for Mr. Khan’s lynching, but only days later, after he died. But the effect of the arrests was minimized by the role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s .

–Aatish Taseer, New York Times 10 JANATA, July 16, 2017 Satyagraha as a Peaceful Method of Conflict Resolution -II

Vibhuti Patel

Pioneering Contribution Gandhi: Rajya to Swarajya talks of Satyagrahi], Rajkumari Amrit Kaur conservation and restoration, girl and Pushpaben Mehta. Geraldine Today, as the word Satyagraha is child and world peace. The Annual Forbes examines the model that used randomly to mean any protest Report, 2007-08, Hind developed in her action, the Director of Swarajya: 1909-2009 is dedicated to speech as President of the Indian and Darshan Samiti, Savita Singh centenary year of Hind National Congress, a model with [2007] tries to trace its evolution; Swarajya which became a rallying India as the house, the Indian people honing it in his South African point for all peace lovers when on as members of the joint family and laboratory and turning it into an 2-10-09 [138th birth Anniversary of the Indian woman as effective weapon of non-violence Mahatma Gandhi] became historical the Mother. Naidu, Gandhi and against colonialism. Arguing milestone in humanity’s quest for many other advocates of women’s that Satyagraha is a force that has global non-violence when the and national liberation agreed come to stay, Singh also dwells on United Nations declared Mahatma wholeheartedly that women and how Gandhi’s legacy has been Gandhi birth day as An International India would advance together to the carried forward by the likes of Day of Non-Violence. extent this new familial model for Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson India was adopted by the women and Mandela and . A Women and Satyagraha men of India. commemorative volume, the narrative draws heavily from some Mahatma Gandhi attached great Gandhi believed women could do of the major works on the subject, importance to the status and role of much to transform India on all and- needless to say-Gandhi’s own women in society. He advised levels. He believed that equal rights writings. Doubling up as an account women to refuse to be the slaves of for women and men were necessary of the freedom struggle, the narrative their own whims and fancies and the but not sufficient to create a more gets wonderful pictorial support; not slaves of men. He attached the just social order. What good does it just in the form of photographs but highest importance to women’s do to us to have equal rights if we copies of dated newspaper honour. If a Woman is assaulted she are divided within ourselves and clippings, Satyagrahaleaflets issued may not stop to think in terms unable to attend true unity with by Gandhi, his letters to Tolstoy and of Himsa or Ahimsa. Her primary others? Gokhale among others, and duty is self-protection. Mahatma government correspondence relating Gandhi’s ideas and activities In a letter written to Rajkumari to him. The Annual Report [2004- contributed a lot to generate Amrit Kaur from on October 05] captures Salt Satyagraha: unprecedented awakening among 20, 1936, Gandhi writes, ”If you seventy-five years and makes an Indian women. They came out of women only realize your dignity and extremely inspiring reading as it has their homes and participated actively privilege, and make full sense of it relevance in the contemporary in the freedom movement and the for mankind, you will make it much context. The Annual Report [2005- constructive programme of Gandhi better than it is. But, man has 06] provides an overview as equal partners of their men folk. delighted in enslaving you, and you of Satyagraha [Hundred Years, Gandhi took the idea of have proved willing slaves till the , 1906 -September 11, Satyagraha from Kasturba, his wife. slave and holders have become one 2006] and shows its relevance in the in the crime on degrading humanity. current context of environmental He was deeply influenced by My special function from childhood, degradation, pollution, war [a radical feminist and you might say, has been to make mongering, violence against women a Theosophist], Sarojini Naidu [a women realize her dignity. I was and importance of SHGs. The trusted co-worker], Kamladevi once slaveholder myself but Ba Annual Report, 2006-07, Kranti to Chattopadhyaya [a fiery proved an unwilling slave and thus JANATA, July 16, 2017 11 opened my eyes to my mission.” in rural and urban society with mode of struggle for a better world increasing violence against women, are the meira peibi of Manipur who The Satyagraha method of and the decreasing number of stand in clusters on the roadside Mahatma Gandhi has been adopted women in the population ratio. outside their village with flaming by New Women’s Rights Movement Modern technology, consumerism torches to protest against men who of the Twentieth and Twenty-First and lack of effective instruments indulge in drugs and alcohol, which century, particularly with the purpose have allowed, women no real are jointly ruining the youth of of promoting peace, communal- progress even while allowing greater northeastern India. These women harmony, sustainable development mobility and visibility to women also raise their voices against the and environmental safety. from the middle and elite classes. excesses of the security forces and Visibility alone is not empowerment form a protective shield around their In 1983 the women’s movement in the real sense. villages against them. They do not in India in its currently known phase, quote Gandhi or term their struggle was just beginning to mobilize itself. Mahatma Gandhi believed that as Satyagraha but their steadfast, Kamladevi was witness to and part Satyagraha was the most powerful powerful and peaceful picketing has of valiant efforts by women weapon in a non-violent struggle. all the elements of struggle in the to ”...not only push forward their Satyagraha involves defiance. It manner, Gandhi himself would have own progress but act as levers to involves the willful, peaceful, wished. help other oppressed sections, while breaking of laws that are unjust. It facing fierce hostility... there were no means picketing, protesting, The anti-liquor movement of grants to feed such activities; no squatting, obstructing, challenging built up gradually awards, titles, national recognition, and publicly resisting wrongs. Since in the minds of poor and illiterate no press publicity instead a lot of women were the most nonviolent women who for long years suffered abuse.” She defines women’s and ardent lovers of peace, it could the ill effects of alcohol consumption actions of that time to be for equal be sharpened and extended as a by their men folk. For families rights, which could not be described weapon in women’s struggles for steeped in poverty, for women who as feminist. “Women’s problems justice and equality. To him the were subject to domestic violence were never sought to be treated on a ultimate ahimsa and Satyagraha was related to alcohol, for wives who had sex basis but as social maladies of a when women, in vast numbers, rose nothing material to lose by rebelling common society, men and alike. up to put an end to the destructive because they had nothing to lose, What are indeed significant are the aspects of male dominance in they fulfilled Gandhi’s wish of danger signals she saw at this time. society. Had the momentum of deciding no longer to be slaves of Habit, complacency and consequent freedom struggle not been slowed the situation. ”No one can be lack of vigilance, which fast down, such mobilization could have exploited without his or her willing undermined women and eventually attracted many more women into participation”, said Gandhi. Gandhi deprived them of whatever gain they public life. Political activity geared said that women “strengthen my have been able to secure over the towards the transformation of belief in Swadeshi and Satyagraha.... years. There are numerous subtle society into the holistic, integrated if I could inspire in men devotion as ways of ignoring women and entity as Gandhi had visualized has pure as I find in the women, within abridging their rights. She lamented not yet crystallized. Satyagraha is a year, India would be raised to a that woman had docilely accepted now just a word, a mere symbol, that height impossible to imagine. As for the situation of helper and that their serves no purpose for the academic Swarajya it was the easiest thing in work in political parties was only to or the elite, or even the middle class the world.” Gandhi expected them mobilize support for the party and feminist whose dialectic emerges to do battle from their homes, while not to assert their personalities or from a theoretical background far still fulfilling their traditional roles. strength as political entities. removed from Gandhi’s poor The superior qualities of women and Kamladevi concerns for the gains women who act because they have the intrinsic difference between man achieved during the freedom no use for words to explain and woman were something Gandhi movement were well founded if we themselves. Among those women kept highlighting. Since he believed view the almost regressive situation who today have made Satyagraha a that women could bring about 12 JANATA, July 16, 2017

Swarajya better, women were the various groupings. The wearing of Satyagraha operates at a level very embodiment non-violence, for Khadi and handloom among the deeper than nationality, politics, him they were greater soldiers and younger activists is more as the military power, book education or beneficiaries of his Swarajya badge of a progressive liberal rather socio-economic ideology. It is a campaigns. The three famed than as a commitment to the foods process working in the very spearheads of these campaigns were of indigenous manufacture. These elemental human nature of mankind the manufacture of salt, boycott of are no longer taken up as issues of as a biological species. As foreign cloth and shunning of liquor struggle although many women are Satyagraha becomes more widely which he said, “were specially meant part of the wider movement against employed, it will, partly by virtue for the villages and the women the rieo-colonial pressures of the of this capacity as a mirror, help in would benefit especially.” In 1930 new world trade regime, which the development of human self- Mithuben Petit reported to Gandhi destroy both sovereignty and consciousness and confidence in that habitual drunkards were national resources. one’s own capacities. enthusiastically breaking earthen jars containing toddy and that Many institutions and Verma and Bakshi [2005] analyze thousands of persons in Surat who organizations representing women’s a very crucial period of modern India were given to drinking had started rights have a high visibility in the under the British Rule because after having resolutions passed by their cosmopolitan arena and have end of First World War followed by castes prohibiting drinking. effectively expressed their concerns. famine, unemployment and Not only has that, their members magnified sufferings of Indian Somewhere along the way, decisively moved far ahead of people and new motivations and however, the issues close to Gandhi’s vision of fearless women. impulses, which influenced the Gandhi’s heart have been largely left Alert, active and bold, they engage character of freedom, struggle. by the wayside by women who in constant discussion and Mahatma Gandhi made it clear that became part of the power structure introspection for genuine equality. he had no admiration for British as well as by the emancipated Parliamentary system and also women’s groups. Organizations Critical Evaluation declared in a special session of Indian involved in trade union work, social National Congress held in Calcutta reform and development issues have Rai [2000] makes an attempt to [now Kolkata] that Swarajya can be in part or in whole addressed the study Gandhian Satyagraha in a attained in one year provided issue of prohibition, but neither has philosophical way by analyzing the adequate response from masses to the women as a group in parliament nor basic principles of Satyagraha with Congress. Occurrence of such events through institutional structures a critical viewpoint. It contents the in quick succession widened the raised this demand loudly and basic philosophical ideas persisting scope of the fight for freedom. Non- effectively. Prohibition is not in Gandhi throughout his life. The cooperation Movement, non-violent accepted when it is presented as a book has detailed and elaborates Satyagraha, participation of women, moral issue alone and therefore the explanation of all the basic thought appointment of the Simon argument has to include and practices ofSatyagraha, and Commission and movement against developmental priorities, revenue what are the inherent contradictions. him, emergence of collection, and budgetary allocations In concluding chapter the author has followed by and other to social welfare, health and other pluck up courage to find out how revolutionaries and their martyrdom sectors which rural women are far Satyagraha and its principles are shook the roots of the British Rule unable to do. relevant now a days and what its and they started sensing that their negative implications are. This book days were numbered. The salt Satyagraha and boycott is not only for the students of of foreign cloth emphasizes the Gandhian thought or philosophy Krishna [2008] deconstructs the indigenous, but the feminist but also for general people as well leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in movement has not associated itself to know Gandhian Satyagraha in South Africa that was gradually with the except its totality in context to modern entering a new era, the era of non- for the Gandhian elements within the times. racial democracy. Though ethnicity JANATA, July 16, 2017 13 will continue to cast its shadow on President Barack Hussein Obama efficacy of force, one must point out politics, as religion and castes do in managed to convince the house to that wars do not always obtain their India even after six decades of reduce the defense budget and desired ends, nor does oppression secular democracy. The Gandhian allocate more resources to the public ensure true and enduring control Satyagraha can be an effective tool health. Currently, at 200 over peoples and nations. Indeed, to challenge the unjust order. geographical locations conflict Adolph Hitler did not obtain his situations are prevalent. Peace objective through force, nor did Shukla [2008] states that the movements are gaining momentum various imperial nations such as first Satyagraha Revolutions throughout the world. Goal 8 of The Great Britain and France gain their inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in the MDGs also demands from the nation ends by employing force in their Indian Independence Movement state mutual cooperation and global colonies. The wars of national occurred in Kheda of Gujarat and peace. independence have time and again Champaran of Bihar between the proven the impotency of superior years of 1917 and 1918. Gandhi The wars of national liberation in force when matched against massive established an in Latin America and Africa are grassroots violent and non-violent Champaran, organizing scores of his instances of the third type. The resistance. Thus, there is no reason veteran supporters and fresh second and third kinds of threats can to believe that force and violence volunteers from the region. He become intertwined, as evidenced in will invariably intimidate others and organized a detailed study and survey such wars as the one between achieve the ends desired of them. By of the villages, accounting the Ethiopia and Somalia in the late the same token, non-violence is not atrocities and terrible episodes of 1970s [in which Somalia put applicable in every situation of suffering, including the general state forward claims to the Ogaden region potential conflict, although Gandhi of degenerate living. Building on the based on traditional movements of and his supporters claimed that it confidence of villagers, he began the tribes within its own was. leading the cleanup of villages, jurisdiction], or the disputes between building of schools and hospitals and India and Pakistan over the territory Let us take the case of ultimate encouraging the village leadership of Kashmir. The war between Iran violence first. to undo Purdah, untouchability and and Iraq is at once an ideological the suppression of women. conflict [where the Shiah Ever since the advent of nuclear fundamentalist Islam of Iran has set weapons, the world has lived in War, Peace and Satyagraha itself against the more secularist, terror of annihilation. The means of traditional Sunni Islam of the Arabs] destruction are so lethal that they Peace is threatened generally by and a dispute over boundaries have rendered largely irrelevant the three kinds of national or separating the two states. The objectives for which a war could be international conflicts. The first and conflict between Arab states and waged. most destructive is the arms race, Israel is similarly multilayered. It is carrying with it the possibility of about territory, the rights of the There is no real purpose in nuclear confrontation; the second is Palestinians for a homeland, and waging a war if the conflict spells that of conventional wars between Israel’s right to exist as a state. certain mutual destruction within a the states for territory, resources, few minutes and if very little of honour, or ideological supremacy; There is very little possibility that either adversary’s national substance the third is a consequence of in the foreseeable future any state would be left to dominate the other. totalitarian or authoritarian rule will replace arms with non-violent resulting in oppression and denial of means to deter aggression. Indeed, Horsburg, however, argues that equality, freedom, and justice to the all governments believe that although Satyagraha is no substitute whole population of a state or to is irrelevant to the for deterrence, the spread of nuclear distinguishable groups within it. problem of defense, and that weapons to a large number of states therefore armed force must be the will create a situation in which For the first time in the modern ultimate arbiter in human affairs. non-violent means of resolving world, we have witnessed that Against this unqualified faith in the conflict will become increasingly 14 JANATA, July 16, 2017 relevant. He admits that any relevance in negotiations for society and politics to accept the disagreement and hostilities will nuclear disarmament? In other Gandhian view of human nature and persist, ”There are bound to be words, can it act as a preventive? forego the sense of security offered many cases in which negotiations Can the Gandhian principles of steps by weapons. will end in a deadlock”. However, and stages, sympathetic he claimed, ”it does not seem wildly understanding for one’s adversary, There are, however, elements speculative to predict that in these formulation of minimal demands in Satyagraha that have an circumstances an increasing interest consistent with truth, refusal to important bearing on the question will come to be taken in the threaten or intimidate the enemy, and of how to engage constructively in possibilities of non-violent action.” open diplomacy be meaningfully bargaining for disarmament. Let us applied to fashion a strategy for look at some of the causes of the He defends his position,”If it is gradual nuclear disarmament? arms race between superpowers. said that those optimistic According to several scholars, the speculations are absurd, I must insist In principle, the Gandhian arms race is a result of certain that they are soundly based on the framework can be an important attitudes common to both the USA logic of deterrence. If the risks that guide for negotiations on and the USSR. Each country has deterrent policies involve must disarmament. Indeed, even dehumanized the other, discounting continue to increase, the use of conventional diplomacy recognizes the fears and concerns of the other’s armed force in the international the need for confidence building population and characterizing the sphere must become progressively measures and reciprocity. Nor can other’s leaders as warmongers. This more dangerous and hence it must negotiations be successful unless attitude was evident in Dulles’s eventually become too hazardous to both sides are convinced of the characterization of the Soviet Union use in the most extreme national sincerity of their opponents. as the diabolical enemy, as it is in emergencies.” the Reagan administration’s view of However, today such settlements the USSR as the ’evil empire’.And Unfortunately, the logic of are seldom arrived at by open yet, scholars and practitioners of deterrence does not quite work in the diplomacy or via adherence to the international diplomacy have way Horsburg describes. Nuclear idea that mutual demands should be pointed out that the situation states often engage in conventional consistent with truth. More often leading to war or peace is one of wars and by a tacit agreement refrain than not, open diplomacy is used to mutual dependencies. For instance, from using their most lethal score points with critics at home, to analyzing the US-Soviet weapons. For instance, in the conflict pressure the adversary, or worse still, Relationships, Henry Kissinger over the Falkland Islands between to camouflage reluctance to contended that ”both sides had to England and Argentina, England negotiate. The usual practice in arms be aware of this dependency if certainly had the capacity to wage a negotiations is to demand the mutually damaging wars and costly nuclear war. Similarly, in the 1979 maximum, in the hope that the final arms were to be avoided.” conflict between China and Vietnam, agreement will ensure more than The SALT-I was based on a China had an independent nuclear what is required for defense. successful identification of such capacity and Vietnam was under the dependencies. Soviet nuclear umbrella. Indeed, one It is difficult to imagine a situation might point out that the rough parity in which a nuclear power would The theory of power and politics in nuclear weapons has aggravated unilaterally disarm without an implicit in Gandhian thought rejects the competition for the Third World effective substitute strategically this separation and stresses instead between the USA and the USSR. equivalent to armed strength. a fundamental continuity between Although some scholars have two seemingly opposite entities. Satyagraha and Nuclear postulated the adoption of Disarmament non-violence and gradual phasing The Gandhian strategy of action out of dependence on arms, it is clear requires that the protagonist attribute If Satyagraha is impractical in a that a nation would have to undergo an irreducible minimum humanity to situation of nuclear war, does it have fundamental structural changes in its the enemy; to do otherwise is to JANATA, July 16, 2017 15 betray one’s own humanity. The conflict the people and society advantage and where the enemy significance of this premise for relying upon it. Often it only must depend on popular reconciliation of conflict and for the threatens mutual annihilation. He cooperation. However, there are process of negotiations can hardly goes on to say that although non- cases where Satyagraha will not be be over-stressed. violent civilian defense will not stop feasible. For instance, the enemy the aggressor at the borders, military may be interested merely in There is one more possibility of aggression does not give the invader inflicting military humiliation and applying the Gandhian technique political control of the country. He may withdraw promptly after armed to the problem of disarmament. suggests that in civilian defense, the intervention. In some situations, the This is in mobilizing mass population as a whole can resist national population may be too small movement against the arms race military aggression, making it in numbers to mount effective non- and building grassroots support impossible for the enemy to violent resistance. In other for negotiations. The methodology establish and maintain political situations, the invader may be of mass mobilization in this control. Enemy control can be interested merely in extracting raw situation, however, would be no prevented by massive and selective materials, and may not require different from that of other issues. refusal to cooperate. cooperation of the civilian Critics might argue, and with population to do so. In most other justification, that peaceful protest For instance, police would refuse instances, however, the Gandhian would not solve the basic strategic to locate and arrest patriotic theory of power will become dilemma and might in fact opponents of the invader. Teachers operational and give civilian defense threaten national security by would refuse to introduce this a powerful means to foil the forcing democratic societies to propaganda into the schools, as ambitions of an aggressor. negotiate away their advantages. happened in Norway under the (To be concluded) Against this argument, one may Nazis. Workers and managers would point out that acquisition of arms use strikes, delays, and beyond a certain point is useless, obstructionism to impede and a peace movement can raise exploitation of the country... awareness among the masses as Politicians, civil servants, and Disgraceful well as generate pressures on judges, by ignoring or defying the governments to devote more enemy’s illegal orders, would keep “Disgrace abounding” money to social advancement the normal machinery of ‘ignoramus and constitutionally rather than to defense. Satyagraha government and courts out of his impermissible’ is the instant and Non-Nuclear Defense. control...as happened in the German reaction to the totally resistance to the Kapp Putseh in unacceptable suggestion of This brings us to our question 1920... Newspapers could refuse to Central Board of Film under consideration. Can massive submit to censorship.... as it Certification Regional office to non-violent resistance be an happened in the Russian 1905 words like ‘Cow’, ‘Gujrat’ and adequate means of non-nuclear revolution and several Nazi- ‘Hindutva’ from the interview of defense? Several scholars have occupied countries. noble laureate Amritya Sen. examined the nonviolent method of defense and concluded that at Gandhi’s Solution to External This action has made laughing least theoretically; it is a plausible Invasion Would be to Convert the stock of India’s claimed open alternative, although widespread Conflict from One at the Borders to society. It should be immediately ignorance and prejudice against One Against Occupation within the scrapped. Modi’s stooges in its methodology have often Country Censor Board should not be prevented its being considered allowed to mock at the seriously. A struggle against occupation, fundamental rights of free speech. rather than defense at the borders, Military power today does not will shift the conflict to the turf –Rajindar Sachar have the real capacity to defend in where Satyagraha has a decided R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, July 16, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, July 16, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday July 19, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 27 Indo-China Border Dispute July 23, 2017 Prem Singh

Modi Government and the Nation’s Food Security The aggressive Kashmir policy of goods to the Kashmir problem. It has Neeraj Jain the Modi government has led to the long been clear that China supports present conflict with China. China Pakistan and opposes the UN ban on is trying to create a siege around international terrorists like Maulana An individualist President India. The Chinese policy experts are Masood Azhar. But for the first time, Kuldip Nayar creating an impression, through RSS campaigners and the media China’s media, that the Chinese army have started a campaign in the Lynching to Power can enter Azad Kashmir and confront country by linking China to the Irfan Engineer India just as India has entered Kashmir issue. The level of their Bhutan and challenged China. The hatred is such that they are not Chinese media has been publishing tolerant even about the show of G-20: win some, lose some articles and photos from the museum goodwill expressed by Mehbooba D. K. Giri of the Indo-China war of 1962. If Mufti and on Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba ‘Kashmiriyat’. The RSS and the Communal Harmony Campaign Mufti and West Bengal Chief media perceive it as a false show and Bharat Dogra Minister Mamata Banerjee have said refuse to see the condemnation of to the Union Home Minister that killings of pilgrims of Amarnath China is interfering in Kashmir and Yatra by separatists and human rights Satyagraha as a Peaceful the Darjeeling hills, then it should groups of Kashmir as an expression Method of Conflict not be taken lightly. of Kashmiri sentiment. Meanwhile, Resolution - III the Chief of Army, General Vipin Vibhuti Patel Unfortunately, the government is Rawat, by saying that they are engaged in spreading communal tackling the challenge on two and Editor : hatred in the country rather than half war fronts, has made it clear that G. G. Parikh paying attention to serious issues like he is treating Kashmir as ‘half-war Managing Editor : Guddi the security of the country’s borders. front’. Opening several war fronts at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s one time is neither strategically nor D-15, Ganesh Prasad, campaigners and the media inspired practically beneficial for any Naushir Bharucha Marg, by them are creating hatred against country. Mumbai - 400 007. the people of Kashmir as if they are not Indian citizens and an integral India’s socialist thinkers and Email : [email protected] part of India. They have linked the leaders have long been aware of Website:www.janataweekly.org agitation of boycotting Chinese China’s ambitions as an expansionist 2 JANATA, July 23, 2017 country. On getting an opportunity, 1890 between the British and China, of China, like India, is acting on the China is most likely to take a chance about which Prime Minister Nehru policy of aggressive nationalism at trying to surround and weaken himself was not very keen, must rather than a practical foreign policy. India. This is the reason why Dr. therefore be rejected by India. In But the difference is that in China’s Rammanohar Lohia had delineated addition to this, there is the need to nationalism, there are no narrow a Himalayan Policy and discussed strengthen the claims of India over social and religious divisions, the the establishment of friendly places like Kailash Mansarovar. kind that the RSS and its outfits are relations with the North-Eastern creating in India. India can stand firm states including Nepal, Bhutan, India should also claim 90,000 sq. and united against China only if the and Kashmir by km. of land which China has RSS/BJP stop such campaigns to strengthening democratic occupied. A resolution should be spread fanaticism-based hatred in the movements in them. Lohia believed passed Once again in the Parliament country. that this would secure India’s in this matter and the government, borders. taking the opposition in confidence, The matter is not just about should show that India is united on boycotting the Chinese goods. This But the Modi Government, rooted Doklam issue. India as a sovereign hypocritical economic stamina is not in RSS ideology based on narrow country is open to dialogue in order of any use if you are purchasing communal considerations, follows a to resolve the border dispute with Sardar Patel’s statue from China. If ‘Hindu Policy’ instead of Himalayan China, but is not willing to accept the boycott idea is really serious, then Policy. This is the reason why China’s expansionist ambitions. the goods of all the multinational relatively ‘peaceful’ Kashmir during companies should be boycotted. This the UPA government has exploded It should not be forgotten that the will happen only when the policies under the NDA government. The dispute of Doklam Plateau, located of liberalization and globalization are BJP’s rage against Mamata on the border triangle of Bhutan and boycotted, against which there was government in Darjeeling is also Sikkim, is different from the Daulat a tremendous demonstration in singeing Sikkim. Nepal has, in the Beg Oldi (2014) and the Chumar Hamburg. This is the only option to recent years, leaned extraordinarily (2013) controversies. At that time the protect the resources of this country towards China. This is despite the Chinese army was ready to negotiate from the loot of multinational extraordinary relief measures given and the matter was quickly settled. companies and corporate houses. during earthquake and Prime But this time China has made the The hard-working masses of the Minister Modi’s visit to condition that the talks will happen country will be able to stand up Pashupatinath. China is marking only if Indian forces withdraw from firmly against any foreign power certain places in Arunachal Pradesh. Doklam. India should take a firm only after such measures are taken Bhutan and China are negotiating stand on this issue keeping its for the country’s integrity. with each other without actually security and national dignity in view. having diplomatic relations, China has started closing upon India Janata Subscription irrespective of a month-long tension by strategically entering countries with Indian army in Doklam. like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Annual Rs. : 260/- Bhutan, Bangladesh; and declaring Dr. Lohia clearly stated, “I do not ‘One Belt One Road’ scheme as a Three Years : 750/- have to make any long historical mantra of development in the region. debate about . I think Tibet Demand Draft / Cheque should be free. She has been free. India must not forget that present- on There was a time in history that Tibet day China is not China of Deng has ruled China.” Dr. Lohia also Xiaoping. It is the aggressive China Mumbai Bank in favour of wanted to prove that at one point of of Mao Tse-tung’s times, one that has time the King of Ladakh had gifted survived the crisis posed by the JANATA TRUST Kailash Manasarovar to Tibet, but disintegration of communist D-15, Ganesh Prasad, he kept the adjoining Mansar village countries like Soviet Union and Naushir Bharucha Marg, internal rebellious upsurges like within his regime and used to charge Mumbai 400 007 tax. In this situation, the treaty of Tiananmen Square. The ruling class JANATA, July 23, 2017 3 Modi Government and the Nation’s Food Security

Neeraj Jain

The Modi Government claims · Furthermore, most of these jobs India’s Planning Commission had that poverty has considerably being created are informal sector been seeking to define the poverty declined in the country. According jobs. This implies that these line since the 1960s. Finally, in the to the Economic Survey 2015–16, workers do not even get the early 1970s, it accepted the the incidence of poverty in the legal minimum wages (which recommendation of a group of country has declined from 37.2 per are barely subsistence wages), experts and defined the poverty line cent in 2004–05 to 21.9 per cent in let alone other facilities to as that particular level of total 2011–12 for the country as a whole. ensure a dignified existence spending per capita on all goods and While the rural poverty ratio including health, education, services whose food spending part declined from 41.8 per cent in 2004– housing, sanitation, and safe satisfied the nutrition level of 2,400 05 to 25.7 per cent in 2011–12, the work conditions. Thus, during calories of energy intake per day in urban poverty ratio declined from the ten–year period 1999–2000 rural India, and 2,100 calories per 25.7 per cent in 2004–05 to 13.7 per to 2009–10, an estimated 130 day in urban areas. The rural norm cent in 2011–12.1 million people entered the job was soon after scaled down to 2,200 market. However, during these calories.5 The Planning Commission But there is something wrong 10 years, the economy created applied this definition only once, to with these figures; they are in a total of only 63.5 million National Sample Survey (NSS) data complete contrast to the picture of additional jobs, of which only of 1973–74, which yielded rural/ poverty presented by other 14.4 million jobs were formal urban poverty lines of Rs 49 and 56 economic indicators: sector jobs.3 Implying that only per day. But after that, the 11% of the youth who entered Commission changed the definition • It is well-known that the country the job market during this in practice, and adjusted the 1973– is facing a huge agrarian crisis. decade got decent jobs, with 74 poverty line for inflation using a Due to this, more than 3 lakh some job security and facilities; price index, regardless of whether farmers have committed suicide the rest got jobs in the the lines so obtained still allowed in the country over the past two unorganised construction sector nutritional standards to be met. decades. And yet the Economic (which are dangerous and Subsequent expert committees have Survey claims that not only has mainly migrant jobs), or were continued with this mistaken poverty in the country declined, selling peanuts and vegetables method. This has produced the there has been a sharper decline by the roadside, or were absurdity of Rs 22.4 and 28.7 as the in the number of rural poor! employed in horribly low-paid rural/urban daily poverty lines in How is that possible? jobs in eateries, or were rolling 2009–10, at which only 1,870 papads and bidis in their homes, calories could be accessed in rural • The country is facing a huge and so on.4 areas and 1,720 calories in urban unemployment crisis. During the areas. The rural/urban poverty line very years when the Economic What explains this extreme for 2011–12 stood at Rs 26/32 per Survey claims that poverty in the mismatch between the day.6 country declined, employment government’s figures showing a growth in the country virtually sharp decline in poverty, and the These are absurdly low figures. collapsed: annual employment above statistics that show a The Planning Commission’s figures growth in the country fell from worsening rural situation and become even more atrocious when 2.66% during 1999–2000 to collapse of employment generation? it is kept in mind that they do not 2004–05, to only 0.88% during For this, we need to go into a bit of refer to food costs alone. These the five–year period 2004–05 to history about the evolution of paltry sums are supposed to cover 2009–10.2 India’s poverty line. not only food but all non-food 4 JANATA, July 23, 2017 essentials, including clothing and these distressing figures are borne region, ranked India at a very low footwear, fuel for cooking and out by other surveys too:9 97 out of 118 countries for which lighting, transport, education, the GHI was calculated in 2016. The medical costs and rent!7 Even a • The National Commission for GHI is calculated by the school child knows that basic Enterprises in the Unorganised Washington-based International necessities, even just adequate food, Sector (NCEUS) was Food Policy Research Institute cannot be obtained, nor working established in 2004 under Prof. (IFPRI).10 health be maintained, by spending Arjun Sengupta, to advise on so little. Amazingly, however, 30 issues related to the country’s Unless one has gone chronically crore Indians subsist below these unorganised workforce. In its and repeatedly hungry to bed, it is levels. Clearly, India’s poverty line study, NCEUS set an overall hard to imagine what that can do to does not measure poverty anymore, minimum of Rs 20 per day per one’s body and mind. But even we it measures destitution. person in 2004–05 as its cut-off keep aside such (what some may for defining the “poor and call) “sentimentalism”, malnutrition Estimating actual poverty vulnerable”, and calculated that also has enormous economic costs. 77% of Indians fell below How can hundreds of millions of Using the same NSS data this cut-off. This figure is in Indians become productive members (of 2004–05 and 2009–10) from fact more than Utsa Patnaik’s of society unless they are given the which the Planning Commission estimates for poverty in conditions needed to develop their derived this very low poverty line, 2004–05. inherent capacities, and obviously, and basing herself on the original the most basic of these is food? 1973–74 poverty line definition, • The Socio-Economic and Caste wherein all people unable to access Census (2011) data relating to But the Modi Government is 2,200/2,100 calories per day in rural households are now unconcerned. Using manipulated rural/urban areas are considered available. They show that for statistics that show poverty in the poor, the noted economist Utsa nearly 75% of rural households, country as falling sharply, it is Patnaik has estimated the number the income of the highest reducing the government of people in India living below the earning member is less than Rs expenditure on the most important poverty line. Her estimates show 5,000 per month; and for 92%, programme in the country to tackle that:8 it is less than Rs 10,000 a month; the poverty and malnutrition crisis for more than half of rural facing the country—the food • In 2004–05, the percentage of households, the main source of subsidy programme, wherein the people in rural India unable to income is manual casual government provides essential food access 2,200 calories was labour—the most insecure, and non-food items to India’s poor 69.5%; this percentage has gone deprived and sweated type of at subsidised rates through the public up to an appalling 75.5% in employment. distribution system (PDS). Worse, it 2009–10! is now moving towards dismantling With three-fourth of the the public distribution system itself! • 64.5% of the urban population population spending 12–15 hours a was unable to reach 2,100 day to somehow earn the bare But this attack on the nation’s calories energy intake in 2004– minimum needed to barely stay food security began much earlier, in 05; this too has gone up to 73% alive, hunger levels in the country the 1990s. Modi–Jaitley are only in 2009–10! are obviously going to be very high. ruthlessly pursuing it. India may be one of the world’s Other poverty estimates fastest growing economies, but its Globalisation and the hunger levels are amongst the worst attack on PDS To most people fed on a daily diet in the world. The Global Hunger of media propaganda that India is Index (GHI), a multidimensional The roots of this assault on food rapidly growing and is an emerging statistical tool designed to subsidies go back to 1991. The superpower, these figures would comprehensively measure and track Indian economy was entrapped in a appear to be an exaggeration. But hunger globally and by country and foreign exchange crisis. India’s JANATA, July 23, 2017 5 creditors, the developed countries manipulating the definition of ‘really India (FCI) were more than 70 (the triad of the United States, the needy’, that is, the poor, to reduce million tons, which is more than West European countries and Japan) its food subsidy bill. double the buffer stock and strategic forced the Indian Government to reserve norm of 32 million tons.13 take a ‘Structural Adjustment Loan’ Basing itself on this logic, in from the World Bank–IMF to tide 1997, the government replaced the (to be concluded) over the crisis. The loan package was Universal Public Distribution a strict quid-pro-quo. In return for System by the Targeted Public (Endnotes) the loan, the Indian Government Distribution System (TPDS). The 1 agreed to implement a series of TDPS limited recipients of publicly Economic Survey, 2015–16, Volume II, p. 210, http://indiabudget.nic.in. market reforms. Since then, all distributed foodgrains to three governments that have come to strictly delineated beneficiary pools: 2 Utsa Patnaik, “Poverty Trends in India power at the Centre have dutifully Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY, the 2004–05 to 2009–10: Updating implemented these conditionalities. poorest of the poor), Below Poverty Poverty Estimates and Comparing Official Figures”, Economic & One of these was that the Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line Political Weekly, October 5, 2013, government must reduce its (APL). Families were admitted into http://www.epw.in. spending on food subsidy.11 one of the three pools based on annual household income as well as 3 For this, see our booklet, Neeraj Jain, Spectre of Fascism, Lokayat and Janata Before the beginning of land holding and ownership of Trust publication, Pune/Mumbai, 2016, globalisation, the PDS in India was consumer durables, and accordingly p. 43, available on Lokayat website, a universal scheme which could be given AAY/BPL/APL ration cards. http://www.lokayat.org.in. accessed by all the households in the They were provided monthly rations 4 Ibid., pp. 41-47. country. Its aim was two-fold— of rice and wheat at subsidised make available foodgrains at ‘fair prices, with prices and quantities 5 Utsa Patnaik, “ Number Games: India’s (that is, affordable) prices’ to all graduating across the three pools. Declining Poverty Figures Based on households across the country, and, Flawed Estimation Method; Accurate Figures Show 75 Percent in Poverty”, secondly, keep a check on the On the one hand, the government World Poverty, August 25, 2012, http:// speculative tendencies in the market. now gradually hiked the prices of academicsstand.org foodgrains for APL households, As a part of the WB–dictated bringing them closer to market 6 Ibid. globalisation reforms, the prices, so that these households 7 Utsa Patnaik, “Poverty Trends in India was now stopped buying grain from the public 2004–05 to 2009–10: Updating Poverty required to reduce its food subsidy. distribution shops—more popularly Estimates and Comparing Official Obviously, a theoretical justification called the ration shops. And on the Figures”, op. cit., p. 46. was needed, around which a other, a majority of the poor were 8 Utsa Patnaik, ibid.; Utsa Patnaik, propaganda campaign could be also pushed out of the PDS by the “Number Games: India’s Declining waged to convince the people that simple stratagem of denying them Poverty Figures Based on Flawed this cut in food subsidies was going BPL cards! This is admitted by NSS Estimation Method; Accurate Figures to benefit the poor as well as the surveys, which show that 70.5% of Show 75 Percent in Poverty”, op. cit. country. This was soon found. The rural households either possess no 9 “Constructing Theoretical Justifications government’s economists and card or an APL card—when three- to Suppress People’s Social Claims”, bureaucrats came up with the quarters of the rural households do Aspects of India’s Economy, No. 62, January 2016, http://www.rupe- argument that the majority of the not earn enough to eat two full meals india.org. food subsidy is being siphoned off a day!12 by the middle classes, and so the 10 Rhythma Kaul, “India Hunger Levels benefits are not really reaching the With a vast majority of the poor Ranked as “Serious” in 2016: Global not buying foodgrains from the PDS, Hunger Index”, October 11, 2016, http:/ poor. They proposed that the ration /www.hindustantimes.com. system should identify the ‘really foodgrain stocks with the needy’, and only they should be government of India soared. In July 11 There are several articles available on provided subsidised foodgrains. The 2013, foodgrain stocks with the the internet outlining these government then began state-owned Food Corporation of (Continued on Page 9) 6 JANATA, July 23, 2017

Between The Lines An individualist President

Kuldip Nayar

It is not difficult to assess the else he could have at least regretted let down as they did during Pranab regime of who the imposition of the Emergency Mukherejee’s Presidency. retires from the office of President when one lakh people were detained after completing tenure of five years. without trial, the press was Had there been a Lok Pal He was a wrong choice and should ‘disciplined’ and the civil servants (Ombudsman) he would have not have adorned the Gaddi at the lost the distinction between right and pointed out where Pranab first instance. wrong. BJP leader L. K. Advani was Mukherjee had failed. Alas, there is correct to chide the press: You were no such institution. The Bhartiya Pranab Mukherjee, man Friday of asked to bend but you began to Janata Party, which talks about Sanjay Gandhi, an extra- crawl. Sonia Gandhi appointed him values at the drop of hat, should constitutional authority who ruled because he had served the dynasty assemble an institution, that is above the country during the Emergency. faithfully. People rightly defeated politics, to say what is right and what It was a dictatorial rule by the then him and Indira Gandhi when the is wrong, moral or immoral. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who elections were held. Not only she had suspended even the fundamental was defeated in the polls held after Pranab Mukherjee, even though rights. Pranab Mukherjee was then the relaxation of Emergency but the late, should say from Rashtrapati the Commerce Minister, who Congress party was ousted locks, Bhawan that he and his Congress granted or stopped licences at the stock and barrel. Thus people took party were repentant for the bidding of Sanjay Gandhi. A regime the revenge. Emergency they had imposed. This does not acquire validity because no is a taint on the face of the nation mishap took place during the period. Pranab Mukherjee’s appointment and needs to be wiped out. That he The vary rule was an insult to the was a slap on the face of nation. has left the office does not matter. democratic nation. Pranab Never have people supported a What is important is that the Mukherjee who had violated the dictator nor have they honoured any democratic nation should get back constitution by occupying the person who has violated the ethos its ethos debated in the constitutional position and cannot but be of independence: democracy and assembly and in incorporated in the condemned for the days he ruled. secularism. In this case, even the constitution. constitution was flouted. I expect When Sonia Gandhi elevated that after some years, Pranab Heads of institutions are not Mukherjee to the office, she was Mukherjee would himself recall the generally assailed. The idea behind criticised. But hers was a gift to a period when he was the President. such thinking is that the criticism loyal person who even said that the And he would feel that he could have may harm the institutions, which are day was the night. He should himself done better. He should be able to essential for the sustenance of assess the achievements and find out spot out at least one instance when democratic polity. Germane to this whether he came up to the he upheld democracy and pluralism. idea is the presidency. Therefore, the expectation he had aroused. This would have been fair to the President is spared even when he or people, who ousted the British to she crosses the line that the office I have gone over the period when have their own rule through the delineates. Because of this he was at Rashtrapati Bhawan and I ballot box. consideration, President Pranab find, to my horror, that it was a rule Mukherjee has escaped censure even which had a negative impact. If he I am sure that if and when Pranab when a person at an equally high had been a sensitive person he would Mukherjee writes his memoirs, he office has been crucified. This does have felt the wrongs done during the would be frank enough to list his 17 months of Emergency. If nothing failings. Seldom have people felt so (Continued on Page 9) JANATA, July 23, 2017 7 Lynching to Power

Irfan Engineer

Mashal Khan, a 23 year old The lynch mobs on both sides of issues. Protestors in India protested journalism student was seized from the border target their respective in various cities and towns under his dorm room by a mob that minorities with the state law and NotInMyName campaign after stripped and beat him, then shot him order machinery laid back and lynching of a teenage boy, Junaid, dead on 13 April 2017 in Mardan in taking little action against the in . Protesters gathered North West Pakistan. Khan was members of lynch mob. They target across Pakistan, calling for justice accused of offending the economically poor, politically after lynching of Mashal Khan. Islam (Rasmussen and Baloch weak and socially marginalized Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. 2017). In the month of May 2017, a within the minorities. Not the elite Nawaz Sharif condemned the mob attacked a police station within the minorities. The lynch murder – although it took him two demanding that Prakash Kumar, a 34 mobs do not target owners of the days. Prime Minister Modi too year old Hindu, arrested under beef packaging and exporting condemned the so called gau blasphemy laws of Pakistan, be industry and large slaughter houses. rakshaks for records more than handed over to the mob (AFP 2017). Slaughter of large number of cows nudging the police to act against Just over a week later, a mob and progeny would come to a near them effectively. attacked a mentally ill man who halt if fear of God was put in the claimed to be a prophet at his local owners of beef exporting industry. Indian Constitution is democratic, mosque in north-western Chitral whereas Pakistan is believed to be (Pakistan). He was rescued by Instead of taking strict punitive dominated by “jihadi” ideology. police. The spate of incidents action under law against the While there have been only about a followed government of Pakistan’s members of lynch mob, the dozen lynching in Pakistan since drive against blasphemy. Unproven machinery mandated to uphold law 1990, in India, media reported 33 allegations of “insult to Islam” led and order investigate the allegations incidents of mob lynching since the to dozens of mob attacks or murders made by the mob against their year 2015 beginning with Dadri. since 1990 in Pakistan. victims. Booking the victims of the Some say there were 67 incidents lynch mob is meant as a measure to since 2015. 18 persons, including India is trying to catch up with appease the blood thirsty mob. The one Hindu, were killed and 71 Pakistan with spate of mob lynching, Pakistani police registered offence persons were injured. 7 of the 71 after the BJP Government was against Prakash Kumar. In case of injured in the lynching have been elected to power in May 2014, Mashal Khan, Abdul Wali Khan Hindus and 14 dalits. Two incidents different only with regards to minor University launched an inquiry of lynching took place in details. Replace the allegation of whether Khan insulted Islam. In the and one each in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, “insult to Islam” with “cow case of Dadri lynching, the police Orissa, Assam, West Bengal and slaughter” and you get same sent sample of meat to laboratory for Bihar. Whereas 26 lynching lawlessness and lynch mentality on testing whether it was beef. incidents have taken place in BJP- this side of the border. The ruled states, including Rajasthan, similarities between Pakistani – In both countries, the lynch mobs Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP, jihadi if you prefer the term – and enjoy patronage of politicians from MP, and Jammu & Hindu supremacist lynch mobs are the ruling party and dominant Kashmir. many – on both sides of the border religio-political organisation – the blood thirsty lynch mobs were Hindu supremacist in India and We are made to believe by the encouraged by specific legislations Islamic fundamentalist organisations lynch mobs in Pakistan that they are – blasphemy laws in case of Pakistan in Pakistan. In both the countries, protecting Islam and the lynch mobs and anti-cow slaughter laws in case law abiding citizens were horrified in India that they are protecting of India. by the violence invoking religious cows. Wrong. Neither Islam needs 8 JANATA, July 23, 2017 protection of lynch mobs nor are the welfare without any evidence said silence of the majority. Large cows protected by them. In fact their that the profits from cow slaughter majority of populace of the country actions endanger both – cow and are funding terrorism in the country. is converted into believing the Islam. Pakistani lynch mobs are in The Jains and Hindus are owners of allegations of animator of the lynch fact defaming Islam by their violent largest slaughter houses and have mobs without any question. Mashal actions. Experts have pointed out substantial stake in beef export was lynched in Pakistan, the other that the peasant would not be able market earning huge profits. Why students were silent spectators as no to bear the burden to maintain a cow would they fund terrorism? Sakshi one even asked what did Mashal beyond its lactation period and they Maharaj, a BJP MP said madrasas Khan do or say! 16 year old Junaid may opt for other milch animals and are training grounds of terrorists. Khan could be stabbed to death and the number of cows in the country Amit Shah, BJP President during thrown out of the train as all the may drastically go down. The campaign in Bihar state elections passengers were silent spectators. animators and leaders of lynch mobs said that Pakistan would celebrate Media reports suggest that even on have other objectives which we the defeat of BJP! He had earlier the railway platform on which would like to inquire into a little during the general election campaign Junaid bled to death, no one came later. called upon his Hindu audience to forward to speak to the police. The take revenge of Muzaffarnagar credentials of the animators and x x x communal violence. These are just members of the lynch mobs do not a few examples of demonization of matter. They may be bullies or Lynching is possible in a context Muslim and Christian minorities by extortionists or even criminals often wherein a social group is demonized Hindu supremacists for many years having political ambition. and stigmatized for years, and now they have become particularly the minorities in conventional wisdom. The lynch squads pretending to Pakistan and India. Minorities are be gau rakshaks have been demonized so frequently and so State functionaries ignore these functioning in Gujarat since at least widely using media and social media hate crimes and remain silent. They over a decade. There are over three platforms that they are perceived as shirk their Constitutional mandate scores of them in Ahmedabad alone anti-nationals and loyal to the and duty to bring those committing and many more in other towns of “enemy” state. Just because a few hate crimes to justice. This Gujarat. The lynch squads are well Muslim women wear veils and a few strengthens the assumption within networked under patronage of a Muslim men wear skull cap and the people that the averments may politician and they cultivate grow beard, they are stigmatized as be true. People then come to believe informers all over the place. The fanatics whereas Hindus that the law of the land and criminal squad receives information of applying tilaks on their foreheads, justice system is not effective to vehicles transporting animals from women wearing mangalsutra or tackle these criminal, unpatriotic and one place to another and whose Sikhs wearing their headgear and anti-national traitors that the driver or owner is a Muslim. On carrying kirpan are not perceived as minorities are. receiving such information, their religious fanatics. animator/leader assembles the Lynching receives silent approval members, sets up unauthorised Such perceptions do not emerge of the majority in this backdrop. blockades on road. After the vehicle from nowhere. Differences of way Mere allegation is enough to believe is stopped, the first thing they do is of life are politicised. PM Modi that a Muslim driver transporting snatch all the permits that the driver when he was Chief Minister of cattle or meat in spite of all of the vehicle may show (Engineer Gujarat had demonized Muslims to necessary permits is a “cow 2014). At times they extort money be breeding like rabbits in relief smuggler” or a co-conspirator in and allow the vehicle to carry on and camps and denied any material cow slaughter. Similarly, in at times they start lynching, they support to hapless displaced of riots Pakistan, mere allegation that a may video graph the whole in 2002. The then PM Vajpayee had Hindu or a Christian has insulted lynching, summon the police and to remind the CM of Gujarat of Islam or Prophet is sufficient to be hand them over. The video is his raj . Maneka Gandhi, convinced of their guilt. This uploaded on social media to exhibit Minister for women and child assumption of guilt gives rise to the prowess of the lynch squad. The JANATA, July 23, 2017 9 police would then charge the victims over the Hindu and Christian They undermine the concept of of the lynch squad under anti-cow minorities but also over Ahmediya, citizenship and push the society slaughter legislations and other laws. Shias and rationalists. Lynching is towards mental ghettoization and If a lynch squad is able to mount leading to Wahabisation of Islam in acceptance of hegemony of several such operations, their leader Pakistan and reinforcing caste based community over the individual. establishes himself as a local bully hierarchies, and traditional upper and has an accelerated political caste and Khap panchayat morality Resisting lynch mobs and career in the party wherein Hindu in India. The lynchers trigger off speaking against them is not only in supremacist seek opportunities. Hate political processes that strengthen the interest of minorities directly crimes create silent spectators which patriarchy and control over women’s threatened but also in the interest of enables lynching and which in turn body, mind and movements. They society in general and democracy in is used as an instrument to deepen politically push for more particular. The majority will have to demonization of the minorities. authoritarian state enforcing cultural break their silence and be vocal norms and will of the upper caste. against all forms of violence. x x x (Continued from Page 5) The lynch mobs have a political conditionalities. See for example: Neoliberalism, pp. 7–8, 29, 64–66, Structural Adjustment in India, World Oxford University Press, 2005. objective rather than religious one Bank, 2012, http://lnweb90. they pretend to have. If the Pakistani worldbank.org; Montek S. Ahluwalia, 12 Madura Swaminathan, “Public lynch mobs wanted to serve or Structural Adjustment and Reform in Distribution System and Social “save” Islam, they should be saying Developing Countries, April 1994, Exclusion”, May 7, 2008, http:// www.planningcommission.nic.in; www.thehindu.com. their prayers, observing fast, serving Ashwini Deshpande and Prabirjit the orphans and the needy through Sarkar, “Structural Adjustment in India 13 “Foodgrain Stocks Fall Below 70 Mt, charity and treading the straight path – A Critical Assessment”, Economic Exceed Reserve Norms by a Margin”, and Political Weekly, December 9, August 9, 2013, http:// in accordance with Qur’anic 1995, http://www.epw.in; David guidance, as many pious Muslims Harvey, A Brief History of www.financialexpress.com. do. The lynch mob masquerading as gau rakshaks would not ignore (Continued from Page 6) the stray cows and hungry suffering not, however, give him any licence. served the dynasty relentlessly. But cows in the gaushalas across the He should not be exploiting the Sonia’s determination to make her country receiving grants from tax prerogative as he does. son, Rahul Gandhi, the prime payer’s funds. The lynch mobs and minister came in the way of their patronisers desire an It was a Swedish radio station Mukherjee’s political ambitions. accelerated political career. Having which broke the story first. The Though he was exasperated, legally and politically survived source was a “deep throat” whose Mukherjee soon realized the mood lynching operations, their name has not been revealed till and announced that he would not participants have a sense of today. He passed on the information contest the 2014 election. Sonia empowerment and being above law. to Chitra Subramaniam, a journalist readily agreed to offer him the The lynch mobs establish their who was then working for The position because he had himself hegemony not only over the state Indian Express. The “deep throat” cleared the deck for Rahul Gandhi. machinery, but also over politically was an insider and felt horrified over and socio-economically the bribery, which was first placed Mukherjee should have done marginalized sections of the society, at Rs. 64 crore but turned out to be something to explain because the including minorities, dalits and other in the neighbourhood of Rs. 3,000 Congress party he has represented backward classes. crore. has this blame pending against him. The Congress should itself think They enforce through coercion Mukherjee had taken it for about the ways to come clean and the will and way of life of socially granted that the key role he had explain to the nation why and how hegemonic and privileged upper portrayed as a firefighter during the the scams like Bofors and castes. The Pakistani lynch mobs Congress party’s troubled times he Commonwealth Games had come to establish their hegemony not only could not be ignored for having take place. 10 JANATA, July 23, 2017 G-20: win some, lose some

D. K. Giri

The leaders of G-20 countries met economics of it, what are the fall outs decided in Buenos Aires, (2018), on 7-8 of this month in Hamburg of such a sudden and dramatic move. Tokyo (2019), and Riyadh (2020). Germany to discuss and direct the India is growing and is being The original aim of G-20 was, ‘to world economy. For the first time, impoverished at the same time. This provide a new mechanism for India smartly played its part and is a paradox Modi is reinforcing. informal dialogue – to promote co- secured a sort of diplomatic victory. While he can throw the Indian operation in order to achieve stable It managed to insert an anti-terrorism demographic dividends at foreign and sustainable world economic objective for G-20 countries, much investors, he should make these growth that benefits all’ (Canada, to the chagrin of China. The target available to Indians too. Anyway, 1999). Since then, the objective has was obviously Pakistan which has this debate needs to be engaged in, been broadly to manage the world been fostering terrorist outfits. The but for now, back to G-20. economy in response to emerging final communiqué said, “Terrorism issues, but many new agendas like is a global scourge that must be G-20, by far, is the most powerful dealing with climate change, fought and terrorist safe havens bloc, as the economic output of managing globalization have been eliminated in every part of the members constitutes 85 per cent of included. The significant inclusion world”. Furthermore, the G20 the world GDP. It started in 1970s of the issue of combating terrorism leaders pledged joint crackdown on as G-7, consisting of seven largest at the behest of India in the summit terrorism and its financing; vowed economic powers at the time – at Hamburg is a major development. to destroy safe havens in every part Canada, France, (West) Germany, Terrorism seldom figures in of the world. Prime Minister Modi Italy, Japan, the , meetings where India and China are managed to insert this clause and the United States. The Group present, as the latter has sympathy through his deft diplomacy with emerged in response to the spikes in and support for Pakistan which Angela Merkel the President of prevailing food and fuel prices. The shelters terrorists targeting India. Germany and the host of the Group’s composition remained conclave. unchanged until Russia joined in In Hamburg, the discussion and 1996 when it became G-8. In the late the decisions were made under five India sits in the G-20 group and 1990s, the financial crises affected rubrics. One, sharing the benefits of is making itself noticed by other big a number of emerging economies in globalisation; it was underlined by powers, so far so good. But Modi Latin America and Asia and the leaders that globalisation has led needs to look inward into our own threatened to spill over to G-8 to excessive global imbalance that country and its economic countries. That is when the G-8 needs to be reduced. Truly, development. There is apparently countries began to expand their size globalisation and technology have growth in the economy, and India is to include other countries. After led to economic growth, but they said to outgrow China, but the some experimentation in including have not benefitted all within and impact of growth is not felt by a vast other countries, a solid structure of across the countries. Therefore, G- majority of Indians. Not long ago, G-20 countries got finalized. The G- 20 resolved to focus on sustainable, the Arjun Sengupta report suggested 20 meetings were attended by balanced and inclusive growth. The that, nearly, 800 million people live central bank governors and finance trade and investment should aim at on less than 2 dollars a day. Only ministers’ but after the financial increasing productivity, creating recently, last December, one crisis of 2008, G-20 summits were jobs, fighting protectionism, evening, the Prime Minister made all elevated to country leaders’ level. So entering into plurilateral agreements, the 500 and 1000 rupee notes invalid far, twelve meetings of G-20 making WTO open, consistent and in one fell swoop, in so-called countries have taken place from transparent and so on. It was decided demonetization. One fails to 2008-2017, and the venues for the to create a ‘sustainable global supply understand, without going into deep next three meetings have been chains’. In doing so, countries must JANATA, July 23, 2017 11 adhere to UN guiding principles on treaties referred to are related to The major deficit in the Hamburg business and human rights and ILO women empowerment, education, summit was the absence of declarations on multinational and entrepreneurship, especially of unanimity on climate change. USA enterprises and social policies- women, food security, water, rural has withdrawn from Paris eliminate child labour, forced labour, youth, and agriculture and so on. Agreement. The mantle then falls on human trafficking, ensure decent On women empowerment, the 2014 Europe, as other countries continue work, and reform labour markets. Brisbane Agreement was invoked. to be big pollutions, like China. The final communiqué reiterated, It aimed at reducing gender gap in Australian power supply is largely “Well-functioning labour markets all areas by 25 per cent by 2025. On coal–dominated, in Canada, oil contribute to inclusive and cohesive education, there was renewed extraction from sands leaves heavy societies, and resilient economics. emphasis on access to STEM- carbon footprints. The US position Another significant development science, engineering, technology in Hamburg was to “work closely was the chalking-out of the G-20 and mathematics, also on ‘e-skill with other countries to help them ‘Road map for Digitisation for for girls initiative’. Again on access and use fossil fuels more growth and development’ women issues, a couple of more cleanly and efficiently” to the rest digitisation needs to be harnessed. Agreements were decided to be of G-20 led by Germany had a There is digital divide in income, followed up; Wefi-women different and contrasting proposal. age, geography and gender. This entrepreneurship financing That was, “to provide affordable, divide should be done away with. G- initiative, Business women’s leaders reliable, sustainable, low green 20 members agreed to aim for a taskforce. On rural development, house gas energy systems”. The digitally connected economy and the Agriculture Market Information Europeans had committed to cut society by 2025. System (AMIS) was to be used GHG by 40 per cent by 2030; efficiently, so also the G-20 whether that is enough is another The second head was ‘building initiative on Rural Youth question. Important to recall that, in resilience’. Under this objective, Employment. The Fifth agenda had 1896, a Swedish scientist had posted the tasks include: maintaining a a strong moral overtone that was a link between the surface, resilient global financial system, ‘Assuming Responsibility’. The G- temperature and the concentration of monitoring and mending the 20 countries talked of being in atmosphere.A century later, international financial architecture, responsible for discrepancies, Angela Merkel, as the environment encouraging international tax co- distortions and even decay in the minister of Germany got world to operation and financial economies and societies world over. agree to reduce global warming transparency, adopting pro-growth The special focus was on Africa below 20 C. In Hamburg, she was tax policies, and safeguarding which is stalked by diseases, hosting the G-20 summit and getting against health crises, and displacement, conflicts, exploitation everyone on board on the issue. The strengthening the health systems. and dictatorships, etc. The Summit most points in the climate The third objective was ‘improving resolved to build the ‘Africa negotiations is the climate finance. sustainable livelihoods’. This partnership’. That is why Macky Even in Paris summit in “the climate objective was aligned with the 2030 Sall, the president of Senegal, who and Energy Action plan for Growth” global agenda for sustainable is the president of new partnership finance was the main concern. development based on the 17 SDGs of Africa’s development, was Before withdrawing, out of 3 billion and 169 targets firmed up in attending the summit. There were USD committed by US it had Ethiopia in 2015. There was also discussions on migration and already paid 1 billion USD to the reference to and reiteration of the refugee crises, especially the latter corpus fund. Similar contributions OECD report, ’Investing in climate drew greater attention as Europe promised by other countries are not and investing in growth’. has been badly hit by heavy influx forthcoming. The European Combating climate insecurity, of refugees. Another major issue diplomacy will be tested in reducing the GHG emissions, that became part of the global mobilising other major powers shifting to the use of renewable responsibility is ‘fighting besides US. Also getting US back energies are the keys to sustainable corruption’. The G-20 invoked on board will be an important task. livelihoods. ‘Building on all other and pledged to conform to the treaties’ was the fourth agenda. The UN Convention against corruption. (Continued on Page 12) 12 JANATA, July 23, 2017 Communal Harmony Campaign

Bharat Dogra

The recent tragic events, people of most areas despite having from the posters. So what reached particularly many incidents of mob a yearning for peace can people on a big scale did not even lynching have re-emphasized the nevertheless be susceptible to the have my name on it, but I told need for sustaining a campaign for very shrewdly prepared instigator myself that this is not the time to promoting communal harmony and propaganda of communal forces. take up such petty issues. The main ending all forms of discrimination thing is that the message should on a continuing basis. India Today Hence there is a clear need for reach more people. This is magazine stated in its issue dated continuing a sustained campaign for something that I had achieved much July 24 2017 that at least 50 communal harmony. I can tell from beyond my expectations. incidents of mob lynching were my own experience that even small reported in the three years from efforts if sustained for several years As some editors came to know June 2014 to June 2017. What is can have a big influence. When the of this effort, I was also able to write more the trend escalated in more temple/mosque controversies were on these issues in some leading recent times with as many as 12 peaking, as an independent newspapers. One of the biggest such incidents taking place in the journalist and writer I took the newspapers in Hindi Navbharat three months from April to June initiative to prepare a series of Times published my series of nine 2017.The victims in all cases were posters and booklets on communal articles on these issues at a time Muslims or Dalits. The accused in harmony. These tried to answer the these were most needed. Then almost all cases of killings were false propaganda of communal Nishant Natya Manch came forward linked to cow vigilante groups or forces on history related and other to reprint these as a booklet. Then the so-called gau rakshaks, the issues and instead presented those retired Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat leading magazine said. aspects of history (such as freedom published posters as a book. Thus fighters of various faiths fighting one thing kept leading to the other While the communal forces play together against colonial rule) which and my very small effort became a a leading role in such violence, one can help to spread the message of big effort with the help and reason why they are able to involve communal harmony. Within my very cooperation of others. many people is that a lot of small resources I could print only a communalism related myths are few copies and so while I was very So lack of resources should not entrenched rather strongly among satisfied with the good work done, I stop us from making a very small common people in our country. was nevertheless conscious of the contribution, if sustained even When some conscious efforts are very small scale of the effort. this small effort may have a big made to remove these myths and impact. also answer the highly distorted However, I soon realized how a propaganda of communal forces, very small beginning can open up (Continued from Page 11) then people of different faiths are much bigger opportunities. Some The new president of France Macron quite capable of living in harmony organizations came forward with hopes to get US to reconsider its with each other. This can be seen in offers that if I give them permission position. That will be triumph of several areas where some then they will like to republish these Gallic (typical French) diplomacy. organizations of workers or other on a much bigger scale and soon I For now, India is on board with organizations working on social saw that these were being re- Europeans on climate change, it has reforms and justice are well-rooted published in numbers many times climate negotiations, and Indians among the people. In some parts more than my original print order. have headed the Global Climate people have their own rich It made me a little sad when one Committees. Will India be called contributions of communal organization which published on a upon to play the role of a moderator harmony also, but more generally vast scale entirely omitted my name in days to come? JANATA, July 23, 2017 13 Satyagraha as a Peaceful Method of Conflict Resolution -III

Vibhuti Patel

The Norwegian resistance to Nazi Salvador, a certain similarity of Satyagraha is a better functional rule, the Indian community underlying causes becomes alternative to guerilla warfare in the Satyagraha against the Transvaal apparent. There is not much dispute classic strategy scenario, because government, the Chinese boycotts of even among policy-makers in here Gandhi’s theory of power can 1905, and the revolutionary change Washington that in each case the be operationalized with stunning in Russia were not conducted in a conflict is a result of long years of effect. liberal socio-political environment. oppression, misery, and denial of Draconian laws were in effect, and freedom to the majority. However, The ruling oligarchies cannot in each case the government had the in an oppressive environment, tightly remain in power unless they deliver means to stamp out opposition knit violent revolutionary a large portion of the wealth of the promptly. It must be pointed out that movements spring up, plunging the county to external powers on whose with the exception of South African country into civil war. The masses support they depend for their own involvement; protestors resorted want neither not the survival. In other words, such to Satyagraha without fully semi-feudal oligarchies that have regimes represent the interests, not understanding its principles or been the rule in Central America, and of the masses within, but of techniques, mainly because arms certainly they do not want civil war. exploiting forces outside their were not available. Even in South In fact, when the revolutionaries country. This is the regimes strength; Africa, Gandhi was still succeed, as they did in Nicaragua in however, if viewed from the experimenting with Satyagraha, and 1979, the results may be different perspective of Satyagraha strategy, it had not as yet attained the fullness only in degree from the oppression it is also its major weakness. of a strategy for conflict resolution. of the past. Born in violence, and This was to happen much later. threatened by great powers like the A great power like America may United States and its surrogates, a intervene on behalf of ruling In India, Satyagraha succeeded, revolutionary government has no interests on the pretext that the not because British rule was choice but to enforce austerity and revolutionary movement is aided democratic and liberal-the massacre strict rule. and abetted by America’s enemies. of innocent women and men at Because self-reliance and non- pointed to the However, in each case the guerilla violent persuasion are the cardinal opposite-but because the British had movement could not have succeeded rules in Satyagraha, there would be ignored Gandhi’s early calls without mass support. Indeed, in the no need for arms from abroad; thus, for Satyagraha, thinking it to be an classic strategy enacted in Cuba and the United States would look foolish entirely eccentric and unworkable elsewhere in Latin America, the sending an army against unarmed idea. The movement gathered force guerrillas first fight for control of the citizens who were simply agitating in the meantime, until it became too countryside and slowly tighten the for human rights, and demanding late to control the nationalists’ noose around the capital. As a final liberty and democracy. What is fervour or the moral elan among the blow, the capital or major metropolis more, if Satyagraha were to succeed masses. then goes on strike, and the and political change be brought government comes to a halt. In other about, the resulting government Indeed, even in the late 1980s words, non-cooperation and mass founded as it would be on peace and there is persuasive evidence support could not be obtained popular legitimacy without ill will, that Satyagraha would be an without organization and publicity. should be able to maintain internal appropriate alternative for conflict And in every successful case these as well as external peace. as a means of change. As one looks are quite effectively employed, even at Central American upheavals, such when clandestine operations are Indeed, one of the most critical as those in Nicaragua and El necessary. revolutions of recent times, the 14 JANATA, July 23, 2017 revolution in Iran, has many lessons Church. ‘People power’ succeeded member, said that from cinematic for us in this respect. Admittedly, in the . themes to special educational Islamic fundamentalism has nothing courses, Gandhi’s teachings were in common with Gandhian Conclusion making a comeback. ”It seems the Satyagraha; however, we should country is set for a transformation note several elements that this Gandhi advocated Satyagraha on the lines of Gandhian theories. movement holds in common with not as a new religion but as a And the centenary celebration will other revolutions. superior means for attaining social act as a catalyst to remind us to harmony and human advancement strengthen our commitment for a First the masses in Iran were for peace. This alliance of a better tomorrow,” she added. K. K. imbued with moral and religious pragmatic quest for solutions and a Mukhopadhyay, a Gandhian and fervour; secondly, they were willing deep spiritual conviction also points former director of the Gandhi to accept enormous suffering, to the way in which future Bhavan in Delhi University, punishment and even death for the generations may be educated in the said, ”Gandhi’s popularity is on the success of their cause; and thirdly, task of struggling for peace. rise. From cinema to dedicated they bravely faced the Shah’s troops, Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings courses in colleges, Gandhi is displayed enormous courage in the of Satyagraha and Ahimsa are covering new grounds and the face of superior arms [often only becoming more popular with the response is quite encouraging.” meagerly armed themselves], and youth of today, said veteran staged massive demonstrations, Gandhians Monday as the nation According to Delhi University strikes, and rallies despite express marked the birth of non-violence as authorities, a hundred marks warning not to do so. The Islamic a means of resistance advocated by examination paper termed Revolutionary Party that came to Gandhi in South Africa one hundred Understanding Gandhi in the power was certainly not imbued years ago. ”The day is a sweet second year of the BA programme with Ahimsa; indeed, it proceeded to reminder of a great movement that had fetched excellent response from eliminate all opposition. is still relevant for any civilization. students. Plans are afoot to rope in Nevertheless, it is significant that it I think the Twenty-First Century actors who have played Gandhi in had used non-cooperation and civil belongs to this ideology, and films and theatre to make the course resistance to topple the Shah. It people especially youngsters must more appealing for students. Several should be noted that the Shah saw follow the path of the Mahatma cultural programmes and exhibitions only two choices before him: to to fight corruption and were organized to mark the day in plunge the country into a bloodbath injustice,” said veteran the national capital. The Gandhi or to abdicate. He chose the second, Gandhian . Museum held an exhibition not because he was particularly [www.theshillongtimes.com/c-12- on Satyagraha, including portraits compassionate and liberal, but Sept.html, 2006] The concept and write-ups on the life of the because he saw little purpose in of Satyagraha or truthful passive Mahatma in South Africa, the Dandi pursuing the path of civil war. resistance, took its birth at the March and the Quit India Empire Theatre in Johannesburg on Movement. Gandhi would have abhorred the September 11, 1906. The meeting goals and methods of the Islamic was convened to oppose a proposed Minister of Tourism and Culture revolution, but that is not the point new legislation on the Indian Ambika Soni released three books- here. The point is that moral community in South Africa. Satyagraha, Friends of determination; willingness to Gandhi and Satyagraha-on the sacrifice, and mass resistance can “The ideology that gave us occasion. Anil Dutta Mishra, deputy succeed, even in an environment independence is gaining popularity director of the Museum, said, ”We where there is no liberty to organize among youngsters and it’s certainly have also arranged for special and no freedom to rally enthusiasts a positive indication ”, Deshpande lectures for the public to understand openly around a cause. The Islamic said, referring to a recent survey that Gandhi better.” The Gandhi Smriti revolutionary used the mosques just found 76 percent youngsters in India and Darshan Samiti here exhibited as the Solidarity movement in consider Gandhi as their icon. rare photographs of Mahatma and Poland has used the Catholic Deshpande, also a his struggle against apartheid in JANATA, July 23, 2017 15 South Africa. The director of the Gandhian discourse on conflict · Satha-Anand, Chaiwat. 2008, organization said that they have transformation centre stage. January-June Centenary of planned yearlong special cultural Activities and thinkers of younger Satyagraha: A Gandhian Experiment programmes in different parts of the generation in the world are looking at the Edge of Nonviolence? Anasakti Darshan International Journal of country to commemorate the to the alternative path that Gandhi Nonviolence-In-Action [Vol.4, No. historic event. ”The year 1906 may showed, in the belief that his 1]. New Delhi: National Gandhi rightly be described as a turning message and testament are of crucial Musuem. point in the life of Mohandas significance to the survival of Karamchand Gandhi. It was in this humankind. · Sharma, Shivani. 2008. Satyagraha year when he experienced a deep as the Foundation of Human spiritual awakening within and References Rights. Delhi: Journal of Gandhian dedicated himself to the service of Studies, A Journal of Indian society humanity. We hope the centenary · Annual Report. 2004-05.Salt of Gandhian Studies, pp. 127-134. celebration will awaken many such Satyagraha: 75 Years. Delhi: Gandhi New Delhi: . souls.” Smriti and Darshan Samiti. Annual Report. 2005-6.Satyagraha Sharma, Jai Narain. 2008. Epoch making · · 100 Years: 11 September 1906-11 Satyagraha: Rediscovering Gandhi, Contribution of Gandhi September 2006. Delhi: Gandhi Volume- 3 Gandhian Approach to Smriti and Darshan Samiti. Conflict Resolution. Delhi: Manohar Satyagraha was the most Publications. effective tool that ensured political · Annual Report. 2006-07.Kristi to freedom of India from the British Gandhi: Raj to Sara. Delhi: Gandhi · Shukla, S. K. 2008. Gandhian imperialism. Throughout the Smriti and Darshan Samiti. Satyagraha and His Champaran Twentieth Century, several world Movement. New Delhi: Omega leaders and people’s movements · Annual Report. 2007-08. Hind Publications. used Satyagraha to fight against Swarajya: 1909-2009. Delhi: Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. · Singh, Savita. 2007 Satyagraha. apartheid, racism, colonization and Delhi: Publication Division, Ministry injustices. Many thinkers and · Gupta, P. K. 2008. Gandhian of Information and Broadcasting, activities, in the world today, have Satyagraha and Non-Violent Government of India. begun to turn to the life, thoughts Struggle. Delhi: and methods of Mahatma Gandhi to Publications. · Sinha, K. K. and Priyam, Krishna. look for solutions that can take 2008, Janury-June. Satyagraha and humanity in this direction. Many · Iyer, Raghavan. 1973. The Moral and Anarchism: Was Apparent Semblance countries have witnessed popular Political thought of Mahatma Real? Anasakti Darshan International Journal of Nonviolence- movements for freedom, equality Gandhi. New York: Oxford University Press. In-Action [Volume-4, Number-1]. and peace, which drew inspiration New Delhi: from the life and methods of Gandhi. · Krishnan, Anita. 2008. Gandhian Civil rights movement led by Dr. Satyagraha in South Africa. New · National Gandhi Museum. Martin Luther King in the US and Delhi: Alfa Publications. anti-apartheid struggle in South · Subbareddy, S. D. 2008. Africa under leadership of Dr. · Nirmaladevi, D. 2008. Satyagraha: A Satyagraha: Its Relevance to the vindicate Conceptual Analysis. Delhi: Journal Present Day World. Delhi: Journal Application of Gandhian Philosophy of Gandhian Studies [A Journal of of Gandhian Studies. New Delhi: National Gandhi Museum, pp 127- in Resolving/ Transforming Indian Society of Gandhian Studies], 34 Conflicts in the Twenty-First National Gandhi Museum: Delhi, pp. 127-34 Century. In the Twenty-First · Verma, B. R. and Bakshi, S. R. [Eds.]. Century, mass struggles of National · Rai, Ajay Shanker. 2000.Gandhian 2005. Gandhian Satyagraha and His Alliance of People’s Movement Satyagraha: An Analytical Technique (1920-1928), New Delhi, [NAPM] led by Medha Patkar and and Critical Approach. New Commonwealth. electoral victory of Barack Hussein Delhi: Concept Publishing Obama have once again brought Company. –Gandhi Journal R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, July 23, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, July 23, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday July 26, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 28 Hindi spread requires patience July 30, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Perfidious Wapsi Whenever a state language wants The controversy was over the to spread itself to the national adoption of numerals, not the sphere, it naturally meets with some language. In Search of Privacy resistance. The limits of both are J. L. Jawahar delineated. One is confined to the Today, the official business and state while the other has the entire most other work are conducted in Hindi, much to the difficulty of India-China on country for its spread. the Brink of War! non-Hindi speaking people. In fact, D. K. Giri The chauvinists in states have during the framing of constitution, not understood it or at least not in the issue of language was one of the manner it should be. There is the most debated topics and the Modi Government and no competition. One is regional and decision to declare a national Nation’s Food Security the other is national. That Hindi is language resulted in two prominent Neeraj Jain the national language was decided camps. One, the North Indians who by the constituent assembly. The advocated Hindi as the national parliamentary committee— language and, two, the South Petition against GM Food representatives from the non-Hindi Indians who did not want it to be Crops and GM Mustard speaking states participated—once imposed upon them. Bharat Dogra again made it clear that Hindi was the national language and what has While the Hindi camp tried to been left to the future was the push Hindi due to its “numerical switchover from English to Hindi. superiority”, the Tamil camp rejected it outright and one of the Editor : What is happening now is that Tamil leaders even went on to mock G. G. Parikh an effort is being made to reopen them by pointing out that if Managing Editor : Guddi the language issue. Some are “numerical superiority” was the challenging the very idea of India criteria, then the crow had to be D-15, Ganesh Prasad, and making territorial demands. chosen as national bird instead of Naushir Bharucha Marg, This is unfortunate. Hindi was the peacock. After several adopted to be India’s language by brainstorming debates, the Mumbai - 400 007. the constituent assembly and there Constituent assembly decided to Email : [email protected] is a wrong impression spread that finalize on Hindi with Devanagari Website:www.janataweekly.org it was done by the majority of one. script as the official language of the 2 JANATA, July 30, 2017

Union, along with a special clause people would not be put to but tomorrow Hindi would have that English would continue to inconvenience or handicapped. been learnt by the generations to remain in use for all official come. Even the people in south purposes for the next 15 years. Parliament is very sensitive on India have realised that there is no the subject and does not want to go from the national language and But within few years, the take any action until the non-Hindi their children are learning Hindi. committees set up to implement speaking members endorse it. But Probably, the Modi government it began to face the ground a recent move by BJP government feels that it has to be only patient. realities. It came as a hard to promote Hindi had opened up a realization that 15 years would can of worms and scratched old The noting on files is already in not be a sufficient period as the scars. Social media was abuzz with Hindi. Those who do so have the process of developing Hindi to a debates over linguistics. While there dictates of the Union in mind and stage where it could be used as seemed to be a general consensus give the English translation of the single national language would among citizens that no language noting as well. It serves take more time. Even C. must be imposed upon by anybody everybody’s purpose and hence Rajagopalachari, who had always against their wishes, most states in there is no reason for the been in favour of Hindi as the the south, Tamil Nadu in particular, government to take any extreme national language and had had vehemently opposed any such measures that will be looked down imposed Hindi in 1937 when he move. upon as an imposition. It would be had formed the Government of better if things are left as they Madras, began to air his concerns With the spread of soft- prevail today. Hindi is already about how Hindi was yet to Hindutava in the country, Hindi is there. Only a bit of patience is develop to be acceptable as the coming in its wake. Prime Minister needed from the chauvinists. The single national language. Narendra Modi feels at home with RSS is doing that. Modi’s the language. So do the other occasional visits to the RSS I was present at the discussion members from the majority of headquarters at testify to by the parliamentary committee Hindi-speaking states. That is the that. when was reason why a non-Hindi speaking the Home Minister. I was his state jealously guards its regional information officer then. When he language and even challenges Hindi started the business, he found that whenever the particular state feels Janata Subscription the non-Hindi speaking members that the rightful space of its own were up in arms and vehemently language has been taken by national Annual Rs. : 260/- opposed to use of the language in language. official business. Slowly and Three Years : 750/- gradually, Pant brought around all Since the country has adopted a members to reiterate that the three-language formula—English, union language, as enunciated in Hindi and the regional—the Hindi- the constitution, would be Hindi. speaking states are happy because Demand Draft / Cheque He left the matter of switchover it is their regional language. Non- on to sometime in the future. Hindi speaking states are also happy because they have English Mumbai Bank in favour of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and fit into the dictates of the Union gave an assurance to the non-Hindi which is primarily conducting its speaking people that the switchover business in English. would take place only when they JANATA TRUST would be ready for it. His successor Hindi chauvinists, who showed brought a bill no patience earlier, are now quiet D-15, Ganesh Prasad, in parliament to that effect. because they find that Hindi is a Naushir Bharucha Marg, Parliament gave an assurance to the compulsory subject all over the Mumbai 400 007 country that the non-Hindi speaking country. If not today, JANATA, July 30, 2017 3

Notebook Perfidious Wapsi

What many feared and an equal Nitish could have followed his if innocent, would resign on their number hoped against hope that it example. But he did not. It is own, politics which is fare to all. will not, has happened. Nitish shocking that not one MLA from the This is what the Freedom Fighters Kumar walked back to the NDA JD (U) has so far revolted. There are preached. after four years of his stint out of it. some fine socialists among them, No wonder, the BJP is celebrating it and hence it is sad and tragic, to note All this has been betrayed. This as Ghar Wapsi. In this Wapsi he is that none of them has protested. On Wednesday in the last week of July, not alone, his entire legislative party that day, in May 17, 2016, when he has become a black day in the seems to be with him. The press tells came to identify himself with the country and should be remembered us the story that what made him do socialists, he had talked of Sangh as such. It is the day when he it is the news (planted perhaps) that mukt Bharat. This was the day on betrayed the Sangh mukt cause for someone from the Gathbandhan met which the Congress Socialist Party a few pieces of silver (power). As it an important minister in Delhi with was conceived in Patna in 1934, and happens, it is also the day when a plan to topple the Nitish he had committed himself to getting Medha, whom he had praised, was Government. He verified from his rid of the Sangh. The socialists fasting, staring at the gloomy own sources and found it correct, we cheered. He praised Medha, a prospect of homes of two hundred are told, and it is this which symbol of peaceful non-violent thousand Adivasis drowning in the precipitated the move. The choice of resistance, the resistance of the type swelling waters of the Narmada the verb ‘precipitate’ is revealing. which the Father of the Nation river. The news of Nitish’s perfidy Such a move had been worked out, would have approved, the Hind must have added to her gloom. perhaps with the Prime Minister, and Mazdoor Sabha and this paper. And Bihar, which produced Mahavir and all that was needed was to wait for it should be added that Lalu, despite Buddha in past, an opportunity. Perhaps his impeccable secular character, and JP and Ganga Prasad Sinha and the unleashing of the CBI hounds on preferred to the family’s fortune Karpoori Thakur recently, to name Lalu’s family too was worked out in more than the ideology and invited a few, is not known for producing advance. And when it happened his ruin. Mir Jafars. Will this land now be Nitish distanced himself from the known as the land of Nitish the minister who was under In those four years of lucidity to betrayer? investigation, built pressure for him some, and lunacy to others, and now to resign, and, when he failed, as perhaps to him, he roused hope. He People in this country are bound expected, he did the Ghar Wapsi. became a Prime Ministerial face of to realize sooner or later that the the opposition in the country. He lynch mobs who kill Muslims and They say power corrupts, the picked up an item from Gandhiji’s Dalits, could kill also those who do country got one more proof of this. constructive programme, the not agree with their views even if It is not moral politics, not to protect prohibition, and enacted a law and they are Hindus. ‘They will come for the image of being incorruptible, but became popular among women. He me’, will haunt them and they will the desire to remain in power, that toured all over the country to go back to Gandhiji and the heroes caused the move. If it was otherwise, demand total prohibition. And he of the Freedom Movement, to learn he could have convened a meeting celebrated the Champaran lessons at their feet and decide to of the legislators, Satyagriha. And hence, despite work for a India free from the offered to resign and requested them many doubters, some thought that he contrary and divisive views of to elect a new leader. That would would be a harbinger of a new Hindutva. The treachery of Nitish have been moral politics. politics. will not go in vain, it will not be Narendra Dev, the doyen of socialist avenged but will be washed away by movement who set high standards of Politics where there is no the sacrifices of those who are morality, had resigned from the corruption, politics where morality, inspired by Swami Vivekanand, membership of the legislature when ideology mattered more than power, Gurudev Tagore and Mahatma the socialists left the Congress. politics where tainted people, even Gandhi. 4 JANATA, July 30, 2017

Let’s hope that there are some work for an anti-RSS formidable will develop the image of a poodle in the JD(U), who are crying in front. of Narendra Modi. He has their privacy at this betrayal. Let’s committed hara-kiri that was entirely further hope that they will find the A few things are clear. His career unnecessary and he will repent it. He courage to revolt and seek shelter graph has ended and his popularity will live to see his ruin and there will in some other socialist party and has nose-dived. Now whatever he be no chance left even for penance. work to liberate their brothers from does, even for the benefit of Bihar, What a hara-kiri! the clutches of Nitish and also will be credited to the BJP and he –GGP

After 17 days of Relay Fast at 21 places in Narmada Valley, Sardar Sarovar affected with Medha Patkar go on Indefinite Fast on the Narmada River Bank

Sardar Sarovar Project was rehabilitation. However the Shivraj that 192 villages and one township initially pushed in the name of the Singh government seems to be inhabit about 40,000 families which drought affected in Gujarat. It is determined to use force and violent can be affected at the dam height of obvious; it was being pushed for the measures. The time schedule with a 138.68 metres with the highest corporates and in the interest of the plan to raise the water level by few flood. electoral politics. Without metres every ten to twenty days is completing just rehabilitation of another conspiracy like a slow With not a drop of water being thousands of families in Madhya poisoning to kill the communities. available to Madhya Pradesh from Pradesh the Government of Madhya Sardar Sarovar, it’s shocking to see Pradesh with the Centre’s blessings Against such violence, the 32 that the state does not hesitate to is all ready to forcibly evict and years old nonviolent movement of sacrifice its living communities. It throw the families with the children the people in Narmada region has to has already promoted the false aged out in the tin sheds of 180 sq. be necessarily taken to the peak. affidavits and shamelessly declared feet which can’t even accommodate Narmada Bachao Andolan will the project across the world as a their belongings, why talk of persons initiate an Indefinite Mass Fast from symbol of development. and cattle. July 27th, on the bank of the river Narmada. The grand reality as on today is On July 24, the police force such as the state of Gujarat, not brought in for this operation carried As per the Madhya Pradesh completing the micro canal out a mock drill in Badwani and Government notification (dated network, has diverted the canal continued with its intimidation 25.5.2017), 18386 families of waters to the corporates such as tactics towards vacating the villages. villages will have to vacate their Coca Cola and Car industry even house and the village while the lists in the name of the drought affected. No doubt the political parties therein have a number of flaws such This year when the Narmada waters including Congress, JD (U), Left as the families who have left decades reached Saurashtra, what a Front, AAP through their elected ago or the others who were removed coincidence that the heavy rains representatives and office bearers, on the grounds of reduced back (about 22 inches in 2 to 3 days) have taken cognizance of and water level and related exclusion of have led to flooding of dams which supported the people’s struggle by theirs, are also included directed to were to be filled with Narmada and raising their voice at the democratic leave by 31.7.2017. some even overflowed. The army forum of Madhya Pradesh assembly had to be called and at least 5000 and the parliament. They have On the other hand, many families people had to vacate first in Gujarat endorsed the people’s demands for that have been residing since before the valley. This has rights and opposed submergence as generations and are to be surely well as eviction without affected, are left out! The reality is (Continued on Page 6) JANATA, July 30, 2017 5 In Search of Privacy

J. L. Jawahar

Of late, privacy has become a big given in the constitution. In order to fundamental rights) “shall to the issue – both for the government and justify that violation of the extent of such inconsistency, be the judiciary. In fact,it is the problem constitution, the judiciary took the void.” Thus there is no advantage in of the individual more than that of trouble to devise strange doctrines accepting privacy as a fundamental any institution. and wild interpretations of the right. constitution. Stress was laid on the The government has devised basic structure and democratic Then the question is how to Aadhaar card as a means of assuring nature of the constitution.It was conceive the idea of privacy and how that the various subsidies and stated that the democratic structure to give it a judicial shape. It would benefits offered to poor people reach depends on the rule of law and the be difficult to establish that right them without mediators. Then they law is as stated by the courts. They with a government that did not started to link it with every activity erased the distinction between hesitate to declare that the individual of all citizens, thus making it an consultation and consent and has no absolute right even on his encumbrance for all unintentionally. exercised their right as conceived by own body. It can be agreed that there Some approached courts seeking them. It is a fait accompli and are no absolute rights in a civilized redressal and tell the government to accepted by all reminding one of society. But it cannot be denied that stop it. Then it has become the Stockholm Syndrome. It is pointed there are certain rights available to problem of courts. Naturally, the out here only to indicate that the the citizens in a democracy and it is courts of law searched for privacy judiciary has a right to interpret the the responsibility of the government in the Constitution, the document constitution in such a way that it is to safeguard the same. In nature one that governs the process of not difficult to find a place for is born free. Shackles arise only judgment. But they could not find privacy in the constitution. In fact, because of the society into which we any mention of it in the constitution. it would be more relevant and are born as we have certain social A doubt has arisen whether there is justified in the present case. responsibilities. Wild animals do not anything called privacy and if it is have such restrictions as they do not there, what it is like. It is not only the triad of Articles have any such responsibilities. They 14, 19 and 21 that imply privacy as are really free. Taking a natural It is not rare that our judiciary a constitutional concept. There are concept, there is no limitation on the exercised rights that are not there in also judgments wherein privacy is freedom of an individual. But the constitution. That is what accepted as a right of individual that limitations arise in view of his happens in regard to Public Interest cannot be violated indiscriminately. responsibilities to the society as a Litigation, the venerable PIL Then the question arose whether civilized member of it. But for those jurisdiction. More important in that privacy is also a fundamental right restrictions, he is supposed to be line is the constitution of collegium or something on par with those rights free. He can always demand that he for selection of persons for (as if we have much respect for those must be allowed to live as he likes appointment to the higher judiciary. fundamental rights). Every right that as a free individual. Apart from those In the case of PIL there was no is mentioned as fundamental in the restrictions, which must be controversy as everybody considers constitution has been circumscribed legitimate and specific, whatever he it a valve that can be opened to (if not eroded) by some amendment does constitutes his privacy. He has reduce the pressure on the people to to the constitution or some a right to enjoy it without get immediate redressal of their interpretation by the judiciary. Thus interference from any authority. grievances. But in regard to there is no force in Art.13 wherein it “Leave me alone” he can say. collegium there has been a deep is stated that all the laws “in so far controversy as it amounted to as they are inconsistent with the In every country citizens have usurping the rights of the executive provisions of this part” (of certain rights that are not available 6 JANATA, July 30, 2017 to others living in that country. It do not like surveillance even if what Privacy has a value. It gives flavor casts a responsibility on the they do is not illegal or immoral. If and beauty to personal life. It makes government to keep track of its the person has done anything illegal you what you are. It is your proud citizens so that any rights are the government must be having the possession. Invasion of it is always restricted to them and not availed by means to discover it and punish. But resented. When law compelsit to others – for example, right to vote it does not justify surveillance of reveal, it is tolerated and obeyed. in elections or to prosecute a everybody to forestall the possibility profession. Citizenship confers of somebody doing something Then, what is privacy? It is certain rights that are not available illegal. everything that is not expected to be to others. To ensure that, it would revealed under specific laws. That be necessary to have a system to In a democracy everyone is line has to be drawn clearly. Privacy identify the citizens. Initially, entitled to do anything that is not provides the background for Aadhaar Card is supposed to serve specifically forbidden. In a fundamental rights. It provides the that purpose. But the card is issued dictatorship people are not supposed context in which fundamental rights on obtaining some more personal to do anything except what is become relevant and meaningful. information than what is required for specifically approved. That is the Let us hope that our judiciary will identification of citizenship. basic difference that shall be give that protection to all the (Surprisingly, there is no restriction maintained. We are in a democracy. citizens. that Aadhaaar card is issued only to citizens.) In addition, Aadhaar is (Continued from Page 4) now supposed to be linked to every happened once every few years and Commission. activity of the individual. To open a raises a question regarding whether bank account Aadhaar is necessary. Gujarat can or cannot have Today, Modi Government has I am advised to link my mobile decentralized water management, totally ignored the social and phone with my Aadhaar number. and avoid such a huge destruction? environmental issues, so serious and Perhaps I may be asked for Aadhaar Madhya Pradesh too would accept detrimental, at the dam height of if I want to book an air ticket. Why that it doesn’t require any more 138.68 metres, the Government of is it required? It gives a feeling that power since its own power Madhya Pradesh seems to be ready the Big Brother is breathing over projects, such as the Bargi Power to sacrifice the lives and rights of your shoulders. There is no such Plant kept idle as closed. Why can’t lakhs of people with police force and right to the government in a then both the states, not having any water floods. democracy. There was a furor when urgency take a decision to defer the National Security Agency of the impoundment until the R&R is The state has not only USA started collecting information complete. misinterpreted the order of the Apex without any authority. Governments Court dated 8.2.2017 but has also left do not have any overriding rights to The Chief Minister, Shivraj hundreds of farmers/landholders collect information about citizens Singh, it is clear and obvious, is deprived of the package granted by clandestinely. not for any dialogue with us who the Supreme Court. Instead of can bring into the debate, data and constructing all civic amenities at the A question was raised that the documents that can prove as well R&R sites and create a situation people are giving so much of as challenge. Avoiding any conducive to shifting of the oustees information about themselves on discussion on the inadequacies, he to the sites, the state is focusing on internet in the form of chatting and has had a few dialogues till only erecting temporary structures, the tin other relations. In many such cases with his party and Parivar sheds, spending crores of rupees it amounts to foolishness and it colleagues. The groups he talked where there is no permanent facility involved the concerned persons in to included the middlemen who for either drinking water or water trouble. But revealing information have looted the poor oustees for availability for building houses, the voluntarily cannot be an excuse for lakhs, which established the nexus government is to make food camps the governments to ask for revealing that support the corruption and with contractors to feed 20 thousand of such personal information why there was no action even after people at each, at the cost of 66 without any legal authority. People 7 years long enquiry by Justice Jha (Continued on Page 14) JANATA, July 30, 2017 7 India-China on the Brink of War!

D. K. Giri

The stand-off that began in mid- out on these three possible scenarios. and a stakeholder in the geo-politics June at the tri-junction between of the area, backs up Thimpu on this. India, China and Bhutan seems to While both New Delhi and India also invokes China’s position escalate into a full-scale war. Experts Beijing are feverishly preparing to way back in 1955 and the recent believe that a war is imminent back-up the stand-off and hoping for agreement of 2012. In 1955, at the between India and China unless the a face-saving, self-satisfactory famous Bandung Conference, the stand-off is de-escalated through solution, let us assess the forces at Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai had talks. China demands the withdrawal work – diplomatic, military, said, “with some of our of Indian troops before any talks intellectual, and PR etc., also the neighbouring countries, we have not could begin. India says troops from political-strategic steps taken by yet fixed our border lines and we are both sides should pull-out, the status New Delhi and Beijing. It is a part ready to do so. But, before such quo ante at the tri-junction be of Chinese compulsive tendency to negotiations can be held, we are restored, then only talks could start grab territories of other countries. It willing to maintain the present for the long-term solution of the has recurring territorial disputes with situation by acknowledging that border disputes. Neither side is several countries, with Philippines, these parts of our border are parts prepared to accommodate the Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia, which are undetermined. We will request of the other. Consequently, and so on. It uses a muscular restrain our government and people the stalemate continues, pushing approach to get into a particular area, from crossing even one step across both China and India to the brink of create facts on the ground, utters our border (and) if such things do war. belligerent rhetoric through official happen we (would) admit our media and gives a fait accompli to mistakes. As to the determination of In the media, speculations on war, the opponent. In most cases, the common borders which we will be albeit a limited one, continue to pour militarily weaker countries buckle undertaking with our neighbouring in. China would not back off, risk a under the pressure and give in. It countries, we shall use only peaceful loss of image of the biggest regional used a similar tactic with Bhutan, as means and we shall not permit any power and of an aspiring world super it had done in the past. The Kingdom other kind of method. In no case, power. India would not pull out of Bhutan had some supervisory role shall we change that.” unilaterally lest it should be seen as in parts of Tibet. China pushed a lesser power than China, unable Bhutan out of it as it annexed Tibet Beijing and its foreign policy or unwilling to defend its friends and into PRC. This time around, Beijing establishment have obviously allies. Secondly, for China, it would was building a road up to a military forgotten such a historic statement be giving up part of its territory for base of Bhutan called Zompleri made by their famous leader, or they negotiation, on which it has bonafide through a plateau known as Doklam. conveniently ignore it to undertake claim. India, although, at the The plateau lies at the tri-junction their territorial expansionism. moment is defending Bhutan’s between China, Indian State of Similarly, only five years ago, in territorial claims, has serious Sikkim and Bhutan, and is currently 2012, India and China agreed that security risks to let China build a disputed between Beijing and all disputed border areas will be re- road through Doklam. The road will Thimpu. India supports Bhutan’s determined through negotiation. bring China close to a spot, called claim over it. Beijing contends that China has clearly violated all these the ‘chicken neck’ that connects as per the 1890 Border Settlement commitments. China commits these India to its eight North-eastern Agreement between China and violations in a calculated way. It is States. India, at no cost, can allow Imperial Britain, the plateau belongs just that it miscalculated its move this to happen. So, how will the to China. Thimpu not being a part this time around. Beijing thought of impasse be resolved, with a war or of the Agreement, disputes the claim. clandestinely constructing the road diplomacy, or both? The jury is still India, as the closest ally of Bhutan, as Bhutan would not have the gall 8 JANATA, July 30, 2017 to resist. It did not anticipate such a stand-offs in the past, in 1987 in disastrous earth-destroying nuclear strong reaction from New Delhi Sumdorong Chu Valley, Arunachal weapons in a war situation. China who, on a request from Kingdom of Pradesh, which was resolved after is heavily wary of a tiny country Bhutan, stepped in swiftly and six years through an agreement to like North Korea because of latter’s stopped the construction work, ensure peace along the LAC. There nuclear arsenal. So, it may not mess mobilized its forces to prevent were heavy posturing from both up with India. Fifth, the whole Chinese incursion. There have been sides, but eventually they had to world will like to prevent a war such incursion by Chinese grazers, back-off and talk. Second, China’s between the two most populous which have been ignored by strength is mainly its economy, the countries in the world, two big Bhutanese, but a construction of a second largest in the world, which markets. road up to Bhutanese border is it has built through trade. It has unacceptable. huge trade deficits in its favour with Having said all these, one is not many big countries, 346 billion sure of any occurrence in world To be sure, it is a part of Chinese USD with United States and 46.6 politics including in bilateral game plan to establish its hegemony billion USD with India. In the trade relations. Anything is possible, even in South Asia and entire Asian negotiation with US last week, a war. At any rate, India needs to region, on the way to becoming the China has been strongly snubbed by recognize China as the biggest super power. It has brought other US negotiators for dumping cheap threat to its security and growth. countries in the region into its steel into their country and creating The big power play between New ‘sphere of influence’ through trade, a huge trade deficit against them. Delhi and Beijing will continue for and investment, mainly in China has been rattled. Likewise, long in the Asian theatre. India infrastructure – Sri Lanka, they would not like to lose any part needs to match up to China in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and of the Indian market. Although economy and military strength. The others through its new strategy, one Indians might go for cheaper only decisive edge India has over belt, one road (OBOR). India has Chinese goods, in case of war China is in diplomacy as it is a refused to join OBOR, and Bhutan between the two countries, China democracy and is not perceived by is the only country in the region who need not underestimate the sudden any as an aggressor country. So, is completely with India, and with surges of nationalism and mass until India is an equal power, in not even diplomatic contact with boycott of Chinese goods. That will theory, to China it has to use its China. So, Beijing planned to upset hit China below their belt. Beijing diplomatic prowess to contain and that arrangement by walking up to will not risk such a counter action. neutralize China. No doubt this is Bhutanese door and bully it. Beijing Third, China may be proving the the biggest foreign policy challenge did not reckon that India is emerging Marxian axiomatic prognosis that facing Modi government. Can Modi as a big power too on its own terms the next stage of capitalism is use his so-called ‘charm-offensive’ and pace, and is standing rock-solid imperialism. But, they would also to meet this? Will the conservative behind Bhutan. heed the foreign policy dictum that foreign policy establishment pragmatism is the name of the support Modi effectively? Are Modi Many argue that a limited game. Whilst China tries to encircle and Sushma (not a right military confrontation to end the India by penetrating into India’s choice for the Foreign Ministry) up deadlock is possible as a diplomatic neighbourhood, India is squeezing to it? We will watch in this column solution is not in sight. The Indian China internationally through its as it unfolds. NSA, Doval is in China to strategic partnerships with big participate in the BRICs security powers. Beijing would have to be conference. But, China has pre- mindful of - United States, Japan, Janata empted any peaceful negotiation Israel, Chinese antagonists in South with Doval by branding him as a East Asia, Mongolia, countries of ‘schemer of the stand-off’. It is a European Union etc. Fourth, both is available at continuation of their belligerent countries are nuclear powers. There bullying tactic. However, a military are no winners or losers in a nuclear conflict is unlikely for the following war, only losers. In desperation, www.lohiatoday.com reasons. One, there have been nuclear countries can use the most JANATA, July 30, 2017 9 Modi Government and the Nation’s Food Security - II

Neeraj Jain

Globalisation and the Attack on rural population and 50% of the • Secondly, the Act provides PDS urban population (on the whole, only for cereals, with no entitlements roughly 67% of the total to other basic food necessities such The mounting foodgrain stocks population) will be entitled to five as pulses and edible oil required to on the one hand, and rising kilograms of grains (rice/wheat/ combat malnutrition—whose prices malnutrition levels and starvation millets) per person per month at the have soared in recent years. The deaths on the other, led to an uproar price of Rs 3/2/1 per kg. The Act Empowered Group of Ministers, set across the country. Activist groups also provides for children in the age up by the Central Government to and NGOs started mounting group of 6 months to 6 years to be draw up the framework for the Act, pressure on the government to given an age-appropriate meal, free was very clear about it. It proposed expand the scope of the public of charge, through the local that the definition of food security distribution system. The Supreme anganwadi, and children in the age should be “limited to the specific Court too intervened, and passed a group of 6 to 14 to be given one issue of foodgrains security (wheat series of orders ensuring a multitude free cooked mid-day meal every and rice) and be delinked from the of food rights, such as providing 35 day (except on school holidays) in larger issue of nutrition security”— kg subsidised rations per family, all government and government- a stand which actually violates heavily subsidised rations for poor aided schools. Another provision is Article 47 of the Indian families (the Antyodaya Anna that all pregnant women and Constitution.3 The aim of the Act is Yojana), security to pregnant and lactating mothers would be entitled thus clear. People, including lactating women, and so on.1 to maternity benefit of Rs 1,000 per children, can remain hungry / month for six months.2 Distribution malnourished / anaemic, but The UPA Government then in is to be conducted under the PDS shouldn’t die of starvation because power at the Centre was in a and other existing welfare schemes, that makes bad publicity! quandary. The increasingly while provisions for specially vociferous people’s movement and targeted groups such as mothers and • Thirdly, the Act does not Supreme Court orders were children are to be funnelled through provide even this limited coverage becoming a huge embarrassment. the Integrated Child Development to all the poor—it expands the But the World Bank and foreign Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal percentage of the population that investors were also equally firm— schemes. would be provided subsidised that the government should do foodgrains through the PDS to 67%, nothing to increase its expenditures The media hailed the food bill as but as we have discussed above, on the poor. A way out of the a “historic step” to weed out hunger 75% of the rural population and 73% dilemma was found by the from the country, but the reality is of the urban population are unable government’s sorcerous bureaucrats. that the NFSA is actually a disgrace to access the minimum They conjured up a bill—the for a country that claims to be an recommended 2200 / 2100 calories. National Food Security Bill—that emerging economic superpower: ostensibly aimed to provide food • Even states like Tamil Nadu security to all the poor, but in effect, • Firstly, the Act provides the and Chhattisgarh have better food subverted the whole issue. It was poor only starvation foodgrains. security acts.4 Thus, for instance, passed by the Parliament in August While the Indian Council for Tamil Nadu has a universal public 2013, and signed into law on Medical Research recommends that distribution system, wherein each September 12, 2013. an adult requires 14 kg of foodgrains and every family, whether below the per month and children 7 kg, the bill poverty line or not, is entitled to 20 Under the National Food restricts the entitlement to only 5 kg kg rice free of cost. The PDS in Security Act (NFSA), 75% of the per person per month! Tamil Nadu also supplies other 10 JANATA, July 30, 2017 essentials like wheat, sugar, kerosene Minister Modi, who lectures the allocation for food subsidy has and tur dal at subsidised rates.5 people of the country every other increased by only 7.29% per annum day on making India great, has not (CAGR) over the three years the BJP and Food Security spoken a word during the past three BJP has been in power; and as a years on the terrible malnutrition percentage of GDP, the food While occupying the opposition and poverty levels in the country subsidy has actually fallen in the benches, BJP leaders, during the and the need to provide universal four budgets presented by Jaitley so debate in Parliament over the food security to the people. Jaitley’s far (Table 1).8 National Food Security Bill, had criticised the Bill as being very Table 1: BJP Government Allocations for Food Subsidy, inadequate. Arun Jaitley had stated: 2014–15 to 2017–18 (Rs crore) “Are we substantially expanding the right over what existed prior to this Bill being brought in? Are we 2014– 2015– 2016– 2017– substantially increasing the outlay? 15 16 17 18 The answer is ‘no’. . .” Murli (A) (A) RE BE Manohar Joshi had even moved an Food 117.67 139.41 134.83 145.33 amendment demanding that “every Subsidy 1 9 5 9 person . . . shall be entitled to 10 kg of food grains, two and a half kg of GDP at pulses and nine hundred grams of Current 12,433 13,675 15,075 16,847 cooking oil per person per month.” Market ,749 ,331 ,429 ,455 The BJP election manifesto Prices promised “Universal Food Food Security”, saying that it is integral Subsidy as % 0.95 1.02 0.89 0.86 to national security.6

However, after coming to power, With the government not have zoomed. Recently, World the BJP has made a complete U-turn interested in distributing Grain, an international business on this issue. The finance minister sufficient foodgrains (at least 7 magazine for grain, reported has gone completely silent on the kg per head per month, if not that India would most likely question of expanding the scope of more) to all the poor at continue to be the biggest the NFSA to include other food subsidised rates, then what has supplier of rice to the world’s essentials like pulses and edible oil. it been doing with the mounting market for the sixth consecutive In a hearing before the Supreme foodstocks with the Food year in 2017, shipping 10.7 Court on a PIL filed by Swaraj Corporation of India? Exporting million tonnes, compared with Abhiyan praying for directions to them, to earn foreign exchange 10.3 million in 20161—in a the government for providing needed to finance the luxury country with the largest number drought relief in affected areas, goods imports of the rich! of malnourished people in the when the Supreme Court suggested India’s wheat and rice exports world. that the government provide 2 kg of Table 2: India: Wheat and Rice Exports (million tons)1 pulses (dal) and 1 kg of edible oil per month at subsidised rates through the PDS, the government Wheat Rice declined saying it was facing fiscal 2012–13 6.5 10.2 constraints!7 2013–14 5.6 10.9 Arun Jaitley has also gone 2014–15 2.92 11.95 completely silent on the issue of providing “Universal Food 2015–16 0.61 10.41 Security”. Our much vocal Prime JANATA, July 30, 2017 11

Yet More Cuts in Food Subsidy This is typical ‘free market 2015—while what triggered the Planned . . . jargon’—that worships the free price increase was a fall in market, and demands that market production, the prices zoomed The Modi Government is now must be allowed to determine prices. because of hoarding of pulses by planning yet more steep cuts in food But that is precisely one of the traders.3 subsidy. This is going to be done reasons why the PDS had been through what Modi and Jaitley have introduced in the country in the first Once the PDS is dismantled, called the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan place: speculators would often cause speculators would again be able to (bank accounts), Aadhaar and foodgrain prices to zoom, creating rule the roost. If and when wheat mobile telephony. All are becoming havoc for the poor, which ultimately and rice prices zoom, the near universal, and the forced the government to introduce government would then have to government’s plan is to gradually the PDS. The PDS not only increase its cash transfers to the eliminate the PDS, identify the poor guaranteed foodgrains to the people poor. But it is doubtful if the through Aadhaar, and provide direct at fixed and subsidised prices, it also government would do that, as it is cash transfers to the poor into their acted as a check on speculation in seeking to reduce its food subsidy Jan Dhan accounts. According to foodgrain prices. In fact, some years bill. It is going to spell absolute the government’s Chief Economic ago, during the first term of the disaster for the millions of Advisor Arvind Subramanian, who previous UPA Government, it had impoverished people in the country. has been parachuted directly to taken steps to weaken the PDS, and Delhi from Washington, this will that had led to a sharp rise in Such is the nationalism of Delhi’s enable the government to stop foodgrain prices in 2008, forcing the Badshahs—it is confined to making leakages as well as exclude the government to backtrack.2 A sharper people shout slogans of “Bharat better-off from the PDS, and the fluctuation in prices can also be seen Mata ki Jai”, while they themselves government can then invest the in the case of those crops for which are slavishly implementing the savings into infrastructure (that is, there is no procurement. For dictates of our foreign governments transfer it to the private sector example, the retail price of toor who are seeking control over the through the PPP route); (arhar) dal across the country Indian economy for the naked simultaneously, prices can be doubled in just a few months to reach profiteering of their giant “liberated”.1 Rs 170 to Rs 200 per kg by October corporations.

(Endnotes) 1 Sachin Kumar Jain, India’s National Food Security Act: Entitlement of Hunger, Asian Human Rights Commission, April 2010, http://www.humanrights.asia. 2 “National Food Security Act, 2013", Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org; “Summary of the National Food Security Bill 2013", Bureau, March 22, 2013, http://www.tehelka.com. 3 Ravi S. Jha, “India’s Food Security Bill: An Inadequate Remedy?”, Guardian Professional, July 15, 2013, http:// www.theguardian.com; Sachin Kumar Jain, India’s National Food Security Act: Entitlement of Hunger, op. cit. 4 Jean Dreze, “The Food Security Debate in India”, July 9, 2013, http://india.blogs.nytimes.com. 5 Ration Card Types & Commodity Entitlements, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, http:// www.consumer.tn.gov.in; S. Vydhianathan, R.K. Radhakrishnan, “Behind the Success Story of Universal PDS in Tamil Nadu”, August 11, 2010, http://www.thehindu.com. 6 Sanjeeb Mukherjee, “Outlay Shows States May Go Slow on Food Security Plan”, July 12, 2014, http://www.business- standard.com; “Right to Food Campaign on Budget 14", July 12, 2014, http://www.indiaresists.com. 7 “Landmark Supreme Court Order on Govt Failure in Tackling Drought”, May 27, 2016, https://sandrp.wordpress.com. 8 All figures related to the budget taken from Union Budget documents available at: Union Budget, http://indiabudget.nic.in. 9 Chris Lyddon, “Focus on India”, World Grain, January 12, 2017, http://www.world-grain.com. 10 Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2014, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, http:// eands.dacnet.nic.in; Export/Import of Rice, Press Information Bureau, Government of India, December 12, 2014, http://pib.nic.in; Import And Export Of Agricultural Commodities, Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 60, Replied on February 6, 2017, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, http://commerce.gov.in. 11 Quoted in: “Constructing Theoretical Justifications to Suppress People’s Social Claims”, Aspects of India’s Economy, op. cit. (Continued on Page 15) 12 JANATA, July 30, 2017 Petition against GM Food Crops and GM Mustard

Bharat Dogra

Recently over 100 Gandhians, announced the important decision of England and Czech Republic show most of them activists involved in moratorium on Bt brinjal which was yields much higher, almost double, several justice based struggles and widely welcomed. This time around compared to the ones which grow various constructive activities, also there is a lot of public interest GM-rapeseed such as Canada and signed a petition against the but the transparency of the earlier USA.” Further, there are other non- commercial release of genetically process is missed. seed based agronomic approaches to modified mustard variety DMH 11 increasing mustard yield such as the (GM Mustard in short). In addition The petition by Gandhians System of Mustard Intensification. this petition, sent to the Prime against GM Mustard and other GM This has already given good results Minister on June 14, makes a strong food crops has come at just the right in several parts of India. statement against other GM crops as time when people have started well, particularly GM food crops. asking a lot of questions about GM Regarding ecological and health Mustard. This petition has been risks of GM Mustard this petition This petition came at a time when signed by some of the most senior says that this is likely to increase the controversy surrounding GM Gandhians like S. N. Subba Rao of herbicide and agri-chemical use. food crops is about to peak with the National Youth Project and P. V. This will have a very adverse impact final decision on commercial release Rajagopal of Ekta Parishad. on a very important pollinator like of GM Mustard still pending before honeybee and on the production of the government. Mustard or sarson The petitioners identify honey. As mustard is widely used in is a very important oilseed crop of themselves as “members of the Ayurveda GM Mustard will also India but in addition its leaves are movement and Gandhian have a very adverse impact on also cooked as a much relished networks” and say that they have Ayurveda. vegetable (sarson ka saag) and on serious objection to the release of top of it mustard has several GM Mustard. The petitioners say The petitioners have demanded medicinal uses including home that there is sufficient evidence to that in view of the adverse impacts remedies. show that GM crops are not safe for of GM Mustard in particular and human health. “Apart from the bio- GM food crops in general , the As no GM food crop has yet been violence that forms the inherent government should reject GM food approved in India this decision will basis of genetically modification crops to protect the interests of have wide reaching impacts. There technology” the petitioners note that farmers, consumers, the interests of has been a lot of international transgenic varieties can contaminate environment as well as the larger interest in this issue as well as all other crops as well and if GM national interest. Alternatives of eco- decision taken in such a leading and varieties keep spreading then after a friendly agriculture are available. As important developing country as point there will be no GM-free the petition puts it, “Organic non- India is likely to influence some agriculture. violent agriculture or Rishi Krishi is other developing countries as well. the need of the hour if public health The claim of promoters of GM and long-term food security are to Earlier this controversy had Mustard that this is necessary for be saved.” peaked during the tenure of the UPA increasing yields is rejected in this government in 2009-10 when petition which goes on to say, What this statement has said is in Environment Minister Jairam “Worldwide, experience shows that conformity on the one hand with the Ramesh had called for public in the case of rapeseed which is of views expressed by several senior hearings to be held on this issue all the same family as mustard, scientists or groups of scientists such over the country. Finally on countries which grow non-GM as Science Panel February 9, 2010 Jairam Ramesh rapeseed such as Germany, France, and the Union of Concerned JANATA, July 30, 2017 13

Scientists as well as some eminent for decentralization and increasing coordinators of Ekta Parishad said scientists of India such as Dr. Pushpa self-reliance of rural communities that Mahatma Gandhi emphasized M. Bhargava. while technologies such as GM concern for the poorest and respect crops are taking us in the opposite for all life forms, and technologies One of the signatories and direction of making farmers such as these which increase the founders of Ekta Parishad P.V. excessively dependent on big expenses of poor farmers and have Rajagopal has said that the basic corporates. Ran Singh, another adverse impacts on bees and other principles of Mahatma Gandhi are signatory and one of the life forms should be opposed. Bhilare Guruji Jatin DesaiMahatma Gandhi and release Godse and asked Godse to that Godse was held for trying to several other leaders were arrested spend 8 days with him so that Godse rush at Gandhi shouting slogans but after All India Congress Committee could understand his point of view. does not state whether he was armed. passed the Quit India resolution post But, Godse refused to accept Dr Sushila Nayyar, Gandhi’s mid-night of August 8, 1942. Gandhiji’s offer.There are people physician and close associate Gandhiji was released from the Aga who raise a question about the testified before the Kapur Khan Palace Prison on May 6, 1944. authenticity of the incident. But, the Commission that one of the He had contracted malaria and went fact is Guruji saved Mahatma. There protesters was found to be carrying to Panchgani for rest on the advice are records which prove that the a dagger, but could not confirm of his physician. His wife Kasturba attack on Mahatma took place and whether it was . and secretary had the attacker was Nathuram Godse. However, the two men who died in the . It was The news of Bhilare Guruji’s overpowered Godse, Manishankar in July 1944 that Nathuram Godse bravery spread immediately and he Purohit and Bhilare Guruji, testified tried to attack Mahatma with a became a hero. Mahatma Gandhi’s to this attack before the Kapur dagger. At that time there was no great grandson in his Commission, and stated that they Pakistan and so no question of book Let’s Kill Gandhi: A had caught and disarmed Nathuram giving Rs 55 crore to Chronicle Of His Last Days, Vinayak Godse, that day at Pakistan. Bhilare Guruji passed writes, “Before leaving Poona, Panchgani.Bhilare Guruji was away on July 19, 2017 at the age of Godse had boasted to his journalist present when Tushar Gandhi’s book 98 in his village Bhilar in friends that some important news was released in Mumbai in 2007. A district, Maharashtra, India. He was concerning Gandhi would soon day before Bhilare Guruji passed a young boy when Gandhiji was reach them from Panchgani. away, I was talking to Jayant Diwan, resting in Dilkhush Bungalow in Joglekar, a reporter working for who has interviewed and Panchgani. Bhilare Guruji and other Godse’s periodical Agranee, documented many freedom fighters youths were looking after Gandhiji. corroborated this fact. A. David, the including Bhilare Guruji around ten One day a group of 18 to 20 people then editor of the Poona Herald, years ago, about Bhilare Guruji. He came from Poona (now Pune) in a stated under oath, while deposing had narrated extensively on the bus and held a day-long before the Kapur Commission, Nathuram Godse’s attempt on demonstration against Gandhiji. which was set up in the sixties to Mahatma and how they overpowered When Gandhiji came to know about investigate the conspiracy behind him.Again, that was not the first the protest he invited the leader of Gandhi’s murder, that Godse had attempt on Gandhiji. Nathuram the group Nathuram Godse for a made an attempt on Gandhi’s life and Godse and his gang continued their discussion. Godse refused to meet he had also heard of his boast to efforts to assassinate Gandhiji a few him.During the prayer meeting in the fellow journalists about the planned more times till they succeeded on evening, Godse, dressed in a Nehru attack. In a small news item, the January 30, 1948.Generations will shirt, rushed towards Gandhiji with Times of India reported that a Poona- remember Bhilare Guruji and a dagger in hand. Bhilare Guruji and based editor had attempted to assault Purohit for saving the apostle of Manishankar Purohit, owner of Surti Gandhi. The police records show peace in 1944. In today’s world full Lodge of Poona, overpowered the that there were day-long of hatred and war, one needs persons attacker. Panic resulted, but Gandhiji demonstrations against Gandhi at like Bhilare Guruji to save humanity. remained calm. He told Guruji to Panchgani.The records also mention –Jatin Desai 14 JANATA, July 30, 2017 March for Science

We are delighted to note that, on science by persons in high positions, (Continued from Page 6) 22nd April this year, more than a fueling a confrontational chauvinism million people undertook a March in lieu of true patriotism that we rupees per person per day. In the for Science in 600 cities across the cherish. Promoting scientific bent of place of permanent road to be globe, demanding robust funding for mind can certainly help improve the constructed, it is spreading fine science and demanding that social health of our country where crushed stones on the mud roads. governmental policies be guided by incidents of witch hunting, honour The plan is to force various scientific evidence. killing and mob lynching are categories of landless, artisans to reported regularly. doctors to the rented houses, if nor We are planning to complement the tin sheds, pushing them out and and supplement this global effort in We feel that the situation demands killing the living communities by India as we feel it is very relevant in the members of scientific community drowning. the current juncture. On the one hand, to stand in defence of science and scientists from India have played a scientific attitude in an open and The Chief Minister, who merely commendable role in the discovery visible manner as done by scientists expresses sympathy with the of gravitational waves and of Higgs and science enthusiasts worldwide. oustees, is certainly not for Boson, in the interplanetary mission We appeal to scientists, researchers, resolution of conflict, but for war! through Mangalyaan and in reducing teachers, students, as well as all The Prime Minister still performing foreign dependence through the concerned citizens to organize ‘India as a former Chief Minister of development of indigenous satellite March for Science’ events Gujarat, is insisting the CMs of 12 launching capability. But, on the throughout the country, particularly BJP ruled in the August 12th and other, science in India is facing the in the state capitals, on 9th August perform an Aarti with 2000 Sadhus danger of being eclipsed by a rising 2017, with the following demands: coming from Varanasi. Such a wave of unscientific beliefs and perverted depiction of development religious bigotry, and scientific 1. Allocate at least 3% of GDP to politics is unbearable. The judiciary research is suffering serious setback scientific and technological research too can’t accept violent ways to due to dwindling governmental and 10% towards education progress nor should it accept the support. 2. Stop propagation of claims of ideal rehabilitation without unscientific, obscurantist ideas and full assessment. We can’t let go the We note with deep concern that brutal lynching of tolling masses, the financial support to even premier religious intolerance, and develop scientific temper, human values and village communities, agriculture, institutions like IITs, NITs, and natural ecosystem & the culturally IISERs has been slashed. spirit of inquiry in conformance with Article 51A of the Constitution. rich region, the oldest of the Universities are facing shortage of civilization that is of Narmada. funds to adequately support 3. Ensure that the education scientific research. Research funding system imparts only ideas that are It’s in this context that after waging agencies like DST, DBT and CSIR supported by scientific evidence. a nonviolent people’s battle over 32 are reportedly impacted by reduced years, we are taking to a path of 4. Enact policies based on governmental support. Scientists in indefinite fast challenging ourselves, evidence-based science. Appeal by government laboratories are being appealing to the sensitive citizens in asked to generate a part of their salary • S. Mahadevan, S G Dani, Nitya our own society and expecting that a by selling their inventions and from Anand, Babu Joseph, Debashis better sense will prevail amongst the other sources. Mukherjee, M R N Murthy, Arvind ruling politicians. We will stay out While we can justly be inspired Gupta, Deb Shankar Ray, K M on the banks of Narmada and continue by the great achievements in science Seethi, A P Thomas, Ajit Srivastav, to fight. and technology in ancient India, we D. R. Naik, Partha P Majumder, –Kamla Yadav, see that non-scientific ideas lacking Ayesha Kidwai, Jayanta Mukherjee, Bhagirath Dhangar, Dr. Sunilam in evidence are being propagated as Express interest to participate. Contact: 9179617513- JANATA, July 30, 2017 15 Desecration in South Goa

A five member team visited the maximum damage. The team sensed while Christians are portrayed as sites of desecration of religious the pain and anguish which was being agents of Portugal and anti- structures and burial places across palpable in the shock and fear on the nationals and seeking to convert South Goa on 14th July 2017 to faces of the members of the members of other religious understand the ground reality. The community. communities through fraud/ members of the fact finding team inducement. The general perception of the were Adv. Irfan Engineer, Director, community pointed to certain The fact finding team Centre for Study of Society and statements at a Hindu conclave and recommends that strict action in Secularism (CSSS) and Neha during the visit of a National office accordance with law be taken against Dabhade associated with CSSS, Fr. bearer of the political party in individuals/ organizations indulging Savio Fernandes, Executive Government as possibly in hate campaigns against minorities Secretary, Council for Social encouraging such incidents. in Goa and those responsible for Justice and Peace (CSJP), Ranjan desecration and vandalism. To Solomon and Roselle Solomon, The desecrations are carried out ensure transparency it would be prominent activists working for in a form of a campaign to strike fear, appropriate to order a judicial rights of minorities associated with insecurity and mistrust among commission to investigate the CSJP. communities in Goa. Most of the desecrations in a time bound manner. desecrated crosses visited by the The team visited the sites of The team also urged the civil society team have been targeted more than desecration at Curtorim, Chandor, organizations to continue their once in the past more particularly Gudi-Paroda and Curchorem in struggle for justice to the citizens of hinged around political South Goa. They spoke to the priests Goa. developments in the state. The law of the related Churches, members of and order machinery have failed to Incidentally, at the time of going the Christian community, people’s solve the cases and apprehend the to the press, it has been reported that elected representatives, politicians culprits responsible for such crimes one Mr. Francis Pereira has admitted and people from across various thereby emboldening the to have single handedly desecrated faiths. Till the time of going to the perpetrators. The helplessness and and vandalized one hundred and press the team was unable to meet fear prevalent in the Christian forty odd religious symbols since the the police officials due to time community is giving rise to a feeling last five years. The team strongly constraints although appointments of being treated as second class feels that the arrest appears as a were fixed, however the team will citizens. familiar script to similar crimes meet the officials prior to the final across the country to pacify the civil report. The following are the primary society and the affected communities findings after the interactions: The observations on ground and divert attention from the actual points to a possibility that the The atmosphere in Goa is vitiated perpetrators. The extensive damage incidents of desecration and and communalized to cause caused as witnessed by the fact vandalism are a part of a pattern polarization through relentless anti finding team could not have been which is planned and executed by minority narrative. Christians and possibly inflicted by a single person, the same persons or organizations. Muslims are especially targets of more over who is 50 years old. The All the attacks have been executed demonization through false fact finding team demands an with heavy steel implements directed propaganda. Muslims are portrayed impartial investigation into the at the bases of the structures to cause as terrorists and loyal to Pakistan crimes. –CSSS

(Continued from Page 11)

12 Afsar Jafri, “Food Crisis Exposes Failings of India’s Agricultural Reforms”, August 2, 2008, https:// www.mainstreamweekly.net. 13 See for instance: “Why Prices of Pulses Hit the Roof in October”, November 13, 2015, http://www.rediff.com; “Why and How the Pulses Crisis Could Have Been Averted”, November 20, 2015, http://businessworld.in. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, July 30, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, July 30, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday August 2, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 29 Number August 6 - 13, 2017

75 Years

Editor : G. G. Parikh Managing Editor : Guddi D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Mumbai - 400 007. Email : [email protected] Website:www.janataweekly.org 2 JANATA, August 13, 2017 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

In ever loving memory of

Dr. K S Joseph

An Educationist and Freedom Fighter

“Eat well, play well , study well ……….. Make the most of what you have” –Dr. K S Joseph

Born in a remote village in Kerala in the year 1929, Dr. K. S. Joseph breathed his last on 28th July, 2016 at Mulund , Mumbai. A Doctorate in English and Political Science, he had his early education in the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. During his school days he was an active participant in the Freedom Struggle. His brother was arrested during the Quit India Movement, but since he was still a 13 year old boy, he was carried on the shoulders by the British Inspector. He had good command over not only Indian languages like , Tamil, Telugu and Hindi but also mastered English , French and Latin. With a vision to spread education to the needy , he started schools in and around Hyderabad – Sardana – Roorkee – Kazipet. He visited America for a livelihood in 1972 but not being much contented again felt the urge to return to the Mother land and serve the people. In the year 1976 he returned to India - Mumbai and started the J J Academy at Mulund (West). Today the J J Academy caters to the needs of thousands of students of the area. nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn JANATA, August 13, 2017 3

Revisiting August Revolution

Janata had a special issue on the Quit India movement atmosphere was electric, and all those who attended the when the country ushered in its silver jubilee, and again meeting relived those days of heroism and sacrifice. Both in 1991, on the occasion of its golden jubilee. The weekly the seminars and the public meeting brought out the had a special reason to bring out these issues. The four highlights of the resolution that was passed at the AICC heroes of that movement JP, Dr. Lohia, meeting held at Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August and and their colleagues had Kranti Maidan) on August 8 in 1942. The resolution, after conceived of the weekly and launched it and one of them narrating the then context, said that only a free India can was its first editor and another took over from her a contribute meaningfully to the war efforts, and asked while later, and the rest were very much there in its pages the British to leave. It also said that the power should go from day one. When these issues were published the to the workers in the fields and factories. And. further generation which participated in the movement or was said explicitly that the freedom has to be for all and not its enthusiastic witness was there, and when the appeal just for the Congress. went out for articles, there was an enthusiastic response. The memory of the movement was fresh, its heroics had Socialists and Forty-two Augusters in Mumbai for become the folklore, and many narrated at the drop of decades have been walking silently from Chowpatty after the hat as to how they had kept at their homes laying wreathes at the feet of the statues of Bal underground leaders. The issues captured all of this. On Gangadhar Tilak and Vithalbhai Patel to the Gowalia Tank both occasions, as it happens, there were daylong Maidan to pay their homage to the martyrs. And the seminars in which the participants were socialists and leaders, who spoke after paying homage, bemoaned year Forty- two Augusters. There were also some who had after year the fact that the promise of the August left the Socialist Party and had gone over to the Congress revolution had remained unrealized. Surprisingly, or some other party. However, none of them had however, no one from the audience asked, why the task forgotten their exploits of those days, the spirit of those remained unfinished and if it had remained unfinished: times, and they all spoke feelingly about these and were they themselves and their leaders not responsible? committed themselves to pursue the unfinished tasks of However, there was a feeling of guilt for not doing enough the August revolution. in this behalf and the feeling is still there. It is not unhealthy. At the time of the silver jubilee, there was a public meeting in the evening and Achyut Patwardhan and As the country is entering its platinum jubilee of the Vasant Dada Patil spoke to a large gathering. The August struggle, to the customary unfinished tasks, a 4 JANATA, August 13, 2017 new task has got added. As said earlier, the August free India can intervene on behalf of democracy and the Resolution had promised freedom for all, not just for the nation accepted it. This issue wants the past to speak to Congress. This said everything. The freedom was not the present, inform it, and inspire it to take on the new only for those who fought for freedom, but also for those crisis engulfing us since 2014. Socialists have a task cut who did not and even those who opposed the movement out for them. They have to play a role similar to the one and for people of all faiths, creeds and races. It was also during the freedom movement, the Quit India struggle for all the colonies. A very comprehensive idea of and the JP movement and, along with other forces that freedom was there in the resolution. It was a claim their heritage to the freedom movement or swear polychromatic idea. But now the polychromatic idea of by the constitution, work hard to save the soul of the freedom is being changed to a monochromatic one. Some country. Socialists and activists who are raising the of our countrymen, now in power but who had not people's issues and those who sympathize with them will participated in the freedom movement, are exhorting us have to go to the masses, listen to them, record to forget the oft repeated idea of unity in diversity and painstakingly their grievances and adopt them as their are hell bent on popularizing the idea that unity excludes own, and help them fight. Janata, it hopes will be there diversity. This is an attack on the very soul of India. This to record all this. has to be fought - the way the country fought during the –GGP freedom movement. And yes, the fight has to be peaceful. It has to be more Gandhian than what it was during the Quit India movement days when Socialists and radical Congressmen had given themselves a doctrine of limited mebmeo meom³e 7, iegªÜeje jkeÀeyeiebpe jes[, violence and justified and practiced some violence. The (ueeskeÀmeYee) veF& efouueer new dispensation that has been ushered in on May 2014, does not unleash police, let's say, still. It neutralizes it Þeer. peer.peer. HeeefjKe and makes it a passive witness, but unleashes lynch mobs. Öepee meesMeefuemì Heeìer& Our own citizens kill our own citizens after demonizing 6, leguekeÀ jes[, yecyeF& - 1. them as the other. This is a tragic situation and needs changing. To change these people, wired painstakingly to kill the 'other', we need an instrument that is Gandhian. efÖe³e Þeer HeeefjKe, They have to be changed, reclaimed. And this can happen, DeeHekesÀ He$e kesÀ efueS Oev³eJeeo~ Yeejle íes[es kesÀ ueesieesb keÀes DeeHe not by imitating them, but by summoning a superior moral FkeÀÇe keÀj jns nes ³en ye[e De®íe keÀece nw~ Fme yeej cewb Flevee force. Can we, who still believe in the freedom meewYeei³eMeeueer venerb ntB efkeÀ cewb yecyeF& DeeHekesÀ GlmeJe cewb Dee meketbÀ~ movement's idea of India, summon that force? We will have to, if this India which has survived all these centuries, has to survive. peje Oetce Oeece mes GlmeJe ceveeF³es~ nes mekesÀ lees kegÀí Deeies Yeer yeef{³es~ 15 Deiemle jep³e efoJeme nw~ 9 Deiemle peve efoJeme nw~ This issue of Janata on the Quit India movement is keÀesF& SkeÀ efove Ssmee peªj Dee³esiee peye 9 Deiemle kesÀ meeceves 14 more a collection of documents than a commentary. It aims at capturing those days of Quit India, when the Deiemle HeÀerkeÀe Heæ[siee Deewj efnbogmleeveer DecesefjkeÀe Deewj ÖeÀebme kesÀ 4 nation, including its leaders, had a lot to worry. The war Deewj 14 pegueeF&, pees peve efoJeme nw, keÀer lejn 9 Deiemle keÀes was on and the end did not appear near. The imperialist ceveeSsbies~ ³en Yeer nes mekeÀlee nwb efkeÀ efnbogmleeveer keÀYeer DeHevee character of the war one fine morning ceased to be that yeìJeeje Kelce keÀjsb Deewj Gmeer kesÀ meeLe ³ee Gmemes Henues 15 for a section, though small, of our society, when Russia was attacked. Japan was at the door. The Indian National Deiemle keÀes Yetue peeves keÀer keÀesefMeMe keÀjsb~ Army was growing in numbers and influence, but there Fme He$e keÀer ÖeefleefueefHe cewb Þeer veeLe Hew keÀes Yeer Yespe jne ntb efpevnesbves was some speculation in the country that whether it will cegPes He$e Yespee Lee~ enter India on its own to free the country from the British or enter along with the Japanese army. The war efforts DeeHekeÀe had depleted our resources and there was chaos. The jece ceveesnj ueesefn³ee country was sympathetic to democracy and was against Fascism. But Gandhiji and Congress told us that only a JANATA, August 13, 2017 5 Maulana Azad's Opening Address at A.I.C.C. meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay on August 8, 1942

Opening the proceedings, Maulana but there was no other way of saving India than by referred to the Allahabad Session of the A.I.C.C. and bringing about a political change in the country. said that the decision taken then was impelled by necessity. They might forget everything but they could With the imminence of the danger from Japan, it was not forget the decision taken then. On the failure of the no longer so much a question of India's freedom but of the only course open to them was to take India's protection. The fundamental test of the Congress the decision reached at Allahabad, namely, that for the demand, if it was granted, was whether it would hamper effective defence of the country against foreign the effective prosecution of the war with all the aggression the only course was to have the reigns of responsibility which on him as Congress President, he Government in India's hands. When a nation was denied had not the slightest hesitation in saying that the freedom such authority, it could not effectively resist foreign would mean a new life in their war effort and the change aggression. would not endanger the cause of the United Nations. It must necessarily help the cause and the purpose of the The menace of aggression to India was ever increasing war. It had to be remembered that what they wanted and the danger which only a distant one a few months was that the reigns of Government should be in Indian ago was fast approaching them. In the face of such hands. They did not demand the withdrawal of such danger, it would be a calamity to allow the people to forces also from the country. But they did not realise grow sullen and down-hearted. The Congress wanted to that such a demand was not practicable. see that every Indian youth took part in resisting aggression. If the people of India were indifferent and They wanted the successful termination of the war in sullen, the responsibility was not that of the Congress favourof Democracies. but that of the British Government. All appeals during the last three years to set up a national government in If conditions were different, they would not have India had been rejected by the British Government. hesitated to demand the complete withdrawal of the British from India even if it meant exposing the country If events had been allowed by the British to take a to the dangers of anarchy and civil war. The demand different shape, Indians would have been whole heartedly which was being put forward for a political change in engaged in the war. The British attitude was one of not the country was not of such a nature as to upset civil allowing Indians an opportunity to put their heart into the administration and law and order. They wanted a change war in the service of humanity. which would help the prosecution of the war and not bring about chaos. If fair play and justice prevailed, the In the circumstances, said Maulana Azad, there were British Government and their allies would not find the two alternatives before the country. The first was to wait demand such as would bring about chaos and disorder in for the events that might happen. The second was to act the country. and save the country from the threatened invasion. It was sheer travesty to interpret the Congress demand In order to instil enthusiasm into the people, they must in the manner interpretted by Sir . be made to feel that in participating in the war they would be defending their own hearths and homes. One could The Congress President explained that the 'Quit India' not expect them to fight with sincerity .unless they were demand did not mean the physical removal of all the sure that they were fighting for the protection of their Britishers from India. It only meant the transfer of own freedom. political power to Indian hands. After the demand had been originally made by Mahatma Gandhi, both Pt. Nehru The Congress, Maulana Azad emphasized, had already and himself had gone to Wardha to discuss the matter declared that its sympathies were with the democracies with Mahatma Gandhi who made it clear to them that it 6 JANATA, August 13, 2017 only meant the transfer of power. say with all the emphasis at his command or speaking with the responsibility attached to the Congress Continuing Maulana Azad said that events had reached Presidentship that they would he prepared to sign such such a pass that there was no time either for threats or an agreement. But were the intentions of the for promises. They must face facts reasonably and act British'Government honest? Were they willing to grant instantly. The Congress did not want promises nor did the independence of India?" Concluding Mr. Azad said they want to make promises. The need of the hour was the zero hour was fast approaching. They were making action and action right now on the part of the Congress a final appeal to the British and to the United Nations as well as the British Government. Let the British and it was the duty of the latter to accept it if their eyes Government sign India's independence simultaneously. were not blind and their ears were not deaf. "We will sign our agreement to the United Nations to fight along with them against all aggressors.'' He could –The Times, 8 August 1942 JANATA, August 13, 2017 7 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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With Best Compliments From

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nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn JANATA, August 13, 2017 9 Mahatma Gandhi's Speech at A.I.C.C. meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay on August 7, 1942

Before you discuss the resolution, let me place before differences between Indian India and British India. It you one or two things. I want you to understand two may be true that there are differences in the conditions things very clearly and consider them from the same obtaining in British and Indian India but according to the point of view from which I am placing them before you. people of the Indian States there is no difference as such. There are people who ask me whether I am the same The Congress claims to represent them as well. The man that I was in 1920 or whether there has been any policy which the Congress has adopted towards States change in me. You are right in asking that question. I was drawn up at my instance. There has been some may tell you that I am the same man today that I was in change but the basis remains the same. Whatever the 1920. The only difference is that I am much stronger in Princes may say, their people will acclaim that we have certain things now than I was in 1920. I may explain it been asking for the very thing that they want. If we by pointing out that a man goes about heavily clothed in carry on this struggle in the way I want it, the Princes winter but the same man may be found without such will get more through it than they can ever expect [from clothing in summer. This outward change does not make the British power]. I have met some Princes and they any difference in the man. There are people who may stated their helplessness by saying that we are more free say that I say one thing today and another thing tomorrow. than they are because they can be removed by the But I must tell you that there is no change in me. I stick paramount power. to the principle of non-violence as I did before. If you I will remind you that you should accept the resolution are tired of it then you need not come with me. It is not only if you approve of it from the heart because if you necessary or incumbent upon you to pass this resolution. do not you may expose yourself to danger. If you want swaraj and independence and if you feel that what I place before you is a good thing and a right We had the opportunity of running the Government at thing then only accept it. It is only that way you can give least in seven provinces. We did put in good work which me complete support. If you do not do that I am afraid was praised even by the British Government. Your work you will have to rue for what you do. There is not much does not finish with the attainment of freedom. There is harm if a man does a wrong thing and repents but in the no place for dictators in our scheme of things. Our object present case you will be putting the country also in is to achieve independence and whoever can take up the danger. If you do not believe fully in what I say then I reins may do so. It may be, you decide to place it in the will request you not to accept it but leave it. But if you hands of Parsis. You should not say why the Parsis should accept it and do not understand me properly then there be entrusted with power. Maybe that power may be given is bound to be friction among us although it may be of a to those whose names had never been heard of in the friendly nature. Congress. It will be for the people to decide. You should not feel that the majority of those who fought for it were Another point I want to impress upon you is your Hindus and the number of Muslims and Parsis in the responsibility. The members of the All-India Congress fight was small. Once they got freedom, they should Committee are like members of Parliament representing change their whole mentality. If there is the slightest the whole of India. The Congress from its very inception communal taint in your minds, keep off the struggle. has not been of any particular group or any particular colour or caste or of any particular province. It has There are people who have hatred in their hearts for claimed ever since its birth to represent the whole nation the British. I have heard people saying that they were and on your behalf I have made the claim that you disgusted with them. Common people's mind does not represent not only the registered members of the differentiate between British Government and British Congress but the entire nation. people. To them both are the same. They are the people who do not mind the advent of the Japanese. To them Referring to the Princes, Mahatma Gandhi stated perhaps it would mean change of masters. But it is a that they were the creation of British power. dangerous thing. You must remove it from your mind. Their number may be six hundred or more. They were This is a crucial hour. If we keep quiet and do not play created by the ruling power as you know to create our part it would not be right on our part. If it is only 10 JANATA, August 13, 2017

Britain and the United States who fight this war and if Patel is reported to have said that the campaign maybe our part, is only to give monetary help, whether given over in a week. I do not want to be in a hurry. If it ends willingly or taken from us unwillingly, it is not a very in a week it will be a miracle and if this happens it would happy proposition. But we can show our real grit and mean melting the British heart. Maybe wisdom will dawn valour only when it becomes our own fight. Then even a on the British and they will understand that it will be child will be brave. We shall get our freedom by fighting. wrong for them to put in jail the very people who want to It cannot fall from the skies. I know fully well that the fight for them. Maybe that a change may come in Mr. Britishers will have to give us freedom when we have Jinnah's mind after all. He will think that those who are made sufficient sacrifices and proved our strength. We fighting are the sons of the soil and if he sits quiet of must remove any hatred for the British from our hearts. what use would Pakistan be for him. At least in my heart there is no such hatred. As a matter Non-violence is a matchless weapon which can help of fact, I am a greater friend of the British now than I everyone. I know we have not done much by way of ever was. The reason for this is that at this moment they non-violence and therefore, if such a change comes about are in distress. My friendship demands that I must make I will take it as the result of our labours during the last them aware of their mistakes. As I am not in the position twenty-two years and that God has helped us to achieve in which they are, I can point out their mistakes. I know it. When I raised the slogan 'Quit India' the people in they are on the brink of a ditch and about to fall into it. India who were then feeling despondent felt I had placed Therefore, even if they want to cut off my hands, my before them a new thing. If you want real freedom you friendship demands that I should try to pull them out of will have to come together and such coming together that ditch. will create true democracy-democracy the like of which This is my claim, at which many people may laugh, has not been so far witnessed nor have there been any but all the same I say this is true. At a time when I am attempts made for such type of true democracy. I have about to launch the biggest fight in my life there can be read a good deal about the French revolution. Carlyle's no hatred for the British in my heart. The thought that works I read while in jail. I have great admiration for the because they are in difficulties I should give them a push French people. Pandit Jawaharlal has told me all about is totally absent from my mind. It never has been there. the Russian revolution. But I hold that though theirs was Maybe that in a moment of anger they might do things a fight for the people it was not a fight for real democracy which might provoke you. Nevertheless you should not which I envisaged. My democracy means every man is resort to violence and put non-violence to shame. When his own master. I have read sufficient history and I did such a thing happens you may take it that you will not not see such an experiment on so large a scale for the find me alive, wherever I may be. My blood will be on establishment of democracy by non-violence. Once you your head. If you don't understand this it will be better if understand these things you will forget the differences you reject this resolution. It will redound to your credit. between the Hindus and the Muslims. The resolution How can I blame you for things which you may not be that is placed before you says we do not want to remain able to grasp. There is one principle in the fight which frogs in a well. We are aiming at a world federation in you must adopt. Never believe-as I have never believed which India would be a leading unit. It can come only -that the British are going to fail. I do not consider them through non-violence. Disarmament is only possible if to be a nation of cowards. I know before they accept you use the matchless weapon of non-violence. There defeat every soul in Britain will be sacrificed. They may are people who may call me a visionary but I tell you I be defeated and they may leave you just as they left the am a real bania and my business is to obtain swaraj. people of Burma, Malaya and other places with the idea Speaking to you as a practical bania, I say, if you are of recapturing the lost ground when they can. That may prepared to pay the full price [of nonviolent conduct], be their military strategy. But supposing they leave us pass this resolution, otherwise, do not pass it. If you do what happenes to us? In that case Japan will come here. not accept this resolution I won't be sorry for it, on the The coming in of Japan will mean the end of China and contrary I would dance with joy because you would then perhaps of Russia, too. In these matters Pandit Nehru is relieve me of the tremendous responsibility which you my guru (teacher). I do not want to be the instrument of are now going to place on me. I want you to adopt non- Russia's defeat nor of China's. If that happens I would violence as a matter of policy. With me it is a creed, but hate myself. so far as you are concerned I want you to accept it as policy. As disciplined soldiers you must accept it in toto You know I like to go at a rapid speed. But it may be and stick to it when you join the struggle. I am not going as rapidly as you want me to. Sardar JANATA, August 13, 2017 11

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The conception of the resolution is not narrow which is one of the worst effects of the War and which nationalism, but it has an international background. The makes it very difficult for the people to think straight and arguments for the resolution have already been not to think in terms of violent hatred. sufficiently put before the public. I am sure the bona fides of the resolution have been fully understood by all Nobody in Whitehall can think straight, I suppose. friends. The resolution is in no sense a challenge to There is falsity everywhere. You listen to the radios, anyone. If the British Government accept the proposal it , Berlin or Tokyo. One does not know what is the would change the positions both internal and international, truth. I am prepared to make many allowances for the for the better from every point of view. The position of emotional background in England and America. I do not China would be improved. I am convinced that whatever really mind if people there get angry. But I feel sorry for change might come about in India, it must be for the the people in England and America who have a perverted better. The A.I.C.C. knows that Mahatma Gandhi has way of looking at the Indian question. They are so wrong agreed that the British and other foreign armed forces that they will certainly land themselves in difficulty. After stationed in India may continue. This has been agreed to all, just think what would have been the course of history, in order not to allow the Japanese to come in. particularly that of Britain, if she had taken right steps with regard to India in the last two years. If Britain had I am surprised how intelligent people in England and acted rightly, the entire history of theWar would have America could have misunderstood the Congress stand been different. But in spite of perils and disasters, England unless, of course, they deliberately chose to has stuck to her imperialism and Empire. The fact is misunderstand it. I have regretfully come to the conclusion patent to me that the British Government and, for certain, that to some extent other governments are also following the Government of India think the Indian National the British line of thought towards India. Today, the British Congress to be their enemy number one. If the Government is opposed to the Indian national movement Government of India is going to treat the people of India for freedom. I am convinced that the British Government like this, then we also know how to behave with them. can never really think in terms of advancing the cause We have seen in the last few months an unparalleled of the freedom of India unless, of course, the entire example of inefficiency and incompetency of this character of the present British Government is changed. government. The whole system is a rotten one. I do not I am not personally concerned with such a change, but I want to associate myself with the creaking, shaking stand for dissociating myself with that government and machinery that the Government ofIndia is. As for the that country. It is not for me to advise the British people so-called National War Front, there is neither the nation, what government they should have. nor the war, nor any front in it. All that this front is now doing is opposing the Congress. I certainly do not mind There is a great deal of criticism in America, too, about that. The whole Government of India is built that way. what India wants. We are accused, by some newspapers, The only occasion when it does function effectively and that we are blackmailing.' It is a curious charge for a efficiently is when overnight it starts rounding up large people to make who themselves had for generations numbers of people. One of these days some such efficient carried on a struggle for freedom. If for demanding functioning will reappear against Congressmen! freedom we are called blackmailers then surely our understanding of the English language has been wrong. It is a curious tangle that we are in. It is not going to Whatever may happen in Whitehall, it is not going to be resolved by shouting or by the approaches of the stop us from working for our independence. We live for British Government. May I, with all respect, suggest to it and will die for it. I do not want to say anything at the the great people of America that they have all gone present moment which might add to the feeling of wrong in regard to India, China and the whole of Asia. bitterness that exists everywhere. I know that this War Americans have looked upon India as an appendage to has produced great emotional reactions in people's minds Britain, and Asia as the dependent of Europe and JANATA, August 13, 2017 13

America. Some of them have thought in terms of I am proud of because it is broad- benevolence towards these countries, but always with a based and has an international background. taint of racial superiority. They have always considered them-selves, because of their inventions during this The movement contemplated is not for merely machine age, to be infinitely better than us and also that achieving national ends but for achieving world freedom. we are a benighted backward people. But the people of The congress is plunging into a stormy ocean and it would Asia do not propose to be treated in that manner any emerge either with a free India or go down. Unlike in longer. Asia is the mother continent of the world, and the past, it is not going to be a movement for a few days, India and China constitute the real mother countries of to be suspended and talked over. It is going to be a fight the world. What is the good of such people, who, simply to the finish. The Congress has now burnt its boats and because they have some very great material is about to embark on a desperate campaign. I can never achievements to their credit, have forgotten or are not persuade myself to work with a government which has learning the very essence and art of living? They have neither vision nor intelligence. Nor would I remain a built and are building better motor cars. This is a machine passive spectator of the great happenings that are taking age. We will also learn to build machines-better place in the world. It appears to me, perhaps, I would machines. Americans have forgotten the magnificent live in eternal opposition to the Axis powers. I repudiate achievements of China and India. It is China and India, the suggestion that the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi with the experience of ages, who have learned the art of are bargaining and haggling. In moments of excitement living decently even without the material achievements people are prone to say certain things, but this should not considered necessary for such living. be dubbed as bargaining. How, by granting India's independence, would the war efforts of the United I hate poverty. My grievance against the British is Nations be hampered or how would chaos and anarchy that they have made Indians miserable, poverty-stricken follow in India? The resolution does not give out even wrecks of humanity. We are now taking a step from one-tenth of the real feelings of the Indians towards the which there will be no going back. If there is goodwill on British Government. the other side, then everything would be all right and the whole course of the War and the future of the world The debate on this resolution is over and I have also would be changed. The change would be not merely had my say. There are just a few points which I have emotional but in the material sense also. But that is not partly said and partly not said-which I would like to say to be. There might be some difficulty. It is my conviction in English for the benefit of my friends who may not that this resolution is the only way, the effective way, in have followed me. which we can help China and Russia and I know how terrible the situation is there. Britain and America must What is the resolution? You have seen and read it. It change their whole conception of the War. It is no good is not a threat. It is an invitation. It is an explanation. It is looking at Asia as a side-show. Asia is the centre of the an offer of cooperation. It is all that. It is not a threat but War and it is Asia that is going to determine the final still behind it there,is the obvious warning that certain result of the War. Therefore, I want to prepare today, consequences will follow if certain events do not happen. even at some risk and peril, so that the final result of the It is an offer of cooperation but of a free India with War should be the right kind of result. We must go forward other free peoples. There is going to be no cooperation even though it involves certain perils. I should like my on any other terms. On any other terms this resolution friends, who do not agree with this resolution or who do can only promise conflict and struggle. Let that be clear. not try to understand it, to respect our bona fides. People Some of our friends abroad may think that we are acting should realise that if there is any trouble in India, it is we unwisely. I do not blame them. They move in their own who would suffer. If there is internal trouble or an external environment. I want them to realise what we are saying. invasion by Japan, it is we who would suffer. England We are in dead earnest about the course we are going to might be distantly affected but we will have to die adopt. Let there be no doubt about it. You may immediately. The problem of meeting aggression occasionally cheer and clap but the fact is that we are concerns us deeply. How can I, after seeing the on the brink of a precipice and we are in dead earnest incompetence of the government, trust them ? Their about it. I think this resolution of ours is not only a whole attitude is one of retreat. We, however, want to resolution of the All India Congress Committee but it be valiant fighters. It is not a narrow nationalist resolution. does represent - as on many other occasions our 14 JANATA, August 13, 2017 resolutions have represented - the voice of India. I would not to do this and that and go on in their own ruts. The even go a step further and say that it represent the voice people in England, America and elsewhere are looking of the entire oppressed humanity. If, by a miracle, Britain at every question from the narrow standpoint of a soldier. had accepted this resolution and acted according to its And it does not matter to them how other people view demands you would seen such a wonderful change, not the Indian question. India says something which we only in India but all over the world. It would have changed believe-and I honestly believe-is not only in the interest the whole nature of the War. It would have given it a of India but enormously in the interest of the Allied cause real revolutionary background which it does not bear provided they accept it. They talk about blackmailing today. and threaten us. I can only tell them that we will not be deterred from our course by any amount of threats. On Now, remember that the essential thing about this War the other hand the Westerners ought to realise that at is that it is something infinitely more than a war; it is a this stage threats could only make the position infinitely World War. That is big enough; but it is bigger than that: worse and more difficult for them. We have decided to it is a part of, and prelude to, and precursor of a vast fake this course on which there is no going back. I repeat revolution that is enveloping the whole world. This War again : we shall try to remain calm. We have got big may end or it may, be carried on for some time, but no tasks ahead-a big task for our country, and a big task for peace will be established, no equilibrium attained until the world. Whether we function as Indian National this revolution runs its appointed course. Our misfortune Congress or not, time may come when each individual has been that the leaders in the West did not realize the will represent the and work on revolutionary significance of this War, or if they realized, his own. We must not in the excitement of the movement they did not act accordingly. They are still carrying on in forget our high aims and objectives-high aims for India the same old way and think only in terms of more tanks whose freedom we consider precious, and high aims and and more aeroplanes. Probably in their position I would objectives with regard to the whole world. We are have done the same thing. They are not thinking of the nationalists and we are proud of this fact. But we should vast surge of the elemental emotion of humanity. Unless not settle down to a narrow nationalism. We should they do this, they can never attain success. I hope they always remember that we have to develop a right type will learn, but, sometimes, I fear, that they will learn it of internationalism, but not pseudo-internationalism of the too late. present-day world or of the League of Nations.

Mr. Churchill and other Englishmen have not got over I beg everybody to consider this resolution in this spirit. thinking in terms of the Anglo-Saxon race. In a recent Whether there are internal perils or external perils, after speech Mr. Churchill visualised the day when the Anglo- all, if the Japanese reach this country, you and I will Saxon race would march through the world in dignity suffer and not the people in London and Washington. and majesty. This is not a pleasant picture to contemplate You and I will have to die, face the situation, may have and it is a thing not going to be tolerated by Asia at any to face untold miseries and sufferings-we will have to rate. Let that be clear. There is too much talk of majesty face all that. People talk to us from Washington, New and dignity of the Anglo - Saxon race or the German or York and various other places. You know what Japan is. the Italian race. There are other races also in the world We know what subjection is and we know it better than and we have had enough of such talks. This racial Americans and Englishmen. We have had it for about superiority can no more be tolerated. We are going to two hundred years. We have come to the decision that it cooperate with the British when we think it right to do so is better to throw off the fetters into the fire and come and when there is a right cause; but we are not going to out as a free nation than be reduced to ashes. act with them if we think that the cause is not right. At the present time, the Allied cause is only negatively right We are prepared to pay any price for unity except the in the sense that Germany and Japan are worse. But price of independence. What obstructions have not been Indian freedom would change the whole nature of the placed in our path which have had no relation to the real War and make it right positively. Even the people of Nazi issue? I can talk and negotiate with anybody who Germany and those who are helping the Germans would recognises the need for democratic freedom for India, feel the impact of the change. It would, be a turning but I cannot negotiate with anyone who refuses to point of the War. But they simply talk about their own recognise the fundamental issue-the freedom of India. I problems which have no significance for us and ask us was told during the Cripps negotiations that a certain JANATA, August 13, 2017 15 leader insisted on behalf of Muslims that the Viceroy's an insult to our great organization and to our revered power of veto should not be removed or in any way President. We were prepared to stake everything qualified. If any section wants that the British Viceroy consistent with our dignity and self-respect for finding a should exercise his veto power against the decisions of satisfactory settlement. Whenever we knocked at the his Indian cabinet, it means clearly that that section is doors we found them bolted, and we knocked ourselves against the freedom of India. I do not want to injure against a wall. Are we beggars to be treated like this? anyone's feelings especially at a time when we are about Are we going to be so dishonourable as to sacrifice the to launch a great struggle for freedom. I tried, for one mansion of Indian freedom which we want to build? Are whole year, to find out what the League wanted, but I we going to be kicked about by men who have made no was unable to understand what they wanted. sacrifice for the freedom of India and who can never think in terms of freedom at all? I have not been able to find a parallel to such a situation in the history of the world. I have not come across Our conscience is clear. We have done everything anywhere else such a situation except in the land of Hitler. that is humanly possible for arriving at a settlement. We The Sudeten crisis bears similarity to the situation here. have made strenuous and sincere attempts to resolve For purposes of negotiations we were not allowed to the communal issue, but all our attempts have either been select our own representatives. We are told that we sabotaged or frustrated. The chief difficulty is that the cannot send Muslims to represent the Congress. This is problem is more political than communal.

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The Voice of India Power to the People

The following is the text of the resolution passed by the All- India Congress Committee on the evening of August 8, 1942:

The All India Congress Committee has given the most but will bring all subject and oppressed humanity on the careful consideration to the reference made to it by the side of the United Nations, and give these Nations, whose Working Committee in their resolution dated July 14, ally India would be the moral and spiritual leadership of 1942, and to subsequent events, including the the world. India in bondage will continue to be the symbol development of the war situation, the utterances of of British imperialism and the taint of that imperialism responsible spokesman of the British Government, and will affect the fortunes of all the United Nations. the comments and criticisms made in India and abroad. The peril of today, therefore, necessitates the The Committee approves of and endorses that resolution independence of India and the ending of British and is of the opinion that events subsequent to it have domination. No future promises or guarantees can affect given it further justification, and have made it clear that the present situation or meet that peril. They cannot the immediate ending of British rule in India is an urgent produce the needed psychological effect on the mind of necessity, both for the sake of India and for the success the masses. Only the glow of freedom now can release of the cause of the United Nations. The continuation of that energy and enthusiasm of millions of people which that rule is degrading and enfeebling India and making will immediately transform the nature of the war. her progressively less capable of defending herself and of contributing to the cause of world freedom. The A.I.C.C. therefore repeats with all emphasis the demand for the withdrawal of the British Power from The committee has viewed with dismay the India. On the declaration of India's Independence a deterioration of the situation on the Russian and Chinese Provisional Government will be formed and Free India fronts and conveys to the Russian and Chinese people will become an ally of the United Nations, sharing with its high appreciation of their heroism in defence of their them in the trials and tribulations of the joint enterprise freedom. This increasing peril makes it incumbent on all of the struggle for freedom. The Provisional Government those who strive for freedom and who sympathise with can only be formed by the co-operation of the principal the victims of aggression, to examine the foundations of parties and groups in the country. It will thus be a the policy so far pursued by the Allied Nations, which composite government, representative of all important have led to repeated and disastrous failure. It is not by sections of the people of India. Its primary functions must adhering to such arms and policies and methods that be to defend India and resist aggression with all the armed failure can be converted into success, for past experience as well as the non-violent forces at its command, together has shown that failure is inherent in them. These policies with its Allied powers, to promote the well-being and have been based not on freedom so much as on the progress of the workers in the fields and factories and domination of subject and colonial countries, and the elsewhere, to whom essentially all power and authority continuation of the imperialist tradition and method. The must belong. The Provisional Government will evolve a possession of empire, instead of adding to the strength scheme for a Constituent Assembly which will prepare of the ruling Power, has become a burden and a curse. a constitution for the Government of India acceptable to India, the classic land of modern imperialism, has become all sections of the people. This constitution according to the crux of the question, for by the freedom of India will the Congress view, should be a federal one, with the Britain and the United Nations be judged, and the peoples largest measure of autonomy for the federating units, of Asia and Africa be filled with hope and enthusiasm. and with the residuary powers vesting in these units. The ending of British rule in this country is thus a vital The future relations between India and the Allied Nations and immediate issue on which depend the future of the will be adjusted by representatives of all these free war and the success of freedom and democracy. A free countries conferring together for their mutual advantage India will assure this success by throwing all her great and for their co-operation in the common task of resisting resources in the struggle for freedom and against the aggression. Freedom will enable India to resist aggression aggression of Nazism, Fascism and Imperialism. This effectively with the people's united will and strength will not only affect materially the fortunes of the war, behind it. JANATA, August 13, 2017 17 18 JANATA, August 13, 2017 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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The freedom of India must be the symbol of and and reducing her capacity to defend herself and resist prelude to the freedom of all other Asiatic nations under aggression, but is no answer to that growing peril and is foreign dominations. Burma, Malaya, Indo-China, the no service to the peoples of the United Nations. The Dutch Indies, Iran and Iraq must also attain their earnest appeal of the Working Committee to Great Britain complete freedom. It must be clearly understood that and the United Nations has so far met with no response, such of these countries as are under Japanese control and the criticisms made in many foreign quarters have now must not subsequently be placed under the rule or shown an ignorance of India's and the world's need, and control of any other Colonial Power. sometimes even hostility to India's freedom, which is significant of a mentality of domination and racial While the A.I.C.C. must primarily be concerned with superiority which cannot be tolerated by a proud people the independence and defence of India in this hour of conscious of their strength and of the justice of their danger, the Committee is of opinion that the future peace, cause. security and ordered progress of the world demand a World Federation of free nations, and on no other basis The A.I.C.C. would yet again, at this last moment, in can the problems of the modern world be solved. Such a the interest of world freedom, renew this appeal to Britain World Federation would ensure the freedom of its and the United Nations. But the Committee feels that it constituent nations, the prevention of aggression and is no longer justified in holding die nation back from exploitation by one nation over another, the protection of endeavouring to assert its will against and imperialist and national minorities, the advancement of all backward authoritarian government which dominates over it and areas and peoples, and the pooling of the world's prevents it from functioning in its own interest and in the resources for the common good of all. On the interest of humanity. The Committee resolves, therefore, establishment of such a World Federation, disarmament to sanction for the vindication of India's inalienable right would be practicable in all countries, national armies, to freedom and independence, the starting of a mass navies and air forces would no longer be necessary, and struggle on non-violent lines on the widest possible scale, a World Federal Defence Force would keep the world so that the country might utilise all the non-violent strength peace and prevent aggression. it has gathered during the last twenty-two years of peaceful struggle. Such a struggle must inevitably be under An independent India would gladly join such a World the leadership of Gandhiji and the Committee requests Federation and co-operate on an equal basis with other him to take the lead and guide the nation in the steps to nations in the solution of international problems. " Such a be taken. Federation should be open to all nations who agree with its fundamental principles. In view of the war, however, The Committee appeals to the people of India to face the Federation must inevitably, to begin with, be confined the dangers and hardships that will fall to their lot with to the United Nations. Such a step taken now will have a courage and endurance, and to hold together under the most powerful effect on the war, on the peoples of the leadership of Gandhiji, and carry out his instructions as Axis countries, and on the peace to come. disciplined soldiers of Indian freedom. They must remember that non-violence is the basis of this movement. The Committee regretfully realises, however, that A time may come when it may not be possible to issue despite the tragic and overwhelming lessons of the war instructions or for instructions to reach our people, and and the perils that overhang the world, the governments when no Congress Committees can function. When this of few countries are yet prepared to take this inevitable happens, every man and woman, who is participating in step towards World Federation. The reactions of the this movement must function for himself or herself within British Government and the misguided criticism of the the four corners of the general instructions issued. Every foreign press also make it clear that even the obvious Indian who desires freedom and strives for it must be demand for India's independence is resisted, though this his own guide urging him on along the hard road where has been made essentially to meet the present peril and there is no resting place and which leads along ultimately to enable India to defend herself and help China and to the independence and deliverance of India. Russia in their hour of need. The Committee is anxious not to embarrass in any way the defence of China or Lastly, whilst the A.I.C.C. has stated its own view of Russia, whose freedom is precious and must be the future governance under free India, the A.I.C.C. preserved, or to jeopardise the defensive capacity of the wishes to make it quite clear to all concerned that by United Nations. But the peril grows both to India and embarking on mass struggle it has no intention of gaining these nations, and in action and submission to a foreign power for the Congress. The power when it comes, will administration at this stage is not only degrading India belong to the whole people of India. 20 JANATA, August 13, 2017 Mahatma Gandhi's Speech in Hinduatani at A.I.C.C. meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay on August 8, 1942

I congratulate you on the resolution that you have just thousands of platforms. Thousands of Mussalmans have passed. I also congratulate the three comrades on the told me that if the Hindu-Muslim question was to be courage they have shown in pressing their amendments solved satisfactorily, it must be done in my lifetime. I to a division, even though they knew that there was an should feel flattered at this; but how can I agree to a overwhelming majority in favour of the resolution, and I proposal which does not appeal to my reason? Hindu- congratulate the thirteen friends who voted against the Muslim unity is not a new thing. Millions of Hindus and resolution. In doing so, they had nothing to be ashamed Mussalmans have sought after it. I consciously strove of. For the last twenty years we have tried to learn not for its achievement from my boyhood. While at school, I to lose courage even when we are in a hopeless minority made it a point to cultivate the friendship of Muslim and and are laughed at. We have learned to hold on to our Parsi fellow students. I believed even at that tender age beliefs in the confidence that we are in the right. It that the Hindus in India, if they wished to live in peace behoves us to cultivate this courage of conviction, for it and amity with the other communities, should assiduously ennobles man and raises his moral stature. I was, cultivate the virtue of [good] neighbourliness. It did not therefore, glad to see that these friends had imbibed the matter, I felt, if I made no special effort to cultivate the principle which I have tried to follow for the last fifty friendship with Hindus, but I must make friends with at years and more. least a few Mussalmans. It was as counsel for a Mussalman merchant that I went to South Africa. I made Having congratulated them on their courage, let me friends with other Mussalmans there, even with the say that what they asked this Committee to accept through opponents of my client, and gained a reputation for their amendments was not the correct representation of integrity and good faith. I had among my friends and co- the situation. These friends ought to have pondered over workers Muslims as well as Parsis. I captured their hearts the appeal made to them by the Maulana to withdraw and when I left finally for India, I left them sad and their amendments; they should have carefully followed shedding tears of grief at the separation. the explanations given by Jawaharlal. Had they done so, it would have been clear to them that the right which In India, too, I continued my efforts and left no stone they now want the Congress to concede has already unturned to achieve that unity. It was my life-long been conceded by the Congress. aspiration for it that made me offer my fullest co- operation to the Mussalmans in the . Time was when every Mussalman claimed the whole Muslims throughout the country accepted me as their of India as his motherland. During the years that the Ali true friend. Brothers were with me, the assumption underlying all their talks and discussions was that India belonged as How then is it that I have now come to be regarded much to the Mussalmans as to the Hindus. I can testify as so evil and detestable? Had I any axe to grind in to the fact that this was their innermost conviction and supporting the Khilafat movement? True, I did in my heart not a mask; I lived with them for years. I spent days and of hearts cherish a hope that it might enable me to save nights in their company. And I make bold to say that the cow. I am a worshipper of the cow. I believe the their utterances were the honest expression of their cow and myself to be the creation of the same God, and beliefs. I know there are some who say that I take things I am prepared to sacrifice my life in order to save the too readily at their face value, that I am gullible. I do not cow. But, whatever my philosophy of life and my ultimate think I am such a simpleton, nor am I so gullible as these hopes, I joined the movement in no spirit of bargain. I friends take me to be. But their criticism does not hurt co-operated in the struggle for the Khilafat solely in order me. I should prefer to be considered gullible rather than to discharge my obligation to my neighbour who, I saw, deceitful. was in distress. The Ali Brothers, had they been alive today, would have testified to the truth of this assertion. What these Communist friends proposed through their And so would many others bear me out in that it was not amendments is nothing new. It has been repeated from a bargain on my part for saving the cow. The cow, like JANATA, August 13, 2017 21 the Khilafat, stood on her own merits. As an honest man, distrusted and killed one who was a true and devoted a true neighbour and a faithful friend, it was incumbent friend of yours.' It cuts me to the quick to see that the on me to stand by the Mussalmans in the hour of their more I appeal and the more the Maulana importunes, trial. the more intense does the campaign of vilification grow. To me, these abuses are like bullets. They can kill me, In those days I shocked the Hindus by dining with the even as a bullet can put an end to my life. You may kill Mussalmans, though with the passage of time they have me. That will not hurt me. But what of those who indulge now got used to it. Maulana Bari told me, however, that in abusing? They bring discredit to Islam. For the fair though he would insist on having me as his guest, he name of Islam, I appeal to you to resist this unceasing would not allow me to dine with him, lest some day he campaign of abuse and vilification. should be accused of a sinister motive. And so, whenever I had occasion to stay with him, he called a Brahmin Maulana Saheb is being made a target for the filthiest cook and made special arrangements for separate abuse. Why? Because he refuses to exert on me the cooking. Firangi Mahal, his residence, was an oldstyled pressure of his friendship. He realizes that it is a misuse structure with limited accommodation; yet he cheerfully of friendship to seek to compel a friend to accept as bore all hardships and carried out his resolve from which truth what he knows is an untruth. I could not dislodge him. It was the spirit of courtesy, dignity and nobility that inspired us in those days. The To the Qaid-e-Azam I would say: 'Whatever is true members of each community vied with one another in and valid in the claim for Pakistan is already in your accommodating members of sister communities. They hands. What is wrong and untenable is in nobody's gift, respected one another's religious feelings, and considered so that it can be made over to you. Even if someone it a privilege to do so. Not a trace of suspicion lurked in were to succeed in imposing an untruth on others, he anybody's heart. Where has all that dignity, that nobility would not be able to enjoy for long the fruits of such of spirit, disappeared now? I should ask all Mussalmans, coercion. God dislikes pride and keeps away from it. including Qaid-e-Azam Jinnah, to recall those glorious God would not tolerate a forcible imposition of an untruth.' days and to find out what has brought us to the present impasse. Qaid-e-Azam Jinnah himself was at one time a The Qaid-e-Azam says that he is compelled to say Congressman. If today the Congress has incurred his bitter things but that he cannot help giving expression to wrath; it is because the canker of suspicion has entered his thoughts and his feelings. Similarly I would say: I his heart. May God bless him with long life, but when I consider myself a friend of the Mussalmans. Why should am gone, he will realize and admit that I had no designs I then not give expression to the things nearest to my on Mussalmans and that I had never betrayed their heart, even at the cost of displeasing them? How can I interests. Where is the escape for me if I injure their conceal my innermost thoughts from them? I should cause or betray their interests? My life is entirely at their congratulate the Qaid-e-Azam on his frankness in giving disposal. They are free to put an end to it, whenever expression to his thoughts and feelings, even if they sound they wish to do so. Assaults have been made on my life bitter to his hearers. But even so why should the in the past, but God has spared me till now, and the Mussalmans sitting here be reviled, if they do not see assailants have repented for their action. But if someone eye to eye with him? If millions of Mussalmans are with were to shoot me in the belief that he was getting rid of you, can you not afford to ignore the handful of a rascal, he would kill not the real Gandhi, but the one Mussalmans who may appear to you to be misguided? that appeared to him a rascal. Why should one with the following of several millions be afraid of a majority community, or of the minority being To those who have been indulging in a campaign of swamped by the majority? How did the Prophet work abuse and vilification I would say, 'Islam enjoins you not among the Arabs and the Mussalmans? How did he to revile even an enemy. The Prophet treated even propagate Islam? Did he say he would propagate Islam enemies with kindness and tried to win them over by his only when he commanded a majority? I, therefore, appeal fairness and generosity. Are you followers of that Islam to you for the sake of Islam to ponder over what I say. or of any other? If you are followers of the true Islam, There is neither fair play nor justice in saying that the does it behove you to distrust the words of one who Congress must accept a thing even if it does not believe makes a public declaration of his faith? You may take it in it and even if it goes counter to principles it holds dear. from me that one day you will regret the fact that you 22 JANATA, August 13, 2017

Rajaji said: 'I do not believe in Pakistan. But is lying in your pocket; whatever in the demand is contrary Mussalmans ask for it, Mr. Jinnah asks for it, and it has to justice and equity you can take only by the sword and become an obsession with them. Why not then say 'yes' in no other manner.' to them just now? The same Mr. Jinnah will later on realize the disadvantages of Pakistan and will forgo the There is much in my heart that I would like to pour demand.' I said: 'It is not fair to accept as true a thing out before this assembly. One thing which was uppermost which I hold to be untrue and ask others to do so in the in my heart I have already dealt with. You may take it belief that the demand will not be pressed when the time from me that it is with me a matter of life and death. If comes for settling it finally. If I hold the demand to be we Hindus and Mussalmans mean to achieve a heart just, I should concede it this very day. I should not agree unity, without the slightest mental reservation on the part to it merely in order to placate Jinnah Saheb. Many of either, we must first unite in the effort to be free from friends have come and asked me to agree to it for the the shackles of this Empire. If Pakistan after all is to be time being to placate Mr. Jinnah, disarm his suspicions a portion of India, what objection can there be for and to see how he reacts to it. But I cannot be party to a Mussalmans against joining this struggle for India's course of action with a false promise. At any rate, it is freedom? The Hindus and Mussalmans must, therefore, not my method.' unite in the first instance on the issue of fighting for freedom. Jinnah Saheb thinks the war will last long. I do The Congress has no sanction but the moral one for not agree with him. If the war goes on for six months enforcing its decisions. It believes that true democracy more, how shall we be able to save China? can only be the outcome of non-violence. The structure of a world federation can be raised only on a foundation I, therefore, want freedom immediately, this very night, of non-violence, and violence will have to be totally before dawn, if it can be had. Freedom cannot now wait abjured from world affairs. If this is true, the solution of for the realization of communal unity. If that unity is not the Hindu-Muslim question, too, cannot be achieved by achieved, sacrifices necessary for it will have to be much resort to violence. If the Hindus tyrannize over the greater than would have otherwise sufficed. But the Mussalmans, with what face will they talk of a world Congress must win freedom or be wiped out in the effort. federation? It is for the same reason that I do not believe And forget not that the freedom which the Congress is in the possibility of establishing world peace through struggling to achieve will not be for the Congressmen violence as the English and American statesmen propose alone but for all the forty crores of the Indian people. to do. The Congress has agreed to submitting all the Congressmen must forever remain humble servants of differences to an impartial international tribunal and to the people. abide by its decisions. If even this fairest of proposals is unacceptable, the only course that remains open is that The Qaid-e-Azam has said that the Muslim League is of the sword, of violence. How can I persuade myself to prepared to take over the rule from the Britishers if they agree to an impossibility? To demand the vivisection of a are prepared to hand it over to the Muslim League, for living organism is to ask for its very life. It is a call to the British took over the Empire from the hands of the war. The Congress cannot be party to such a fratricidal Muslims. This, however, will be Muslim raj. The offer war. Those Hindus who, like Dr. Moonje and Shri made by Maulana Saheb and by me does not imply Savarkar, believe in the doctrine of the sword may seek establishment of Muslim raj or Muslim domination. The to keep the Mussalmans under Hindu domination. I do Congress does not believe in the domination of any group not represent that section. I represent the Congress. You or any community. It believes in democracy which want to kill the Congress which is the goose that lays includes in its orbit Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Parsis, golden eggs. If you distrust the Congress, you may rest Jews-every one of the communities inhabiting this vast assured that there is to be a perpetual war between the country. If Muslim raj is inevitable, then let it be; but Hindus and the Mussalmans, and the country will be how can we give it the stamp of our assent? How can doomed to continue warfare and bloodshed. If such we agree to the domination of one community over the warfare is to be our lot, I shall not live to witness it. others?

It is for that reason that I say to Jinnah Saheb, 'You Millions of Mussalmans in this country come from may take it from me that whatever in your demand for Hindu stock. How can their homeland be any other than Pakistan accords with considerations of justice and equity India? My eldest son embraced Islam some years back. JANATA, August 13, 2017 23

What would his homeland be- Porbander or the Punjab? satyagraha. I ask the Mussalmans: 'If India is not your homeland, what other country do you belong to? In what separate In satyagraha, there is no place for fraud or falsehood, homeland would you put my son who embraced Islam?' or any kind of untruth. Fraud and untruth today are His mother wrote him a letter after his conversion, asking stalking the world. I cannot be a helpless witness to such him if he had on embracing Islam given up drinking which a situation. I have travelled all over India as perhaps Islam forbids to its followers. To those who gloated over nobody in the present age has. The voiceless millions of the conversion, she wrote to say: 'I do not mind his the land saw in me their friend and representative, and I becoming a Mussalman so much as his drinking. Will identified myself with them to an extent it was possible you, as pious Mussalmans, tolerate his drinking even after for a human being to do. I saw trust in their eyes, which his conversion? He has reduced himself to the state of a I now want to turn to good account in fighting this Empire rake by drinking. If you are going to make a man of him upheld on untruth and violence. However gigantic the again, his conversion will have been turned to good preparations that the Empire has made, we must get out account. You will, therefore, please see that he as a of its clutches. How can I remain silent at this supreme Mussalman abjures wine and women. If that change does hour and hide my light under the bushel? Shall I ask the not come about, his conversion goes in vain and our non- Japanese to tarry a while? If today I sit quiet and inactive, cooperation with him will have to continue.' God will take me to task for not using up the treasure He had given me, in the midst of the conflagration that is India is without doubt the homeland of all the enveloping the whole world. Had the condition been Mussalmans inhabiting this country. Every Mussalman different, I should have asked you to wait yet awhile. should therefore cooperate in the fight for India's freedom. But the situation now has become intolerable, and the The Congress does not belong to any one class or Congress has no other course left for it. community; it belongs to the whole nation. It is open to Mussalmans to take possession of the Congress. They Nevertheless, the actual struggle does not commence can, if they like, swamp the Congress by their numbers, this moment. You have only placed all your powers in and can steer it along the course which appeals to them. my hands. I will now wait upon the Viceroy and plead The Congress is fighting not on behalf of the Hindus but with him for the acceptance of the Congress demand. on behalf of the whole nation, including the minorities. It That process is likely to take two or three weeks. What would hurt me to hear of a single instance of a Mussalman would you do in the mean while? What is the programme, being killed by a Congressman. In the coming revolution, for the interval, in which all can participate? As you know, Congressmen will sacrifice their lives in order to protect the spinning-wheelis the first thing that occurs to me. I the Mussaalman against a Hindu's attack and vice versa. made the same answer to the Maulana. He would have It is a part of their creed, and is one of the essentials of none of it, though he understood its import later. The non-violence. You will be expected on occasions like fourteenfold constructive programme is, of course, there these not to lose your heads. Every Congressman, for you to carry out. What more should you do? I will tell whether a Hindu or a Mussalman, owes this duty to the you. Every one of you should, from this moment onwards, organization to which he belongs. The Mussalman who consider yourself a free man or woman, and act as if will act in this manner will render a service to Islam. you are free and are no longer under the heel of this Mutual trust is essential for success in the final nation- imperialism. wide struggle that is to come. It is not a make-believe that I am suggesting to you. It I have said that much greater sacrifices will have to is the very essence of freedom. The bond of the slave is be made this time in the wake of our struggle because of snapped the moment he considers himself to be a free the opposition from the Muslim League and from being. He will plainly tell the master: 'I was your Englishmen. You have seen the secret circular issued by bondslave till this moment, but I am a slave no longer. Sir Frederick Puckle. It is a suicidal course that he has You may kill me if you like, but if you keep me alive, I taken. It contains an open incitement to organizations wish to tell you that if you release me from the bondage which crop up like mushroooms to combine to fight the of your own accord, I will ask for nothing more from Congress. We have thus to deal with an Empire whose you. You used to feed and clothe me, though I could ways are crooked. Ours is a straight path which we can have provided food and clothing for myself by my labour. tread even with our eyes closed. That is the beauty of I hitherto depended on you instead of on God, for food 24 JANATA, August 13, 2017 and raiment. God has now inspired me with an urge for writing under the present restrictions and take up the freedom and I am today a free man and will no longer pen only when India has won her freedom. You may tell depend on you.' Sir Frederick Puckle that he can't expect from you a command performance, that his Press notes are full of You may take it from me that I am not going to strike untruth, and that you will refuse to publish them. You will a bargain with the Viceroy for ministries and the like. I openly declare that you are whole-heartedly with the am not going to be satisfied with anything short of Congress. If you do this, you will have changed the complete freedom. Maybe, he will propose the abolition atmosphere before the fight actually begins. of salt tax, the drink evil, etc. But I will say: 'Nothing less than freedom.' From the Princes I ask with all respect due to them a very small thing. I am a well-wisher of the Princes. I Here is a mantra, a short one, that I give you. You was born in a State. My grandfather refused to salute may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of with his right hand any Prince other than his own. But yours give expression to it. The mantra is: 'Do or Die.' he did not say to the Prince, as I feel he ought to have We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall said, that even his own master could not compel him, his not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery. Every minister, to act against his conscience. I have eaten the true Congressman or [Congress] woman will join the Princes' salt and I would not be false to it. As a faithful struggle with an inflexible determination not to remain servant, it is my duty to warn the Princes that if they will alive to see the country in bondage and slavery. Let that act while I am still alive, the Princes may come to occupy be your pledge. Keep jails out of your consideration. If an honourable place in free India. In Jawaharlal's scheme the Government keep me free, I will spare you the trouble of free India, no privileges or the privileged classes have of filling the jails. I will not put on the Government the a place. Jawaharlal considers all property to be State- strain of maintaining a large number of prisoners at a owned. He wants planned economy. He wants to time when it is in trouble. Let every man and woman live reconstruct India according to plan. He likes to fly; I do every moment of his or her life hereafter in the not. I have kept a place for the Princes and the zamindars consciousness that he or she eats or lives for achieving in India that I envisage. I would ask the Princes in all freedom and will die, if need be, to attain that goal. Take humility to enjoy through renunciation. The Princes may a pledge with God and your own conscience as witness, renounce ownership over their properties and become that you will no longer rest till freedom is achieved and their trustees in the true sense of the term. I visualize will be prepared to lay down your lives in the attempt to God in the assemblage of people. The Princes may say achieve it. He who loses his life will gain it; he who will to their people: 'You are the owners and masters of the seek to save it shall lose it. Freedom is not for the coward State and we are your servants.' I would ask the Princes or the faint-hearted. to become servants of the people and render to them an account of their own services. The Empire too bestows A word to the journalists I congratulate you on the power on the Princes, but they should prefer to derive support you have hitherto given to the national demand. power from their own people; and if they want to indulge I know the restrictions and handicaps under which you in some innocent pleasures, they may seek to do so as have to labour. But I would now ask you to snap the servants of the people. I do not want the Princes to live chains that bind you. It should be the proud privilege of as paupers. But I would ask them: 'Do you want to remain the newspapers to lead and set an example in laying slaves for all time? Why should you, instead of paying down one's life for freedom. You have the pen which the homage to a foreign power, not accept the sovereignty Government can't suppress. I know you have large of your own people?' You may write to the Political properties in the form of printing-presses, etc., and you Department: 'The people are now awake. How are we would be afraid lest the Government should attach them. to withstand an avalanche before which even the large I do not ask you to invite an attachment of the printing- Empires are crumbling? We, therefore, shall belong to press voluntarily. For myself, I would not suppress my the people from today onwards. We shall sink or swim pen, even if the press was to be attached. As you know with them.' Believe me, there is nothing unconstitutional my press was attached in the past and returned later on. in the course I am suggesting. There are, so far as I But I do not ask from you that final sacrifice. I suggest a know, no treaties enabling the Empire to coerce the middle way. You should now wind up your Standing Princes. The people of the States will also declare that Committee, and you may declare that you will give up though they are the Princes' subjects, they are part of JANATA, August 13, 2017 25 the Indian nation and that they will accept the leadership We will obey your just orders, but will refuse to fire on of the Princes, if the latter cast their lot with the People, our own people.' " but not otherwise. If this declaration enrages the Princes and they choose to kill the people, the latter will meet To those who lack the courage to do this much I have death bravely and unflinchingly, but will not go back on nothing to say. They will go their own way. But if you their word. can do this much, you may take it from me that the whole atmosphere will be electrified. Let the Government then Nothing, however, should be done secretly. This is an shower bombs, if they like. But no power on earth will open rebellion. In this struggle secrecy is a sin. A free then be able to keep you in bondage any longer. man would not engage in a secret movement. It is likely that when you gain freedom you will have a C.I.D. of If the students want to join the struggle only to go your own, in spite of my advice to the contrary. But in back to their studies after a while, I would not invite the present struggle, we have to work openly and to them to it. For the present, however, till the time that I receive the bullets on our chest, without taking to heels. frame a programme for the the struggle, I would ask the students to say to their professors: 'We belong to the I have a word to say to the Government servants also. Congress. Do you belong to the Congress or to the They may not, if they like, resign their posts yet. The Government? If you belong to the Congress, you need late Justice Ranade did not resign his post, but he openly not vacate your posts. You will remain at your posts but declared that he belonged to the Congress. He said to teach us and lead us unto freedom.' In all fights for the Government that though he was a judge, he was a freedom, the world over, the students have made very Congressman and would openly attend the sessions of large contributions. the Congress, but that at the same time he would not let his political views warp his impartiality on the bench. He If in the interval that is left to us before the actual held Social Reform Conference in the very pandal of the fight begins, you do even the little I have suggested to Congress. I would ask all the Government servants to you, you will have changed the atmosphere and will have follow in the footsteps of Ranade and to declare their prepared the ground for the next step. allegiance to the Congress as an answer to the secret circular issued by Sir Frederick Puckle. There is much I should yet like to say. But my heart is heavy. I have already taken up much of your time. I This is all that I ask of you just now. I will now write have yet to say a few words in English also. I thank you to the Viceroy. You will be able to read the for the patience and attention with which you have correspondence not just now but when I publish it with listened to me even at this late hour. It is just what true the Viceroy's consent. But you are free to aver that you soldiers would do. For the last twenty-two years, I have support the demand to be put forth in my letter. A judge controlled my speech and pen and have stored up my came to me and said: "We get secret circulars from high energy. He is a true brahmachari who does not fritter quarters. What are we to do?" I replied, "If I were in away his energy. He will, therefore, always control his your place, I would ignore the circulars. You may openly speech. That has been my conscious effort all these say to the Government: 'I have received your secret years. But today the occasion has come when I had to circular. I am, however, with the Congress. Though I unburden my heart before you. I have done so, even serve the Government for my livelihood, I am not going though it meant putting a strain on your patience; and I to obey these secret circulars or to employ underhand do not regret having done it. I have given you my message methods.' " and through you I have delivered it to the whole of India.

Soldiers too are covered by the present programme. I do not ask them just now to resign their posts and leave the army. Soldiers come to me, Jawaharlal and to the Janata Maulana and say: "We are wholly with you. We are tired of the governmental tyranny." To these soldiers I would is available at say: "You may say to the Government, 'Our hearts are with the Congress. We are not going to leave our posts. We will serve you so long as we receive your salaries. www.lohiatoday.com 26 JANATA, August 13, 2017

With Best Compliments From

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Mr. Shafi Aboobacker

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Bhandup (W), Mumbai 400 078 JANATA, August 13, 2017 27 28 JANATA, August 13, 2017 Mahatma Gandhi's Speech at A.I.C.C. meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay on August 8, 1942

I have taken such an inordinately long time over pouring a personal bond between him and myself. He once out what was agitating my soul to those whom I had just introduced me to his daughter. His son-in-law, the A.D.C., now the privilege of serving. I have been called their was drawn towards me. He fell in love with Mahadev leader or, in military language, their commander. But I more than with me, and Lady Anne and he came to me. do not look at my position in that light. I have no weapon She is an obedient and favourite daughter. I take interest but love to wield my authority over anyone. I do sport a in their welfare. I take the liberty to give out these titbits stick which you can break into bits without the slightest only to give you an earnest view of the personal bond exertion. It is simply my staff with the help of which I which exists between us. And yet let me declare here walk. Such a cripple is not elated, when he is called upon that no personal bond will ever interfere with the stubborn to bear the greatest burden. You can share that burden struggle which, if it falls to my lot, I may have to launch only when I appear before you not as your commander against Lord Linlithgow, as the representative of the but as a humble servant. And he who serves best is the Empire. It seems to me that I will have to resist the chief among equals. might of that Empire with the might of the dumb millions, with no limit but non-violence as policy confined to this Therefore I was bound to share with you, such struggle. It is a terrible job to have to offer resistance to thoughts as were welling up in my breast and tell you in a Viceroy with whom I enjoy such relations. He has as summary a manner as I can, what I expect you to do more than once trusted my word, often about my people. as the first step. I mention this with great pride and pleasure. I mention it as an earnest of my desire to be true to the British nation, Let me tell you at the outset that the real struggle to be true to the Empire. I mention it to testify that when does not commence today. I have yet to go through much that Empire forfeited my trust, the Englishman who was ceremonial as I always do. The burden is almost its Viceroy came to know it. unbearable and I have got to continue to reason in those circles with whom I have lost my credit for the time Then there is the sacred memory of Charlie Andrews being. I know that in the course of the last few weeks I which wells up within me at this moment. The spirit of have forfeited my credit with a large number of friends, Andrews hovers about me. For me he sums up the so much so that some of them have now begun to doubt brightest tradition of English culture. I enjoyed closer not only my wisdom but even my honesty. Now, I hold relations with him than with most Indians. I enjoyed his that my wisdom is not such a treasure which I cannot confidence. There were no secrets between us. We afford to lose; but my honesty is a precious treasure to exchanged our hearts every day. Whatever was in his me and I can ill afford to lose it. heart he would blurt out without the slightest hesitation or reservation. It is true he was friend of Gurudev, but Such occasions arise in the life of a man who is a he looked upon Gurudev with awe, not that Gurudev pure seeker after truth and who would seek to serve wanted it. Andrews had that peculiar humility. But with humanity and his country to the best of his lights without me he became the closest friend. Years ago he came to fear or hypocrisy. For the last fifty years I have known South Africa1 with a note of introduction from the late no other way. I have been a humble servant of humanity Gokhale. He is unfortunately gone. He was a fine and have rendered on more than one occasion such Englishman. I know that the spirit of Andrews is listening service as I could to the Empire; and here let me say to me. Then I have received a warm telegram from the without fear of challenge that throughout my career Metropolitan (Dr. Westcote1 ) of Calcutta, conveying never have I asked for any personal favour. I have his blessings, though, I know, he is opposed to my move enjoyed the privilege of friendship, as I enjoy it today, today. I hold him to be a man of God. I can understand with Lord Linlithgow. It is a friendship which has the language of his heart, and I know that his heart is outgrown official relationship. Whether Lord Linlithgow with me. will bear me out I do not know; but there has sprung up JANATA, August 13, 2017 29

With this background, I want to declare to the world the truth and prevails during a crisis as if by instinct. But that, whatever may be said to the contrary, and although even if I am deceived in this, I shall not swerve7 . From I might have forfeited the regard and even the trust of its very inception the Congress based its policy on many friends in the West, and I bow my head low, but peaceful methods, and the subsequent generations added even for their friendship or their love, I must not suppress non-co-operation. When Dadabhai entered the British the voice within, call it 'conscience', call it the 'prompting Parliament, Salisbury dubbed him as a black man, but of my inner basic nature'. There is something within me the English people defeated Salisbury, and Dadabhai, impelling me to cry out my agony. I have known humanity. went to Parliament by their vote. India was delirious with I have studied something of psychology though I have joy. These things, however, now India has outgrown. not read many books on it. Such a man knows exactly what it is. That something in me which never deceives It is with all these things as the background that I me tells me now: 'You have to stand against the whole want Englishmen, Europeans and all the United Nations world although you may have to stand alone. You have to examine in their heart of hearts what crime India has to stare the world in the face although the world may committed in demanding independence today. I ask: Is it look at you with bloodshot eyes. Do not fear. Trust that right for you to distrust us? Is it right to distrust such an little thing which resides in the heart.' It says, 'Forsake organization with all its background, tradition and record friends, wife, and all; but testify to that for which you of over half a century and misrepresent its endeavours have lived, and for which you have to die.' before all the world by every means at your command? Is it right, I ask, that by hook or crook, aided by the Believe me, friends, I am not anxious to die. I want to Foreign Press, aided, I hope not, by the President of the live my full span of life. According to me, it is 120 years U.S.A. or even by the Generalissimo of China, who has at least. By that time India will be free, the world will be yet to win his laurels, you should present India's stand in free. Let me tell you, too, that I do not regard England, shocking lights? or for that matter America, as free countries. They are free after their own fashion, free to hold in bondage the I have met the Generalissimo. I have known him coloured races of the earth. Are England and America through Madam Chiang who was my interpreter, and fighting for the liberty of these races today? You shall though he seemed inscrutable to me, not so Madam not limit my concept of freedom. The English and Chiang. And he allowed me to read his mind through American teachers, their history and their magnificent her. He has not as yet said that we were wrong in poetry have not said you shall not broaden the demanding our independence. There is a chorus of interpretation of that freedom. And according to my disapproval and protest all over the world against us. interpretation of that freedom, I am constrained to say, They say we are erring, the move is inopportune. I had they are strangers to that freedom which their poets and great regard for the British, but now British diplomacy teachers have described. If they will know the real stinks in1 my nostrils. Yet others are learning their lessons. freedom, they should come to India. They have to come They may succeed in getting, through these methods, not with pride or arrogance but in the spirit of earnest world opinion on their side for a time; but India will raise seekers of Truth. her voice against all the organized propaganda. I will speak against it. Even if the whole of the world forsakes It is the fundamental truth with which India has been me, I will say: 'You are wrong. India will wrench with experimenting for 22 years. Unconsciously, from its very non-violence her liberty from unwilling hands.' foundations, long ago, the Congress has departed though non-violently from what is known as the constitutional Even if my eyes close and there is no freedom for method. Dadabhai and Pherozshah who held the India, non- violence will not end. They will be dealing a Congress India in the palm of their hands had held on to mortal blow to China and to Russia if they oppose the the latter . They were lovers of the Congress. They were freedom of non-violent India which today is pleading with its masters. But above all they were real servants. They bended knees for the fulfilment of a debt long overdue. never countenanced murder and secrecy and the like. I Does a creditor ever go to the debtor like that? And confess there are many black sheep amongst us even when India is met with such angry opposition, she Congressmen. But I trust the whole of India to launch says: 'We won't hit below the belt. We have learnt upon a non-violent struggle on the widest scale5 . I trust6 sufficient gentlemanliness. We are pledged to non- the innate goodness of human nature which perceives violence.' I have been the author of the non- 30 JANATA, August 13, 2017 embarrassment policy of the Congress and yet today fighting. Do the British get from India all they want? you find me talking this strong language. My non- What they get today is from the India which they hold in embarrassment plea was always qualified by the proviso bondage. Think what difference it would make if India 'consistent with our honour and safety'. If a man holds was to participate as a free ally. That freedom, if it is to me by the neck and wants to drown me, may I not come, must come today. It will have no taste left in it if struggle to free myself directly? There is no inconsistency today you, who have power to help, do not exercise it. If in our position today. you can exercise it, what seems impossible today will, under the glow of freedom, become possible tomorrow. There are representatives of the Foreign Press If India feels that freedom, she will command that assembled here today. Through them I wish to say to the freedom for China. The road for running to Russia's help world that United Nations, who say that they have need will be opened. Englishmen did not die in Malaya or on for India, have the opportunity now to declare India free the soil of Burma. What shall enable us to retrieve this and prove their bona fides. If they miss it, they will be situation? Where shall I go and where shall I take the missing opportunity of their lifetime, and history will forty crores of India? How is this vast mass of humanity record that they did not discharge their obligations to to be aflame in the cause of world-deliverance, unless India in time and lost the battle. I want the blessing of and until it has touched and felt freedom? Today they the whole world, so that I may succeed with them. I do have no touch of life left. It has been crushed out of not want the United Powers to go beyond their obvious them. If lustre is to be put into their eyes, freedom has to limitations. I do not want them to accept non-violence come not tomorrow but today. I have, therefore, pledged and disarm today. There is a fundamental difference the Congress and the Congress has pledged herself that between Fascism and even this imperialism which I am she will do or die.

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Madhu Limaye

We, who were in our teens or a year or two more, at responsive co-operation. Tilak was enthused by the the time of the outbreak of Second World War, are the League of Nations and thought that the subject nations last generation of freedom fighters. Looking back, I see could take their cases to this international organisation the Ninth August struggle as the fourth and the and obtain justice. During his stay in England in 1919 he culminating phase of the freedom movement. built good relations with the Labour movement, and made a financial contribution to the Labour Party. Just as The birth of the modern freedom movement is rightly Gokhale and the Liberals pinned their hopes on the Liberal traced to the foundation of the Indian National Congress Party, Tilak saw the possibility of co-operation with the in 1885. The Congress for many years was a Christmas rising Labour Party. Tilak had become optimistic about gathering of India's educated elite who passed innocuous the achievement of self-government within the Empire resolutions on reforms at their annual meetings. It was in 10 to 15 years. In 1919-20 the Lokmanya had no new Lokmanya Tilak who first introduced a popular element programme of struggle to offer. Advancing age and in our movement. Valentine Chirol, a noted British experience, it was said, had mellowed Tilak. journalist, called Tilak a "conspicuous" leader in the radical camp who was "destined to become one of the most Gandhiji emerged as the new leader in 1919. His non- dangerous pioneers of disaffection". If anyone can claim cooperation and civil disobedience programmes drew to be "truly the father of Indian unrest" Chirol wrote, "it millions into the movement. Through his constructive is ". "From the Deccan his influence programmes he penetrated the village India. He created was projected far and wide", he wrote. a formidable new team of leaders like Rajaji, Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Acharya Kripalani. He Tilak's British opponents acknowledged his growing won over Jawaharlal Nehru, and Jawaharlal's entire mass popularity. "The great development of the cotton family was swept off its feet by the personality of industry which had led to vast agglomerations of labour Mahatma Gandhi. Jawaharlal was an ardent supporter had given Tilak an opportunity of establishing contacts of Gandhiji's militant programme. Suspension of civil with a class of the population hitherto outside the purview disobedience after Chauri Chaura distressed him. Despite of Indian politics". Tilak was tried and convicted for the opposition of his father to Gandhiji's Council boycott sedition twice, the second time to six years' imprisonment. programme, Jawaharlal remained a firm no-changer. But There was a violent reaction among the masses "Some he was not part of the faction of no-changers headed by of Tilak's supporters had declared that there would be a Rajaji. Rajaji's views underwent an astonishing day's bloodshed for every year to which he might be transformation; from the leader of no-changers (he was sentenced … and as a matter of fact, he was sentenced called the Deputy Gandhi) he became an articulate to six years imprisonment and the riots lasted six days. supporter of the policy of working the scheme of The rioting assumed at times a very threatening provincial autonomy in the thirties, and in the forties he character…The gravity of the disturbances however consistently sought accommodation with the British showed the extent of the influence Tilak had acquired Government. over the lower classes in Bombay and not merely the turbulent mill hands", Chirol wrote. This was the first Jawaharlal's radicalism and militancy increased during political action of the industrial working class, and this the late twenties and thirties. It was largely under the was acknowledged even by Lenin. impetus provided by him and Subhas Babu that the Congress, under, the younger Nehru's presidentship at Montagu, who visited India in 1917-18, in his book Lahore, adopted the creed of complete independence. Indian Diary, called Tilak "the biggest leader in India at Gandhiji assured his young colleague that he would wage the moment". The Montagu declaration on responsible a decisive struggle during his term. He was as true as government and the new reforms made an impact on his word. Then came the famous Dandi March, and the Tilak. He thanked the King Emperor and offered self-suffering of common people inspired by Gandhiji's 34 JANATA, August 13, 2017 example, convulsed the whole country. Jawaharlal was Government provided real power was transferred to opposed to the suspension of disobedience and the Indian hands. The British Government headed by Gandhi-Irwin Pact, although, with great reluctance, he Churchill had absolutely no intention of conceding real ultimately fell in line. power or a Cabinet government to India. They exploited the opposition of the Muslim League, the princes and The passion of freedom so possessed him in those others to remain here as the effective rulers of the years that for him the Hindu-Muslim question almost did country. In their anxiety to fight Japanese militarism Nehru not exist, and much as he approved the amelioration of and Rajaji wanted to organise popular resistance under the depressed classes he thought Gandhiji's fast "would the aegis of a national government. They were obscure the main issue". He was perplexed by Gandhiji's disappointed. The British Government refused to budge. anti-untouchability campaign and his repeated fasts. He Rajaji, however, persisted in his efforts to secure a confesses in his Autobiography that his mind was not compromise and advocated acceptance of partition to largely filled by the Harijan movement in which Gandhiji secure the Muslim League's support for a settlement. was completely, engrossed at that time. Although mentally the Maulana and Jawaharlal were eager to co-operate, they would not agree to do so at the Jawaharlal opposed the Government of India Act, cost of self-respect. Meanwhile, Gandhiji was alarmed 1935, and he made herculean efforts to use the election by the introduction of American troops into India. He campaign of 1935-36 as a weapon of mass awakening. wrote pungent articles against this. "Cannot a limitless He was dead set against acceptance of office in the number of soldiers be trained out of India's millions? provinces. However, he again submitted to the dominant Would they not make as good fighting material as any in opinion in the Congress and Gandhiji's advice. Probably the world? Then why foreigners? We know what it was during 1937-41 that changes in the international American aid means. It amounts in the end to American situation and the failure of his attempts to influence influence, if not American rule added to British. It is Congress ministerial policies from outside gave him a tremendous price to pay for the possible success of Allied jolt. His hatred for the brutalities of Nazism, fascism and armies'". Japanese militarism diluted his militancy vis-a-vis the British, and he moved slowly, towards a position not far Gandhiji was shaken by the possibility of India from that of Rajaji. This threatened to engulf the freedom becoming the arena of military conflict. Not only because movement in a tragedy in 1942. he thought that the country would be devasted. He feared that India would get involved in a civil war. Jawaharlal What was the position in early 1942? The Japanese was not opposed to the induction of American troops. had destroyed the French and Dutch colonial empires in He had openly talked in terms of armed resistance against South-East Asia. They had dealt a crippling blow to British the Japanese and the launching of a guerrilla war. He naval power in the Indian Ocean. The British forces and had even said that if Subhas Babu came in the van of the the Indian divisions had surrendered in . Burma Japanese forces he would fight him with a sword in hand. fell, and the Japanese were now knocking at the North- The prospect of a conflict between India's two most Eastern frontiers of India. The half-hearted British popular leaders (next only to the Mahatma) made Gandhi attempt to win over India's support in the war effort sleepless. He was asked about his differences with through the ill-fated Cripps proposal had failed. The Indian Jawaharlal and Rajaji. "I am sorry", Gandhiji said about political leadership was bogged in despondency and Jawaharlal, "that he has developed a fancy for guerrilla frustration. Subhas Babu, it became known, had gone to warfare. But I have no doubt that it will be a nine days' Germany and was making preparations for the liberation wonder. It will take no effect". He wrote to Jawaharlal of India with the help of the Axis powers. Gandhiji did on April 15, 1942 saying that he "was making a mistake. not doubt Subhas Babu's indomitable courage and burning I see no good in American troops entering India and in patriotism. But he sincerely felt that freedom obtained our resorting to guerrilla warfare". When Rajaji persisted by him with the help of the German and Japanese war in his propaganda about unity with the Muslim League machines would result only in exchanging one slavery or on the basis of partition, pressed by Vallabhbhai and other another. members of the Working Committee, he advised Rajaji Maulana Azad, Rajaji and Jawaharlal were anxious to resign from the Assembly. In fact, he told him that he to make an honourable settlement with the British should "sever his connection" with the Congress and then JANATA, August 13, 2017 35 carry on his campaign with "all zeal and ability" he was other way, was convinced by the deadly logic of Gandhiji, "capable" of. his innate self-respect and sense of discipline. Nothing illustrates this better than the article he wrote in the Jawaharlal offered to resign from the Working National Herald on June 30, 1942, which made it clear Committee. "I have thought over the matter a great deal that he was not contemplating a break with Mahatma and still feel that your capacity for service will increase Gandhi and that he would not join the Rajaji campaign. if you withdraw" Gandhi said. In the same letter dated He declared that the empire must go, not only because it July 13, 1942 he informed Jawaharlal that the Maulana was evil but because it was a hindrance to victory of the and himself (Gandhi) had drifted apart. "I do not progressive forces in the world. "That is why the cry of understand him nor does he understand me ... No one is 'Quit India' becomes a vital, urgent ,and essential cry for at fault. We have to face the facts. Therefore I suggest victory". Even more revealing is his letter to that the Maulana should relinquish presidentship but , who was himself worried over Gandhiji's remain in the Committee, the Committee should elect an thinking. Jawaharlal admitted that he also was worried interim President and all should proceed unitedly". and distracted beyond measure. He continued: " Yet Gandhiji had already resolved on the launching of the gradually I have come to the conclusion that there is no mass movement. Through his Harijan articles, interviews other way out. I am convinced that passivity is fatal now. and statements he had fired the enthusiasm of the, Our soldiers will largely surrender to the Japanese, our masses, especially the younger people. He was sorry people will submit to them. There is only one chance of over the differences that had arisen. He acknowledged changing this and that is by some action now. The risk is the fact that nobody had the "drive" which Jawaharlal there. I hate anarchy and chaos but somehow in my had displayed. Gandhi grieved that they were on the verge bones I feel some terrible shake-up is necessary for our of a parting of ways. country. Otherwise we shall get more and more entangled in communal and other problems, people will get In early 1928, a similar situation had arisen. After the thoroughly disillusioned and will merely drift to disaster". Madras Congress at the end of 1927, Gandhiji felt that Jawaharlal was "going too fast". He received a sharp This time again Jawaharlal compromised with his reply from his young colleague. Gandhiji suggested that leader and mentor. Again the nation was the gainer. The if he wanted to go his own way, he was welcome to do objective situation and the obstinacy of British imperialism so. He should unfurl his banner of revolt. Jawaharlal forced Jawaharlal to support Gandhiji's plan of struggle. was shaken and wisely retraced his steps. The freedom Gandhiji prepared draft instructions for civil resisters. movement gained as a result. In 1942 also the two had This document was dated August 4, 1942. This was to continuous discussion. Gandhiji had taken the position be an all-out campaign, including hartals, withdrawal from that the British should withdraw from India. II they could government services, satyagraha and even no-tax not entrust power to a national government they should campaign. Every Indian, in the event of the arrest of the leave the country to anarchy or God. He thought that the national leaders, should obey the dictates of his or her continuance of British rule in India and the increasing conscience and offer such resistance as, he or she could. strength of the American forces would invite Japanese He laid down only one condition: that the people should invasion. He calculated that the Japanese had got bogged not have recourse to violence. Gandhiji knew that a down in China and had swallowed the entire South East movement of this magnitude might not remain absolutely Asia. Their main concentration would be against the peaceful. So he made it clear that outbreak of Americans, and if no threat of a flanking movement disturbances would not, this time, deter him from pursuing developed from the West(India), the Japanese, he his programme. suggested, might not embark on a new adventure. Even if they did, Gandhiji thought that a free India would so And so the AICC met at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in catch the imagination of the people that they would be Bombay in the second week of August. I attended that able to resist the Japanese onslaught. Gandhiji was so meeting. I was only 20 years old then; I had started determined that he proposed to undertake a fast unto political and mass work in Khandesh at the end of 1939. death and self-immolation followed by similar fasts and In 1940 I had been sentenced to one year's rigorous self-immolation by his closest' followers. imprisonment on account of my anti-war speeches. After Jawaharlal, although his emotions impelled him the my release I had resumed my work in the two districts 36 JANATA, August 13, 2017 of Khandesh. We young socialists had become The Socialists, who had assembled for the AICC convinced, after the entry of Japan into the war, and, meeting at Bombay, decided not to court arrest passively. especially, after the fall of Singapore, that the country They resolved to build an underground movement. Yusuf could not be saved from a Japanese take-over except by Meherally and Asoka Mehta had been arrested. JP was forcing British withdrawal through a mass struggle. In in prison. Lohia, Achyut Patwardhan, Purshottam February 1942, on the insistence of Sane Guruji, I Tricumdas, S. M. Joshi, (N. G. Goray was in a Nizam accompanied on his tour of Khandesh. I jail), Shiroo Limaye and all the rest of us went undergroud. remember I had asked him only one question: Can we Aruna Asaf Ali joined us. Some Gandhian Congress attain Swaraj without a big mass struggle in the immediate leaders, presumably under Acharya Kripalani's direction future? The spiritual heir of Mahatma Gandhi said that given prior to his arrest along with other Working we should concentrate on constructive programme and Committee members, had also taken counsel and had village self-sufficiency and the British rule would proceeded to establish an Underground AICC. Among automatically disappear. No struggle was necessary. I them were Sucheta Kripalani, Sadiq Ali and Giridhari felt heart-broken. If this was the view of Vinoba, I Kripalani. Lohia, who had previously worked with these thought, Gandhiji also must be thinking on the same lines. people at the AICC, was a common link between this My delight therefore knew no bounds when Gandhiji group of Gandhian AICC workers and the Socialists. mounted his offensive after the collapse of the Cripps The two groups determined, not surprisingly, to work Mission and the introduction of American troops into together. They provided valuable guidance to the India. We began our preparations in right earnest. The resistance movement throughout the country, JP joined meeting of the West Khandesh District Congress them after his daring escape from Hazaribag jail with Committee took place at Shirpur in an atmosphere of his colleagues. However, initially at least, there was a wild enthusiasm. Even Balubhai Mehta, mildest of strong element of spontaneity in the August revolt. The Gandhians and an extreme "social conservative", AICC organisation stepped in later. The resistance President of the DCC, was euphoric. (My friends were movement did not of course stay 'within the limits of active in East Khandesh DCC also). After the meeting pure non-violence. Nevertheless, the Underground AICC we left for Bombay. But the local rivulet was in flood discouraged acts of terrorism and asked the people to and we could start only after the flood subsided. With stick to the non-killing, non-injury formula. the help of Yusuf Meherally, the then Mayor of Bombay, whose fondness for the young people was proverbial, I do not wish to relate here the brave deeds of our we managed entry into the AICC pandal itself. By the people. They form a glorious chapter in the history of time Gandhiji began his inspired speech in Hindi (followed our freedom movement. If Gandhiji had not given the by a speech in English) I and my friends had edged very Quit India call, I have no doubt that our freedom would close to the platform. I was a witness to that grand have been delayed., I was not happy about Jawaharlal's moment in India's history. I had been a critic of some of activities in the first half of 1942. We thought that he Gandhiji's views, but by that inspired utterance late in was launched on a disastrous course. But he controlled the night he captivated me and millions of young people. himself in time and moved the Quit India resolution at the Bombay AICC. He also suffered imprisonment along Gandhiji and the national leaders were not allowed with other leaders. I pay him a tribute for preserving the formally to start the struggle. Gandhiji had declared that anti-imperialist unity in the decisive phase of our struggle he would meet the Viceroy and make one final effort at for freedom. an honourable compromise. In the early hours of August 9, 1942 the British Government arrested all these leaders –First published in the Independence Day-Quit and They remained in jail virtually for the next three years. India Number, 1991 of Janata JANATA, August 13, 2017 37 70 Years of Joy and Pain

Kuldip Nayar

Independence celebrations bring to my mind the days the other side. I told him that I had just completed my I spent in hometown Sialkot City. After earning the law study and I could not afford to bring up a child. He said degree I was settling to be a lawyer, but partition upset it did not matter and requested me to leave him at a my whole plans. It made me leave the place where I refugee camp and he would catch up with him soon. I was born and brought up. It's a sad recollection whenever said no and even today his helpless face haunts me. I think about it. At Sialkot one wealthy Muslim, Ghulam Qadar, But the silver lining is that personal relations between opened one of his bungalows and told my father to occupy Hindus and Muslims were not mostly affected. My father, it as long as he felt that things were not safe in the city. who practised medicine, was stopped from migrating That bungalow itself became a refugee camp and at one whenever he thought of moving out of Sialkot. One day time we were about 100 people living there. Qadar would my mother and he decided to travel without getting the provide ration to all of us. Our milkman was very regular people know. They boarded the train unnoticed. in his supply. Sometime later, a few youngsters from the neighbourhood recognized them and requested not to leave. When I crossed the border, I had only a small bag with a pair of trousers and Rs. 120 which my mother My father said that they were going to only meet the had given. But I had BA (Hon) and LLB degrees and children who were already in Delhi and return soon after. was confident that I would rebuild my life. However, I But the boys were insistent not to let them travel. After was worried about my father who would have to start all some time they relented and told my parents that they over again at Jalandhar. But he became very popular could travel by the same train a day after. They were within a few days and patients would flock in from frank enough to admit that there was a plan to kill all morning to evening. passengers at the nearby Narowal Bridge. I travelled to Delhi where maternal aunt was living at And this happened. The following day they came to Darya Ganj. Jamma Masjid was quite near and I would our place and told my parents that they could travel. eat there because good non-vegetarian food was They said they have made it sure that their journey would available at cheap price. That is where I met someone be safe. Not only that they helped my ailing parents to who took me in the paper, Anjam, and that is how cross the bridge on foot and bid goodbye at the border. I began a career in journalism. The rest is history.

I stayed back for a few days and took the other road But I do not want to dwell on it. Was partition route to Wagha. A brigadier who had been transferred necessary because one million people died on both sides? to India had come to my father before he left and asked That bitterness still lingers. And they continue to live in if he could do nything. My father looked towards me hostility. India and Pakistan have gone to war three times, and asked the brigadier to take me across the border. I in 1965, 1971 and 1999. Even today, the border bristles travelled in the back of the jeep which was full of luggage. with enmity and armed soldiers who are always ready to trigger the guns. Sialkot is a little removed from the main road to Amritsar. But I was aghast to see the road was full of We are celebratking the 70th Independence Day. But hundreds of people. One small stream was pouring into instead of having soft-borders, which I imagined, we Pakistan and we, the bigger one, travelling to Amritsar. have the barbed wires and patrolling all the time. The One thing was sure and there was no going back. I level of escalation on the long borders never subsides. could smell the stench of dead bodies. People would make The two countries are not on speaking terms. Foreign way for the jeep. At one place an old Sikh with a flowing Minister has said that there could be no beard stopped us and begged to carry his grandson to talks with Islamabad when it encourages infiltrators. 38 JANATA, August 13, 2017

Pakistan says that they are not the stakeholders and had no control over the infiltrators' movement. Thus the two neighbouring countries continue to be at a distance without any contact. Getting visa has become very difficult. Relatives and friends on both sides are the real sufferers. Pakistan wants the solution of Kashmir before any With Best kind of relations. Kashmir itself is a long story because the partition formula recognizes India and Pakistan. There is no provision to reopen and think about the independence ComplimentsFrom of the valley which the people there want. In fact, they have taken to guns to achieve their goal. Only recently, I met some of them in Srinagar and found them to be adamant to make the valley an independent Islamic state. Anil Hebbar No amount of argument that this was not possible Managing Director convinces them. I cannot imagine our parliament even entertaining a resolution to make Kashmir independent. Pakistan considers that it was the lifeline for it. Therefore, I do not see any solution even for the next 70 years, the period we have wasted in firing at each other. The first thing should be to withdraw the petition from the UN and assure Pakistan that India wanted peace and good relations with Islamabad. Maybe, the media heads on Emergent both sides should sit across the table and make some concrete proposals, if that is possible. Medi-Tech (I) With Best Compliments from Pvt. Ltd. KHADI DYERS & PRINTERS 118, Damji Shamji Industrial Complex, 9 LBS Marg, Kurla (W), BIS LICENCEE OF NATIONAL FLAGS Mumbai – 400 070 Contact Nos. 91-22-67825555 : Office : Email id. [email protected] B-104, Ajay Apartment, I.B.Patel Road, Goregaon (East) Mumbai – 400063 Tel : 022-26864808. E-mail :[email protected] JANATA, August 13, 2017 39 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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Thousands of Sardar Sarovar dam evictees and promoted so strongly by certain big business interests activists and supporters of Narmada Bachao Aandolan and politicians having close ties to them. By raising such are fighting a very difficult battle to obtain justice for issues and seeking answers to such issues, the NBA displaced people. The original promise of providing land contributed significantly to the debate on existing to evictees has not been honored in Madhya Pradesh. development model and to the yearning for an alternative The maximum number of displaced people is from development based on equality, justice and protection of Madhya Pradesh. Other rehabilitation and compensation environment. efforts have been badly marred by corruption. As a result most of the people displaced by Sardar Sarovar dam are The role of such social movements which raise such not in a position where a satisfactory rehabilitation can basic questions is very important in a democracy as these be ensured. The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) has movements and the issues they raise with consistency been demanding satisfactory rehabilitation before can help to correct serious distortions and mistakes at displacement or submergence. This is a justice based the policy level and in the selection of projects and in the demand which should get wide support. misallocation of scarce funds. However strong vested interests do not want such dissenting voices and such While just now justice for displaced people is certainly questioning voices to be heard. Hence all the time efforts the main issue, earlier the NBA has also been raising are being made to silence or suppress these voices. other very important and relevant issues relating to what kind of development is promoted by gigantic projects like Despite such efforts being made all the time the NBA Sardar Sarovar, who benefits and who loses, in whose could emerge as a strong and respected voice in the name approval is obtained but who actually benefits, what alternative development paradigm debate. Today this are the stated costs and what are the real costs including movement is in the middle of a very important struggle social and environmental costs, what is the assessment for protecting the rights and interests of displaced people of such projects from the point of view of and in this struggle it needs and deserves wide support. and sustainable development, why are such projects –Bharat Dogra

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75/76, Jawahar Co-op. Industrial Estate, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai - 410 209 Contact Nos. 91-22-27431686 / 27435940 (M) 91-9324294452 Email id. [email protected] [email protected] 42 JANATA, August 13, 2017 India's Malnourished Children

Neeraj Jain

India is at the epicentre of the global stunting crisis. Prime Minister ever. The reality is, the BJP Government is the most anti-people government in the country since According to recently released data from the National independence. Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16):1 Rolling Back Nutrition-Oriented Schemes  38.4% of children under the age of five are stunted The previous governments had put in place several (low height for age, indicating chronic malnutrition); "nutrition" schemes oriented towards pregnant women and children. While the funding for them was inadequate,  35.7% are underweight (low weight for age, indicating both chronic and acute malnutrition); at least they attempted to address the problem. Most of them are included under the umbrella of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and include Anganwadi  and 21% have wasting (low weight for height, indicating acute malnutrition). services and the Maternity Benefit Programme (MBP), apart from some other smaller schemes. Another Under/mal-nutrition severely stunts intellectual, important scheme that is also nutrition-oriented, but comes emotional and physical growth. Studies also show that under the Human Resource Development Ministry, is the effect of malnutrition is most acute in the age group the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for school children. from 0 to 3 and this cannot be mitigated in one's adult life; in other words, both body growth and brain In his first budget speech of 2014, Finance Minister development are permanently adversely affected. Arun Jaitley had stated that "a national programme in Mission Mode is urgently required to halt the deteriorating Clearly, for any country, if more than one-third of its malnutrition situation in India, as present interventions children are affected by malnourishment and stunting, are not adequate." He promised to put in place a this is the most important crisis facing its policy planners, "comprehensive strategy" within six months. It is now and they need to urgently address it. How can a country more than three years; forget a blueprint for improving develop if it does not take steps to develop the inherent the state of the nutrition services, even the allocations potential of all its children, so that they can grow up to for these schemes are hopelessly inadequate, and become capable and productive citizens? furthermore, have been cut in real terms over the three years the BJP has been in power. However, the Modi Government is in complete denial about the existence of this crisis. The word 'hunger' does The total allocation for all these nutrition-related not even find a mention in the Economic Survey 2016- schemes in the Union Budget 2017-18 adds up to Rs 17. Worse, it is reducing the budget allocations for the 30,755 crore. It is a shamefully low sum that is hopelessly Central schemes that are oriented towards tackling this inadequate to combat the monumental nutrition crisis crisis. gripping the country. For a government that can afford to give Rs 5.5 lakh crore as tax concessions to the rich It is a very extreme right-wing government that is in every year, it can easily afford to double, or triple this power. It is willing to give away lakhs of crores of rupees allocation - for the well-being of our country's children, in subsidies to corporate houses without blinking an the future of our country. eyelid, but when it comes to making provisions for providing the most essential services for the poor, even In the four budgets presented by Jaitley so far, the though the amounts are much smaller in comparison, it total allocations for all these nutrition oriented schemes uses every trick in the book to reduce the allocations. made by the BJP Government has gone up by only Rs This is going to appear surprising for the many Modi- 2,033 crore or 7% over the allocation for 2014-15 (Table fans who recently voted Prime Minister Modi as the best 1). It actually implies a 25% reduction in real terms! JANATA, August 13, 2017 43

Table 1: Allocations for Nutrition-Oriented Schemes by BJP Government, 2014-15 to 2017-18 (Rs crore)

Schemes 2014-15 A 2015-16 A 2016-17 (RE) 2017-18 (BE)

Core ICDS/ Anganwadi Services 16,664 15,433 14,560 15,245 IGMSY/MBP 343 233 634 2,700 Mid-day Meal (MDM) 10,524 9,145 9,700 10,000 National Nutrition Mission 20 56 175 1,500 Scheme for Adolescent Girls 622 475 460 460 National Creche Scheme 98 133 150 200 Child Protection Scheme 446 497 598 648 Scheme for welfare of working children in need ofcare and protection 5 7 3 2

Total 28,722 25,979 26,280 30,755

The government claims that these cuts would be more Core 'ICDS'/Anganwadi Services than compensated by the increase in the states' share in The most important of nutrition schemes is Anganwadi divisible pool of Central taxes from 32% previously to services, earlier called 'core ICDS'. It is a programme 42% from 2015-16 onwards. But, as we have shown in for providing supplementary nutrition to children below several of our earlier writings, in actuality, the Centre 6 years of age; it also provides other important services has been resorting to financial manipulation and has pertaining to health and education. Over the four budgets reduced other resource transfers to the States, so that presented by Jaitley, the allocation for Anganwadi on the whole, total transfers to the States as a percentage services has fallen sharply from Rs 16,664 crore in 2014- of gross tax revenues have barely increased, from 55.1% 15 (Actuals) to Rs 15,433 crore in 2015-16 (Actuals) to in 2014-15 to 56.8% in 2017-18 (See Table 2). So much Rs 15,245 crore in 2017-18 (BE), a cut of nearly 30% in for a 10% increase! real terms (See Table 1 above)! On the other hand, the government has doled out more than double this amount Let us briefly examine the state of allocations for the as subsidy to builders and corporations for building roads more important of these schemes. and highways this year. This huge reduction has been

Table 2: Total Resources Transferred to States as Percentage of Gross Tax Revenues, 2014-15 to 2017-18 (Rs crore)

2014-15 A 2015-16 A 2016-17 (RE) 2017-18 (BE)

Total Resources Transferred to States 6,85,835 8,34,483 9,90,311 10,85,075 Gross Tax Revenues 12,44,885 14,55,648 17,03,243 19,11,579 Total Resources Transferred to States as % of Gross Tax Revenues 55.1% 57.3% 58.1% 56.8% 44 JANATA, August 13, 2017 made, despite a damning Niti Ayog Report of 2015 showing Act, and had been organising public meetings across the that around 41% of the Anganwadis have inadequate country for this. space, 71% are not visited by doctors, 31% have no nutritional supplementation for malnourished children and This upscaling was much needed. A letter signed by 52% have bad hygienic conditions. With the government 60 leading academics and activists urging the government reducing the allocation, the conditions are only going to to implement the maternal benefits under the NFSA get worse. It is indicative of our ruling regime's complete stated: "Maternity entitlements are essential to address insensitivity towards the 5 crore children in the country India's staggering problem of low birth weights, poor who are malnourished and the more than two crore maternal health and severe hardship during pregnancy." pregnant women and lactating mothers. It also means India's maternal mortality rate is the highest in the world; that the Anganwadi workers who are being paid a pittance according to the World Health Statistics (2016), nearly 5 will continue to work at their very low wages. women die every hour in India due to pregnancy and delivery related complications. In his latest 2017-18 budget, the finance minister announced a grand scheme of setting up Mahila Shakti It is a very insensitive government in power. Trust Kendras in all the 14 lakh ICDS Anganwadi centres. He Jaitley to find a way to reduce the allocation for pregnant stated that they will provide one-stop convergent support women too - which is one of the most high-risk groups in services for empowering rural women with opportunities society and need utmost care. Jaitley has introduced for skill development, employment, digital literacy, health conditionalities such as institutional delivery and full and nutrition. Ambitious indeed! But the total allocation vaccination for women to be eligible for this financial for these 14 lakh Kendras - a princely sum of Rs 500 assistance. These conditionalities actually end up excluding crore. That works out to just Rs 3,571 for each Kendra! 60% of the country's women, because they don't deliver Furthermore, these services are to be provided by the in hospitals, and/or are unable to vaccinate their children. low-paid Anganwadi workers-as an additional duty, But they are the ones who need these maternity benefits without any additional pay! Implying that this scheme is the most, as they include women from the poorest sections a mere eye wash. of the population, belong to Dalit and Adivasi communities, and live in the remotest areas of the country. They are IGMSY/MBP unable to deliver in hospitals or vaccinate their children, because of the terrible state of government health services Another important nutrition-oriented scheme is the in the country. Instead of focussing on improving facilities Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY). It was in government hospitals, and making hospitals more first introduced as a pilot scheme in 53 districts across accessible for the poor (by improving ambulance facilities), the country in 2010, and gave a modest allowance of Rs the suit-boot sarkar's FM/PM are putting the blame on 4,000 to pregnant and lactating mothers. In his address the victims of our dismal public health system, and to the nation on December 31, 2016, Prime Minister Modi excluding them from receiving maternity benefits! proudly announced that this scheme, now renamed as Maternity Benefit Programme (MBP), would be And therefore, the finance minister's increased expanded to cover the whole country, and that it would allocation for this scheme in his 2017 budget is much provide financial assistance of Rs 6,000 to pregnant less than that required for a genuine universalisation of women for "hospital admission, vaccination and nutritional the scheme. It is estimated that about 2.7 crore births food". FM Jaitley followed it up with a similar take place in India each year. This means this scheme announcement in his 2017 budget speech, and increased would require about Rs 16,000 crores. Assuming centre- the allocation for this scheme from Rs 634 crore in 2016- state cost sharing to be 60:40, this would therefore require 17 RE to Rs 2,700 crore. an allocation of Rs 9,700 crore in the Union Budget to cover all pregnant women in the country. The finance Actually, in announcing this expansion, the government minister has allocated just 28% of this. The savings - Rs was only fulfilling the provisions of the National Food 7,000 crore. Contrast this allocation with another fact Security Act, which provides for a maternity benefit of that the Prime Minister has conveniently forgotten to Rs 6,000. The Act had been passed in 2013, but Modi- mention in his "December 31" or "Mann ki baat" Jaitley had turned a blind eye to this provision for the speeches. The government recently restructured the loan past three years. Activists had been mounting pressure of Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastructure Ltd on the government to implement this provision of the JANATA, August 13, 2017 45

(RGTIL), an unlisted company owned by India's richest children adequate nutrition, we are condemning them to man, Mukesh Ambani in which he holds a personal stake lifelong impaired physical and mental development. And of 42.5%. 'Restructuring' is a new way adopted by the yet Modi-Jaitley claim that India is rapidly progressing banks in collusion with the government to waive bank towards becoming a world power! loans of India's richie rich. The amount restructured: Rs 16,000 crore. Not a very large sum for a man whose net Trashing Constitutional Directives worth is estimated at Rs 1.5 lakh crore by Forbes. Way back in 1949, the had declared (in Article 47) that "The State shall regard the Mid-Day Meal Scheme raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living This is another very important scheme to combat the of its people and the improvement of public health as huge malnutrition levels among children in the country; among its primary duties". Even though this Article came another equally important purpose is to improve school under Directive Principles of the Constitution and was enrolment and child attendance in schools. The Modi not enforceable by law, as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government in its very first year cut the budget allocation declared in a speech to the Constituent Assembly on for this scheme from Rs 13,000 crore proposed in November 19, 1948, the Directive Principles are called Chidambaram's interim budget to Rs 10,000 crore, and thus because: then has kept the allocation for this scheme at this same level for the subsequent years, implying a sharp reduction "It is the intention of this Assembly that in future both in real terms for this scheme too. the legislature and the executive should not merely pay lip service to these principles enacted in this part, but Considering the importance of this scheme for tackling that they should be made the basis of all executive and malnutrition, the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore is legislative action that may be taken hereafter in the matter shamefully low. It is actually peanuts, for a government of the governance of the country." that can afford to waive taxes on gold and diamond jewellery to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore. The Clearly, in reducing allocations for schemes oriented government is not willing to allocate a decent amount towards raising the level of nutrition of our people, for providing one nutritious meal a day to its children, especially children, the Modi Government is violating the despite the fact that at least 39% of the country's children Constitution. But then, its definition of nationalism is only under five-about 47 million souls-suffer from stunting. limited to shouting slogans and unfurling giant-sized flags That's more stunted children, proportion-wise, than in all in Universities; it has no concern for people, and especially of Africa, where the figure is 32%. By not providing our the children, of our country. 46 JANATA, August 13, 2017 Panagariya ends Unfinished Innings

Mrinal K. Biswas

Even before undertaking in full earnest the work for of 500 and 2000 rupee notes would bring the country’s giving India a 15-year vision document in place of 5- growth story back on rails. Indeed, fall of GDP growth year plans Arvind Panagariya quit NITI Aayog which to 6.1 per cent in the last quarter of 2016-17 bringing he donned as vice-chairman at its very inception two down the annual growth to 7.1 per cent against projected and a half years ago. NITI or National Institute for 7.4 per growth struck the alarm bell. Demonetization Transforming India was the brainchild of Narendra Modi was announced on November 8, 2016. Even in the Government’s new instrument to make the country an uncertain period Panagariya held it would reach 7.5 per economic power to be reckoned with in the world cent in the current fiscal (2017-180 and then the magical community. NITI pushed into oblivion the Nehru-inspired 8 per cent figure would be within reach. BJP’s massive planning commission which was buried in the midstream UP poll victory added to the belief that Modi’s political of the 12th 5-year plan. economy is being favourably heard by the people at large.

Panagariya will resume his academic persuasion in The 8.1 per cent growth in 2004 and the NDA Columbia University as professor of economics after government’s ouster then loomed large over and placed he demits NITI post this August-end. His career Panagariya’s thinking. The NDA was led by Atal Behari progression has made this economist’s India mission Vajpayee. The subsequent UPA government ruled till short-lived. Panagariya is famously associated with highly 2014 and then left with only 6.9 per cent growth rate. acclaimed economist whose support Panagariya was drafted by the new NDA government for growth over development made the latter dearer to as the executive head of the newly formed NITI Aayog the Modi government while was deliberately with an ambitious programme. It was obvious he was ignored. persuaded to take a long lean from the US Ivy League university and placed on a high altitude in India. Abandoning 5-year plans predictably failed to attract much criticism in the ascendance of market economy In the process of preparing the 15-year vision propagated and widely practiced the world over within document Panagariya could so far circulate a three-year the concept of neo-liberalism. The irony of history is that Action Agenda to boost high productivity, high-wage jobs Nehruvian ’s unending stretch of eclipse was and a seven-year strategy paper. He stressed, to the first evident during the premiership of Nehru’s grandson discomfort of the Modi government, that subvention . Narendra Modi making no bones of his account is too heavy in India. About 47 per of revenue anti-Nehruism and by removing its offsprings he is set to expenditure in the 2015-16 budget was made under initiate policies open to markets but not giving a lease to headings other than development. Panagariya wants to copybook market economy. Modi appears to be ready lower it to 41 per cent by 2018-19. Revenue deficit needs with bearing some social costs at the expense of to be contained at 0.9 per cent. This would severely cut economic growth models propounded by Bhagawati and the subsidy accounts which are firmly entrenched in the his line of thinkers. Is it discouraging enough for Indian economy. Not a feasible idea to the power that be Panagariya prompting him to think of shifting to the in India. What is striking in the scheme of things of academic pastures than be the plough-boy of the political Panagariya is his stress on heavy industries for creation economy of Narendra Modi? of big-ticket production capacities. One may recall Nehru-era and subsequent regimes’ commanding heights Panagariya however not only came out strongly in of the economy with the focus on heavy industries based defence of Modi’s demonetization but became the star on the core sector of the economy. Modi has the contrary mandarin to carry the message of Bhagawati and others idea and prefers job creations through small and medium of the ilk in this respect, to the satisfaction of Modi. He industries while the big may come through projects like maintained the long-term benefit of the earth-shaking Make in India. remonetization exercise simultaneously with discarding JANATA, August 13, 2017 47

Government think tank, NITI under Panagariya, has Modi set-up. It was clear Jagdish Bhagwati wanted to seen diminution of influence within couple of years of its work in India’s economic development. Instead of him, creation. Modi cannot see his carefully building up of Panagariya was brought in. But his status was not in line pro-poor image go haywire and certainly Panagariya is with that of a minister. His resumption of the post of a no help for him and for his . Already its professor would be more honourable and enduring giant trade union BMS has openly dubbed Panagariya’s than remaining what may be called an adviser to the proposals as anti-worker. Panagariya became decision makers. He therefore leaves the post without expendable. completing the much drummed 15-year vision document. It is now for his successor Rajiv Kumar to take up the Another snag for Panagariya is his given status in the challenge. 48 JANATA, August 13, 2017 Imagining India Visions of Swaraj and the Democratic Journey

Anand Kumar

Given the complexity and diversity of the Indian Kashmir, etc. had to be constructively accommodated civilization, it is obvious that there has been a variety of and engaged to avoid encouragement to the centrifugal conceptualizations about the modern Indian nation and forces and processes. According to Granville Austin, the vision of Swaraj (independence from the foreign rule) "The members of the Constituent Assembly, who met in from the later part of the 19th century which worked as New Delhi from 1946 to 1950, laid the foundation for an the background for the making of the Constitution of independent, republican India. They knew what the India and the Indian nation-state. This century-long country needed and what they intended it should have: journey from the to Swaraj and democratic national unity and integrity, democracy and a social nation-building was guided by the consensus about the revolution to better the lot of the mass of citizens." (2002, need of togetherness of a) justice, b) liberty, c) equality, p.319) and d) fraternity. But all students of Indian Constitution know that the founders of modern nation-state of India The Colonial Denials and Distortions were deeply concerned about the need to assure two Any contemporary discussion about nation-building in things after independence: 1. the dignity of the individual, India after freedom from foreign rule and adoption of a and 2. the unity and integrity of the Nation. Both worries democratic constitutional framework has to be linked were based upon the traumatic experiences of the colonial with the idea of India and ideals of Indian nationhood. era. Both needed deconstruction of the colonial discourse Let us start with the colonial 'denial' and Orientalist of power as well as democratic reconstructions. 'distortions' about India as a civilizational reality and geo- political complex with deep roots in history. Then only The reality of 'humiliation' of being an Indian was one we can make sense of the nationalist responses which of 'the givens' of the colonial discourse of power. Racial have stayed in our imagination since independence. For discrimination was the sub-text of the colonial example, there have been five well known observations arrangement of 'order' from the Central Legislative about India from the 19th century colonial administrators Assembly to the prisons during the British Raj. It was a which contributed to the continuity of misunderstanding constant basis of objection of the Indian people against about the real nature of India - John Strachey, John the British claim of being engaged in 'the moral and Seeley, Thomas Macaulay, Thomas Munro, and John material progress of India'. It created a craving for Metcalf. According to Sir John Strachey in 'India: Its putting an end to the era of being a 'subject' a world Administration and Progress (1888)', "There is not and empire and inaugurates the age of 'citizenship' of a never was an India, no Indian nation, no people of India.'. democratic nation-state. It resulted into creating a Sir John R. Seeley has recorded similar views by asserting democratic revolution through the constitution of free 'India was a mere geographical expression like Europe India. and Africa' in his book 'The Expansion of England (1883)'. Similarly, there were traumatic experiences of the two Superiority of the West centuries of foreign rule which culminated into most brutal partition of British India. Furthermore, there was Thomas Macaulay wrote, in his Minutes on Indian great uncertainty about the process of integration of Education in 1835, that" (A) single shelf of a good multiple faith communities, scores of ethno-linguistic European library was worth the whole native literature regions, and more than 500 princely states into the in India and Arabia. The intrinsic superiority of the proposed Republic of India. It had alarmed the makers Western literature is indeed fully admitted….."Further, of the Constitution of India about the need to be cautious "It is, I believe no exaggeration to say that all the historical about preservation of territorial unity through promotion information which has been collected from all the books of 'national integration'. The supporters of other 'Home- written in the language is less valuable than what lands' like Khalistan, Dravidistan, Achutistan, Nagaland, may be found in the most paltry abridgement used at JANATA, August 13, 2017 49

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%HVW:LVKHV (;&(/,1'8675,(6/,0,7(' 0DQXIDFWXUHUVRI6SHFLDOLW\&KHPLFDOV IRU ,QGXVWU\$JULFXOWXUH3RO\PHUV%XVLQHVV3KDUPDFHXWLFDOV 9HWHULQDU\$3,V 6ROXWLRQVIRU(QYLURQPHQW%XVLQHVV 695RDG-RJHVKZDUL : 0XPEDL :HEVLWHKWWSZZZH[FHOLQGFRLQ JANATA, August 13, 2017 51 preparatory schools in England. In every branch of 'Never changing contaminated little communities' physical or moral philosophy, the relative position of the The importance of these reports can be measured by two nations is nearly the same." the fact that it became the basis of understanding of the architecture of Indian polity and society for some of the 'A land of innumerable village republics' most influential thinkers like Karl Marx and Max Weber. A major distortion around the idea of India as a land Marx wrote in 1853 that "(T)hese idyllic village- of innumerable self-contained village republics was communities, inoffensive though they may introduced through the Fifth Report from the Select appear…restrained the human mind within the smallest Committee on the Affairs of the East Indian Cy. in 1812. possible compass, making it the unresisting tool of It was authored by Sir Thomas Munro (Dumont, 1966, superstition, enslaving it beneath traditional rules, depriving pp 70-1). The concluding part of this report ('the Munro it of all grandeur and historical energies…. We must not Report') says: "Under this simple form of municipal forget that these little communities were contaminated government, the inhabitants of the country have lived by distinctions of caste and by slavery, that they from time immemorial. The boundaries of the village have subjugated man to external circumstances instead of been but seldom altered; and though the villages elevating man the sovereign of circumstances, that they themselves have been sometimes injured and even transformed a self-developing social state into never dislocated by war, famine and disease, the same name, changing natural destiny." Marx erroneously saw in 19th the same limits, the same interests and even the same century India the past of European society which led families, have continued for ages. The inhabitants gave him to believe that the British Rule in India was producing themselves no trouble about the breaking up and divisions the only revolution in Asia. According to Daniel Thorner, of kingdoms; while the village remains entire, they care Marx believed that England had a double mission in India: not to what power it is transferred or to what sovereign to annihilate the old Asiatic society and to lay the it devolves, its internal economy remains unchanged." foundations of a Western society. (1966, p. 42) (Fifth Report, 1812, pp. 84-5) (Quoted in Srinivas: 1987, 21) 'Essentializing Indian civilization as unchanging castes' It was followed by Report of the Select Committee of Then there was a tradition beginning with Mill and House of Commons in 1832. It is also known as 'Metcalf Hegel, of 'essentializing' India by underlining caste as Report'. According to the Metcalf Report, "Dynasty after the central pillar of their constructs. According to Ronald dynasty tumbles down. Revolution succeeds to Inden, "Caste, considered the essence of Indian revolution. Hindoo, Pathan, Mogul, Maratha, Sikh, English civilization, has often been treated as though it were the are all masters in turn but the village communities remain unchanging (substantialized) agent of the civilization, from the same. In times of trouble they arm and fortify the rise of the Indus Valley culture and the arrival of themselves. A hostile army passes through the country. Aryans down to the present day of regionalism and caste The village communities collect their little cattle within in electoral politics."(1990, 83) their walls, and let the enemy pass unprovoked." (Quoted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in his speech in the Constituent Susan Bayly has pointed out that: "It is true that Risley, Assembly on Nov. 4, 1948. See: Constituent Assembly who was the Empire's leading proponent of ethnology Debates, Vol. VII, pp. 31 - 44) from the 1890s till his death in 1911, saw caste as a real factor in Indian life, an 'elemental force like gravitation Here is another relevant observation from the same or molecular attraction' that in his view gave order to the report: "The village communities are little republics, society ad saved it from chaos." Sir Herbert Risley was having nearly everything they can want within themselves, Census Commissioner for 1901 Census of India and and almost independent of any foreign relations. They honorary director of the Ethnological Survey of the Indian seem to last where nothing else lasts. This union of the Empire. She further reminds that: " Risley is best known village communities, each one forming a separate little for his scheme of hierarchical classification which divided state by itself has, I conceive, contributed more than any Indians into seven racial 'types', with dark skinned other cause to the preservation of the people of India 'Dravidians' defined as the most 'primitive', and fair 'Indo- through all the revolutions and changes which they have Aryan' the most ethnologically 'advanced'. His most suffered." (Vol. III, App. 84, p.33) widely quoted remark is his claim to have discovered an 52 JANATA, August 13, 2017 unfailing law of 'caste', this being that 'the social status It was not different in the southern India. According of …. A particular group varies in inverse ratio to the to historian Tara Chand, in 'Influence of Islam on Indian mean relative width of their noses'."(Bayly: 1999, 129- Culture', "In spite of the fact that the Vijayanagar kingdom 132) was continuously at war with the neighboring Muslim Kingdoms, there appears to be great religious tolerance 'Myth of Muslim monolith and deep Hindu-Muslim and great appreciation of each other's cultures. The divide' Adilshahi Sultana of Bijapur and Nizamshahis of Ahmednagar freely patronized Maratha chiefs and A significant, but less noted, distortion introduced by employed Hindu officers for their administration and the colonial discourse was related with myth of Muslim Hindu troops in their armies. The latter (Nizamshahi of unity (and consequential Hindu-Muslim Ahmednagar) gave great impetus to compartmentalization) as exemplified in the following by making it the language of their official transactions. statement of Valentine Chirol (1852-1929): "Of all the The Hindu rulers of Vijaynagar reciprocated these great religions…Islam alone was borne forth into the feelings; they took Muslim troops in their employ, world on a great wave of forceful conquest…There was encouraged Muslim traders and built mosques for their seldom a pause in the consolidation Mahomedan power, worship."(Ibid: 1946, 250-51) Further, the long drawn- seldom a break in the long drawn tale of plunder and out contest between the Mughal emperors and the carnage, cruelty and lust, unfolded in the history of the Bahamani Kingdoms of the South is conclusive proof of earlier dynasties that ruled India." It needs to read the dynastic and non-religious character of these wars. together with an observation of Reginald Craddock (1868- 1937):"Hinduism with its love of images and symbols, The myth of the Muslim monolith was also demolished, and its polytheism, and Islam, with its strict Unitarian as written by Halide Edib (1937, 317-318), when, during faith and its strong iconoclastic principles, is at opposite the World War I, Pan Islamism was found to be a mere poles."(Quoted in Hasan: 1996, 185) bogey. The attachment of the Indian Muslim to the interests of his country was a greater reality than his These descriptions were in total denial of the internal solidarity with Muslims outside India. It may be useful diversities of Islam and Muslims, and their overlapping for the Western powers with Muslim colonies to realize cultural practices with the Hindus and others, like all other that there is a distinct sense of nationhood separate from faith communities of the Indian sub-continent. As pointed their religious life. The Indian Muslim would resent out by Asoka Mehta, "The important and significant fact, afghan-Muslim domination and fight it; the Arab-Muslim often forgotten, is that the Hindus and Muslims composed would resent Turkish-Muslim domination and fight it as their antagonisms and evolved a new culture. We get a much as he would any non-Muslim domination, if he ever correct perspective on that evolution when we compare got his independence. (Quoted from Hasan: 1996, 185) it with the achievements of the similar Indo-British contact. That contact is now more than three hundred The anxiety about the prevailing lack of unity among years old but it is barren of any creative synthesis which the Muslims due to ethnic, regional ad sectarian diversities can be described as Indo-British culture. In the pre- was prominent in the speeches and writings of British period, the Hindus mastered the intricacies of Mohammed Ali Jinnah himself. In the text of his Persian and Arabis, the Muslim men of letters were Presidential address to the Sindh Muslim League, titled captivated by the ageless charm of Sanskrit. Islam 'An Appeal for Unity' and delivered in 1938, he says: penetrated Hindu thought in a variety of ways. There "Not long ago the Mussalmans in Sind were divided and was ferment due to the meeting of Ram and Rahmm torn into groups but I am happy to find today a wonderful that sought numerous outlets like Kabir and Nanak, public spirit, solidarity and unity demonstrated and with Tukaram and Chaitanya, Jayasi and Ras Khan. (Saggi: proper organization…..In the all India Muslim struggle 1968, 16-21) They ignored the fact that the annals of against the various forces which are out to destroy and Muslim rule in India are full of dynastic, and not religious divide Muslims by means of corruption and dishonest wars. On the historic battlefield of Panipat, Babar faced propaganda you have to guard yourself and stand solid an armed might of a Muslim opponent, Sultan Ibrahim behind the All India Muslim League which is the only Lodi. History repeated itself when the Afghan Sher Shah authoritative and representative organization of the overwhelmed the forces of Humayun. Mussalmans of India. It is an irony of fate that the two provinces for which the All India Muslim League fought JANATA, August 13, 2017 53 successfully, that is Sind and the North West Frontier between landlords and tenants), linguistic, racial and Provinces, should remain outside the ken of the All India regional divisions (e.g. between Bengali and Madrasi) Muslim League….The Congress High Command is and political division (e.g. between British provinces and obsessed with one idea and is determined to divide the Native states). But all fade into insignificance beside the Musalmans and particularly to break the solidarity of the great division between Hindus and Muslims." (1945, p Muslim League, no matter how low they may have to 23) stoop…..If the Musalmans are going to be defeated in their aspirations it will only be by the betrayal of the Even after independence, there was a group of public Musalmans among us as has happened in the past. For intellectuals, like Nirad Chaudhuri (1951). Selig Harrison the renegades and the traitors I have nothing to say. They (1960) and V. S. Naipaul (1964) among others, who saw can do their worst. But I appeal most fervently to those a bleak future for post-. The 'Dedication' Musalmans who honestly feel for their community and of the book by Nirad Chaudhuri titled 'Autobiograph of its welfare and those who are misled or misguided and An Unknown Indian (1951) read the following:"To the indifferent to come on to the platform of the Muslim memory of the British Empire in India. Which conferred League and work under its flag: and please close your subject-hood upon us, but withheld citizenship. To which ranks and stand solid and united at any and all costs and yet every one of us threw out the challenge: " Civic speak and act with one voice…"(Roberts: 1939/2004, Britannicus sum' because all that was good and living 466-476) These truths and anxieties about the deep within us was made, shaped and quickened by the same diversities among the Muslims have been detailed by British rule.". He was quite dismissive of the capacity of (2008) by presenting the profiles of the makers of the new constitution of India and their eight iconic Muslims of the British India period - Saiyad capability to keep the nation together in a journey for a Ahmed Khan, Muhamed Iqbal, Muhamed Ali Jinnah, better tomorrow. Liyaqat Ali, Muhammed Ali, FazlulHaque, AbulKalam Azad, and Zakir Hussain. Similarly, Harrison emphasized the historic roots of 'the dimensions of India's dilemma' where there exists a But the myth of a Muslim monolith and the All India history in a political sense of three with interacting Muslim League as its only representative body kept on regional identities. Harrison pointed out that there has growing due to a variety of factors, including the been the north Indian complex of regions centering in employment interests of the newly evolving educated the basin of river Ganga. In the case of middle India, classes among the Muslims and Hindus, politicization of geography assured four separate linguistic and political socio-religious identities, the colonial provisions of identities within the seemingly integrated Deccan measures to protect 'the Muslim interests' through the tableland. Then there is the Dravidian south with critical constitutions of 1909, 1919, and 1935, including separate significance of Tamil (1960, Ch.2). He listed the 'stresses electorates for Muslims. Their culmination in the Two- of Indian politics' which included 1. The indiscipline of nation Theory based politics of All India Muslim League, Indian communism, 2.Multi-lingual revolutionists, 3.The brutal -Pakistan in 1947 by the departing Hindi controversy, 4.Caste and class, 5.The Constitutional British Raj, and non-viability of the idea of Islamic issue, 6.The imbalance of the Union, and 6.Leadership nationalism with the breakdown of Pakistan and birth of succession 'after the tall leaders'. Bangladesh in within 25 years needs no further details at present. V. S. Naipaul (1964) had called it 'an area of darkness' after being deeply disillusioned due to a series of 'Non-viability of India as a nation' disappointing experiences in India as a traveler. His roots in the Indian diaspora of the Caribbean Islands and Pessimism about the viability of the idea of India, as education in the British universities provided additional a modern post-colonial nation-state continued to be authenticity to his pessimistic portrayal of the early years reflected in the approach of colonial policy-makers till of India's independence. the very end of the British Raj. For example, while discussing the future of India, Sir Edward P. Moon, ICS The Indian Visions wrote the following in 1945:"India's divisions are many and deep. There are caste divisions (e.g. between Here, it is relevant to recognize that there was plurality Brahman and non-Brahman), economic divisions (e.g. of perspectives among the nationalist thinkers as they 54 JANATA, August 13, 2017 used different lenses to give content to the idea of Indian nation -a. economic, b. political, c. cultural, and d. territorial.

Dadabhai Naoroji, one of the first public intellectuals of India, is attributed the idea of economic nationalism on the basis of his monumental work 'Poverty and Un- British Rule in India' (1901/2016). Gandhi wrote in 'Hind Swaraj' in 1909 that "We must admit that he is the author of Nationalism." The writings of Ramesh Chandra Dutt were equally influential in the making of economic nationalism.

Similarly, the genesis of political nationalism has been associated with the Indian National Congress (1885) and Partition of Bengal (1905). To quote Gandhi again, 'The Congress brought together Indians from different parts of India, and enthused us with the idea of Nationality.' (1909). At the level of individual intellectual and political initiatives, there has been outstanding role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, , Annie Besant, Surendranath Banerjee, , Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh and Subhash Bose among others. Lala Lajpat Rai (1916) makes a significant point about the political aspect of Indian nation when he points out that 'History does not record a single instance of India being ruled from without, by a people of purely non-Indian blood and in the interest of another country, and another people, before the British. India was always an empire by herself. She was never a part of another empire, much less a dependency.'

(to be concluded)

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Vol. 72 No. 30 How unsafe are Muslims? August 20, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Should Nawaz Sharif’s Ouster In a farewell message the outgoing welfare whenever he gets the Worry India? vice-president, Hamid Ansari, has said opportunity, particularly on the eve of D. K. Giri that the Muslims do not feel safe in the quitting office. The remark that Ansari country. Instead of introspecting on could go to any country of his choice Imagining India what he said, the RSS and the BJP does not in any way meet the point he Visions of Swaraj and the have denounced him. Some have gone has raised. Ansari was not saying Democratic Journey- II Anand Kumar to the extent of saying that he could whether he was safe or not personally. migrate to a country where he would The outgoing vice-president was only Some aspects of the inaugural feel safe. conveying the fears of Muslims. speech our President Rajindar Sachar The unkindest cut came from Prime Personal attacks on Ansari would Minister Narendra Modi who said that not do. The government leaders Enying children admission Ansari could now pursue his agenda. should ponder over what the outgoing on technical grounds A few others, occupying high positions, vice-president has said and how the Sandeep Pandey also made more or less a similar majority community could make remark. There was not an iota of amends to retrieve the situation. But examination by the Hindu leaders and the message has not been taken in the Who cracked the thus a great opportunity to disarm the spirit it should have been. Mahagathbandhan? Muslims of their fear was lost. J. L. Jawahar RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has Bengal Chemicals up for sale True, the vice-president could reportedly endorsed the view that since have made the same remarks earlier Ansari did not feel happy in India he and submitted his resignation while in could go elsewhere. As head of a Editor : office. But that would have created Hindu organization, Bhagwat’s remark G. G. Parikh another kind of a crisis which the attains the representative character, Managing Editor : Guddi constitution experts would have found unfortunately reducing the whole thing hard to sort out. That way the country to the perennial debate of Hindus D-15, Ganesh Prasad, would have been thrown into a versus Muslims. Naushir Bharucha Marg, cauldron of doubt and suspicion. Since Ansari’s remark is a public Mumbai - 400 007. The majority community must try to property and coming as it did from Email : [email protected] find out why every Muslim leader raises the country’s vice-president, it should Website:www.janataweekly.org reservation about his community’s be debated at all responsible forums, 2 JANATA, August 20, 2017 including parliament. The government award function, also endorsed the spokesman, as usual, pooh-poohed at the centre has constituted in the past returning of awards by creative Rahul’s comment saying that there was a commission to find out how the people saying it was a way to a conspiracy going on in the country Muslims felt. Justice Rajinder Sachar, express their dissatisfaction or to defame the nation! who led the commission, said in his disappointment. “People who are report that the Muslims were treated our elected representatives, people The real problem is the line drawn worse than the dalits. And he found who we select to look after us for by Radcliffe on the basis of religion. that West Bengal, after nearly three five years, State or centre... when He did regret the killings in the wake decades of communist rule, had only people take law into their hands, we of partition, but did not change the a 2.5 percent educated Muslims. Time look upon these people to take a line. Those on the other side of the is ripe to have another commission to strong stance, to make a strong line are people of Pakistan who slowly find out if Justice Sachar’s report had statement, speed up the legal and gradually are becoming part of made any difference. process, when we see that happening the Islamic world. Fundamentalism has there is a sense of security but when taken a firm grip. Unfortunately, similar remarks of we don’t see that happening there is regret have been made by other a sense of insecurity,” said the There is practically no Hindu and Muslims leaders in the past. In fact, celebrity actor. Sikh on the other side of the border. some celebrities also have joined the Christians form the majority among the chorus. Take for instance, what film Understandably, the BJP reacted to minorities in Pakistan. Their complaint star Aamir Khan remarked a couple his remark and completely rejected the is that the churches have been of years ago when he took potshots comment of Aamir. “He is not scared destroyed and there is a forced at politicians, while referring to the fear but he is trying to scare people. India conversion. The democratically elected his wife Kiran Rao had expressed gave him all the laurels and respect. prime minister is doing whatever he about India’s growing intolerance. He should not forget that India made can. But the last word is with the army. him a star,” said BJP spokesperson Unfortunately, the army is also getting “When I chat with Kiran (his wife) Shahnawaz Hussain. Congress vice- contaminated. at home, she says ‘Should we move president stoutly defended the actor out of India?’ That’s a disastrous and and suggested that the Modi Words of Ansari have great big statement for Kiran to make. She government should reach out to the relevance because a soft kind of fears for her child. She fears about people to know why they felt Hindutva is spreading in India. Those what the atmosphere around us will disturbed. who are at the helm of affairs are be. She feels scared to open the pushing the division because elections newspapers every day. That does Rahul in a tweet said: “Instead of fought on the basis of Hindus and indicate that there is this sense of branding all those who question the Muslims are bound to benefit the growing disquiet, there is growing government and Modiji as unpatriotic, Hindus. The fabric of secular India is despondency apart from alarm. You anti-national or ‘motivated’, the being torn bit by bit. It’s regrettable feel why this is happening, you feel government would do better to reach that ideology of secularism followed low. That sense does exist in me,” out to people to understand what’s in the last seven decades is in great Aamir said. disturbing them.” But the BJP danger.

Aamir, while speaking at an Footprints of A Crusader (The Life Story of Mrunal Gore) by Rohini Gawankar Published by Kamalakar Subhedar, Secretary, Samata Shikshan Sanstha, Pareira Wadi, Mohili Village, Sakinaka, Ghatkopar(W), Mumbai 400072. Mobile: 9820092255 / Contribution: Rs.300+ JANATA, August 20, 2017 3 Should Nawaz Sharif’s Ouster Worry India?

D. K. Giri

Any major political or military Pakistan has a fledgling democracy Election Commission to de-notify event in Pakistan concerns India which is yet to take firm roots. No Sharif from the National Assembly and inasmuch as both countries are at civilian government in that country has ordered the National Accountability daggers drawn on Kashmir. The ever completed its five-year term. Bureau, an anti-corruption body to file ouster of Mian Nawaz Nawaz Sharif too did not run the full charges within six weeks for the trial to Sharif should certainly worry India for term in his three stints as the Prime be completed in six months. The court a good many reasons. Nawaz Sharif Minister; 1990-93, 1997-99, and has thrown Pakistan’s politics into had dealt with six Indian Prime 2013-17. Earlier he was ejected by turmoil as the general elections are due Ministers and had developed Army and now by the Supreme Court. in a year. working relations with all of them. Sharif’s disproportionate income and With his business background, Sharif assets were exposed by the Panama The Muslim League (Nawaz) has had realized that good trade and papers leaked by the law firm Mossack the majority in the Lower House to economic relations with India would Fonesca. Nawaz Sharif has amassed elect the successor to Sharif. Nawaz ensure peace and harmony between wealth beyond his stated income, and Sharif would have liked his daughter the two countries. It is Nawaz Sharif his children had flats in expensive parts Maryam to succeed him if she was more than any Pakistani Prime of London. The fact dug out from not besmirched in the Panama saga. Minister who wanted to rein in on election records that Sharif did not His second option was to bring in his anti-India Pakistani military. In his disclose his firm in UAE during filing younger brother Sahbaz, the current second stint in 1997-99, as the Prime his nominations for National Assembly Chief Minister of Punjab province, Minister, Sharif had removed two is another charge. Even Imran Khan of the political stronghold of Nawaz’s army chiefs in one year. He had Tehreek-e-Insaf party, Sharif’s bête family. Until Sahbaz was inducted into appointed Pervez Musharaf by noir, had also made faulty declarations the Lower House, Nawaz Sharif superseding other senior officers. It of assets as a candidate. One recalls installed one of his loyalist-Ministers is another matter that Musharaf later that Sharif was used in the past by the Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the Prime staged a military coup and forced Army to attack Benazir Bhutto, and Minister. The buzz now is that Sharif into exile. Pakistani Army now Khan is being used against Nawaz Shahbaz has been ditched in the thrives on antagonism with India and Sharif. family feud; Maryam and her mother now Afghanistan as it believes such a did not want Sahbaz to have greater stance brings them political and The Supreme Court took hold of the party at the centre and in pecuniary gains. Furthermore, cognizance of the Panama leaks and Punjab where Shahbaz wanted his Sharif had taken on the pro-army instituted a Joint Investigation Team son Hamza to succeed him. Supreme Court which has the (JIT) that included two army officials. controversial habit of dismissing The presence of army in JIT confirms What will happen to Nawaz Sharif, elected civilian governments. Sharif, that the Army was in pursuing Sharif Pakistani politics and India-Pakistan in although accused of rigging who had tried to muscle into the Army’s the post-Sharif period? Nawaz Sharif’s and manipulating elections by turf, the Kashmir policy, etc. The JIT immediate future has become uncertain. Pakistani media and political submitted its report on 10 July and the He had confronted the power centers opponents, strove to establish Supreme Court gave its verdict on 28th in the past. At one point, he ransacked the supremacy of the democratic of the same month. Invoking a clause the Supreme Court, challenged the state. Pakistan’s politics is based of the constitution that stressed Islamic political might of the powerful military, on three pillars - the Islamic Groups, virtues that a Prime Minister “be and ordered the removal of General the Army and Kashmir; all the sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, Musharaf in 1999 when he felt that the three confront, bedevil and honest and upright”, the Supreme Court army chief had bypassed him on Kargil. squeeze the political democracy in the decreed that Sharif was ‘no longer fit He had even planned to arrest country. to be the Prime Minister’. It asked the Musharaf on his return from Sri Lanka. 4 JANATA, August 20, 2017

As Musharaf was flying back into mature enough to rule Pakistan. Now, Pakistan conflict to spiral out of Pakistan in a commercial flight, Nawaz he is caught in sexual harassment control. Sharif had got the Jinah airport complaints by the women workers in cordoned off, but the flight, on the his party. The army may have found However, Nawaz had somewhat pretext of refueling landed in another it more congenial with Shahbaaz kept the doors for dialogue open. The airport. Then Musharaf turned the table Sharif as he does not provoke as his door ajar under Nawaz may now be on Nawaz, contacted his military elder brother did. But Shahbaaz fully shut. The silver lining is the colleagues, quickly organized a coup, becoming the PM is not a certainty reassertion of democracy over other and put Nawaz under arrest. Sharif was anymore. The army may leave it to institutions like Supreme Court, military handed a life imprisonment and was to the voters, as from General Kiyani to and jihadists. No wonder some terrorist be given a death sentence by the military General Bazwa, the army is not keen groups have claimed that Nawaz Sharif courts. In a deal brokered by king on a take-over. Also the Supreme had to go as he did not support jihad. Fahd of Saudi Arabia Nawaz escaped Court’s activism with a Messianic In the event of democracy winning, the death and was exiled for 21 years. complex may not go down well with Pakistani voters might have the final say Ironically, again another deal with the the voters who would want full in the next general elections. India will army brought him back to Pakistan in democracy. watch the developments in its important 2007. neighbor with great interest and On India-Pakistan relations, there attention. If at all India could do By most accounts, Sharif had may not be much of an impact anything it should encourage the tenuous relations with the Army. On 30 although a stable democratic promotion of democracy by Track-II October 2016, Sharif has issued two government is better for dialogue than diplomacy with its contacts with civil stern messages to the army. One, the the army. But on Kashmir, Nawaz society actors. Unmistakably, a strong army should not interfere in the civilian Sharif is on the same page as the and stable democracy anywhere in the administration and second, as Pakistan Army and the Jihadists whose raison world and for India in Pakistan is good was getting internationally isolated for d’être is fomenting trouble in India. for peace, harmony and security. being soft on terrorists, the army should The ties between India and Pakistan expeditiously conclude the investigation have plummeted to the lowest point and trial on Pathankot and Mumbai at the moment. There have been no attacks. The messages delivered in a official meetings in the recent past. closed-door meeting were leaked to the The walk-by greetings exchanged at media, much to the outrage of the army. Astana, Kazakhstan between Prime Although, later on, Sharif tried to mend Ministers Modi and Sharif epitomized it with the army by dismissing his the animosity between New Delhi and officials responsible for leaking the Islamabad. There is not much hope deliberations to the media, it was too for normalization of relations. The late. The army had planned to corner little hope that existed has been Sharif. dashed by Sharif’s exit. Only the international forces like US and There are limited options for Sharif China, which have stakes in the to escape the conspiratorial clutches region for different reasons can help of Courts, the Army and the Jihadists. ease the tensions. USA has decidedly As he is still popular with the people, tilted towards India in its South Asia he may call or an early elections and policy, and China which thrives on win. He has steadied the economy, trade and investment would not like built closer relations with China, Pakistan to be embroiled in a bloody drawn 54 billion USD in FDI for the conflict with India. China has invested China-Pakistan economic corridor, heavily in Pakistan and almost mitigated the acute electricity controls it as its vassal state. So, India shortages, etc. So the voters may still need not worry though as USA and agree with him. On the other hand, China, the big influencers in the army is not sure if Imran Khan is region, will not like, the India- JANATA, August 20, 2017 5 Imagining India Visions of Swaraj and the Democratic Journey- II

Anand Kumar

The cultural foundations of Indian 3. De³eesO³ee ceLegje cee³ee keÀeMeer keÀeb®eer DeJebeflekeÀe. The evolution of Indian nationalism unity and nationalism have originated, hetjer ÜejeJeleer ®ewJe mehleslee cees#eoeef³ekeÀe: ( List of the has been outlined by a number of Indian among others, with the writings of Sri seven holy cities which are the gate ways leaders from Lala Lajpat Rai in Young Aurobindo (1996). The contributions to Moksha.) India (1916) to Jawaharlal Nehru in of authors like Bankim, Iqbal, ‘Discovery of India’ (1946). According Subramaiyam Bharati, Savarkar and 4. censvêes ceue³e: me¿e: MeefÊeÀceeve´s#eheJe&le:. efJevO³e½e to Nehru (1927), “The modern idea of cultural historian Ananda heeefj³ee$e½e mehlewles kegÀueheJe&lee: ( Identification of nationhood is of recent growth even in Coomarswamy (1910) were also the territory of Bharatvarsha as a land the West and India in the past century considered quite significant. Sociologist with seven mountain ranges from north was not, and is not even now, wholly, a D. P. Mukherji (1958), while analyzing to south and east to west.) nation like France or England is today. the philosophy of Indian history, has It was too vast a country to develop on underlined the need to recognize the They were elaborated with help of those lines before the advent of modern impact of five momentous phases of several classical texts in the works of methods of communication. But even in changes in the making of Indian culture Radhakumud Mukherji (1909/ 1954). the remote past there has always been and civilization before the interface with Mukherji cites several classical and a fundamental unity of India – a unity of the Western influence: i. Vedic Aryan, ii. traditional prayers where India is defined a common faith and culture. India was Buddhist, iii. Gupta period, iv. Harsh in terms of a network of places of Bharata, the holy land of the Hindus, and Vikramaditya, and v. the Muslim worship and pilgrimage for worshippers and it is not without significance that the rulers. of Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, and other gods great places of Hindu pilgrimage are and goddesses. Then he reminds about situated in the four corners of India – the The claims of territorial nationalism the lists of great kings preserved in Vedic extreme south overlooking Ceylone, the have been related with classical sources literature and supplemented by other extreme west washed by the Arabian including Vishnu Puran, Vayu Puran, lists in Purana and other works. In his sea, the east facing the Bay of Bengal Ramayan , Mahabharat and a variety of discussion significance is given to classics and the north in the Himalayas. Sanskrit Smriti and Samhita and the concept of like Arthasastra of Kautilya, Yoga Sutra was the language of the learned Bharat or Bharatvarsha. For example, of Patanjali, Niti-Sastra of Kamandaka throughout the length and breadth of the the following Sanskrit Shloka (among and the treasury of Jain and Buddhist country and the provincial languages in many others) defining the sacred texts to provide evidences of an Indian the north were all derived from Sanskrit geography of the Indian culture civilizational framework with territoriality and were closely allied, the four principal have been quite often quoted as and a system of multi-layered kingship. southern languages being greatly evidence of the territorial basis of ancient influenced by Sanskrit. Every resident India: Anthroplogist Nirmal Kumar Bose of the country felt a certain kinship with suggests that there is a geographical all others who lived in the great sub- 1. GÊejb ³ele mecegêm³e efnceeêsM®ewJe oef#eCe ³eLee background of Indian culture which is continent, and those who came from Yeejleer veece Yeejleb leo Je

Rajindar Sachar

The Presidents oath taking though India’s freedom movement without In 1955 Punjab High Court at is a routine function, also is an event mention of Pandit Nehru is Chandigarh was to be formally for people to judge whether the unacceptable, rather heresy. No one inaugurated by Pt. Nehru. I was then dignitary who is going to take over the grudges praise for Sardar Patel, he general secretary of High Court Bar highest office under the constitution has could have mentioned him as strong Association. Pt. Nehru had come to shed off his political loyally to the leader and his vast contribution to the Chandigarh the evening before. My political party and is now above country - Sardar Patel’s role in father who was then the Chief groupism. integrating princely states is Minister of Punjab invited Pt. Nehru incomparable. Nehru’s name should at for breakfast at his residence in the The inaugural speech of President least have found place, even though morning. I was staying with father R.N. Kovind passes a fair deal of test without praising his important role in the though my office was in another but it is unfortunate that he left a little freedoms struggle. The truth is that sector. Here was an occasion for a chink which one wishes could have whether you like it or not. Nehru’s young man like me, who had hero been avoided. In his address he massive contribution in the freedom worshipped Pt. Nehru from his showed himself to be rising above the struggle cannot be put under cover. waking period and amongst the din of regressive communal atmosphere earlier books which had inspired me that Modi government is encouraging I will give instance of how even being were Nehru’s Autobiography, and when he very openly said; “Our a committed member of Socialist Party Letters from Prison to Indira. But diversity is the core that makes us so of J.P. and Dr. Lohia since 1946 I then I had grown up, become a full unique. In this land, we find mix of states faced a similar situation and how I dealt blooded socialist and still in thirties. and regions, religions, languages, with in my humble manner. We in the socialist party were cultures, lifestyles and much more. We convinced (rightly or wrongly, time are so different and yet so similar and It must be recognized that the alone will tell) that Pt. Nehru, who united”. This effect was spoilt by some reverence and hero worship for Nehru had shown the vision of socialism to BJP persons shouting Jai Shri Ram - was normal and strong of my generation us had not kept that pace, and was a slogan totally out of place at the oath who had been brought up on the following wrong policies. Our taking ceremony. heroism, sacrifice and intellectualism of disappointments with his policies Pt. Nehru. I remember basking in were deep, though I was a small fry But a chink appeared in this welcome Nehru’s presence when he came to in part of that milieu. So I told father approach and cast a little shadow. Lahore to canvass for my father’s that I will not be at breakfast table President rightly pointed out the assembly election. Again when is1945, to receive Pt. Nehru, though my wife massive contribution to the India’s after his release from prison, Pt. Nehru will certainly he there along with my freedom struggle and its development. while going to Srinagar, broke his mother to play the hostess and look He specially openly mentioned journey at Lahore – my father had after the arrangements. My father Gandhiji, “Patel”, Ambedkar invited him and some other important and I had beautiful understanding and contribution. The reference to Deen leaders for an informal get together at our sense of values and respecting Dayal Upadhaya though not very apt our place. I remember the awe, each others’ views were the same. at the occasion may be papered over inspiration, admiration and respect with That is why he accepted my as loyalty to one of his earliest political which all of us felt in his presence. And hesitation though he mentioned that leaders. yet I behaved what many may call it I was being childish. I thereafter next unacceptable and foolish behavior of early morning went out of the But what has hit the public is the total mine in 1955, which I confess in later residence to my office before Pt. omission to mention of Nehru even time makes me somewhat feel stupid Nehru arrived for breakfast. I had though he may not have praised him on and yet it shows the different phases even at that time that admiration and his political achievement. But to talk of one passes through. inspiration for Nehru that I could not 10 JANATA, August 20, 2017 think of being at home and be rude presumptuousness – a chit of boy, fatalistic belief in the rightness of the by not joining for breakfast. Of whom Pt. Nehru will not even notice cause of one’s own party. But then I course I behaved absolutely beating his chest by absenting himself suppose that is the real difference correctly and all of us office bearers and denying to himself such a close between youth and old age – one received Pt. Nehru with all the breakfast meeting with one of the may laugh now, but one does not dignity and respect and deference greatest of leaders of India and who demean it because at that time it due to him when he came to the had been a hero of our family. But represented what I like to feel was a High Court to inaugurate it. then I take it that such are the youthful, genuine and unshakeable peculiarities of radical youth, the devil faith in a socialist society – which faith, Later on and now I laugh at my may care attitude and the almost fortunately I have still not lost. Denying children admission on technical grounds

Sandeep Pandey

The founder-manager of City provisions of the Act apply even if the him for the duration of his study in the Montessori School in Lucknow, age of child is less than 6 years. The school. Jagdish Gandhi, has recently published school claimed that the child did not full page advertisements in local edition live in neighbourhood. On this the It is hoped that after such a clear cut of all national dailies claiming that even Judge reprimanded the school saying and strict order by the HC the schools though he would like to admit children that since it had not admitted even one which have been playing truant in under section 12(1)(c) of the Right to child against the 202 seats which were admission of children under the Act will Education Act, 2009, the children supposed to be reserved for children now stop resisting the entry of children whose admissions were ordered by from disadvantaged groups and from disadvantaged groups and weaker the District Magistrate and the Basic weaker sections, which is 25% of the sections into their precincts. The Judge Shiksha Adhikari in his school did not strength of entry level classes in this said that denying admission to children fulfill one or more criteria required for school as prescribed by the Act, the under section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act such admissions. The children either criterion of neighbourhood was on technical grounds is against the spirit live more than a kilometer away, the irrelevant. Only if the school had of the Act. The Act has been made to definition of 'neighbourhood' stated by admitted 25% children under the facilitate the admission of children who Uttar Pradesh government and a abovementioned categories the are denied education. If the private necessary criterion to be fulfilled by question of neighbourhood could have schools will put all their energies in children seeking admission under the been examined. The Judge took the blocking the admission of abovementioned section of the Act, or school to task saying that since the underprivileged children then the were less than 6 years of age whereas school had wasted one full year of the purpose of the Act would be defeated. the Act applies to children in the age child, it was now its responsibility to group 6 to 14 years. educate the child till class XII instead Jagdish Gandhi challenged the of the stipulated class VIII. The admission of 31 children in academic In an order delivered by Justice government will compensate the year 2015-16 under the Act ordered Saumitra Dayal Singh of the Allahabad education of child from classes I to by DM, Lucknow. The HC and then Hight Court on 9 August, 2017 VIII at the rate of Rs. 450 per month the Supreme Court ordered him to regarding the admission of child but the shool will have to take care of admit 13 out of these 31 children who Chaitanya Dev to Nursery class in the expenses on Chaitanya's lived in the neighbourhood of one km. Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir of education from classes IX to XII on In 2016-17 Jagdish Gandhi again Allahabad, in the matter of Sudhir its own. He added that if any of the refused to admit 55 children, 14 of Kumar, father of Chaitanya, vs. State buses run by school to carry its whom are still in court against him even of U.P. and others, said that for children go in the direction of after the entire academic year is over. schools which run Kindergarten, Chaitanya's house then the school will Preparatory or Nursery classes the have to provide free bus service to (Continued on Page 13) JANATA, August 20, 2017 11 Who cracked the Mahagathbandhan?

J. L. Jawahar

It is cracked, no doubt. The question The political situation does not stand who find fault with Nitish now, should is who the culprit is. It is not surprising still. Changes happen and one has to have objected then. that everybody says “not in my name” deal with it wisely. The change in this particularly when a criminal is obviously case is in the form of allegations of Suddenly some allegations were there before your eyes. But we should corruption against the Deputy Chief raised about the Dy. Chief Minister by not jump to conclusion based on Minister. The coalition tried to prevail no less an organization than the CBI. apparent situation. We should not on the Chief Minister to close his eyes He was not removed from the cabinet ignore facts – good or bad. Maha or on this issue and allow him to continue immediately as it would precipitate a not, the gathbandhan (coalition) had a in the cabinet. But the world is not crisis in the coalition. It has to be done short life. Why was it formed at all? confined to only the coalition partners. with concurrence of all coalition After the BJP swept the polls in 2014 There are other people observing the members. It would have been the and got unexpected majority to form situation. Political parties are jealous of simplest and easiest step if he was government in the center, everybody each other. When opportunity arises replaced with another member of the has seen the writings on the wall. They they will try to prove the other as same party. By that the cabinet could realized it was a tsunami and it could unprincipled, particularly when the have maintained a clean image. But the not be stopped unless all the other candidate is the one claiming some head of that party was shouting from forces join hands and stand together. It moral ground. They allege that he is (his) house tops that he would not resign is no doubt a wise political decision. closing his eyes as he is fond of the under any circumstances. As a loyal The fact is that there is nothing common Chair and he is in no way better than member of coalition, Nitish was between the parties that have joined any of the other politicians. In the heart meeting all the members of coalition hands except that they have a common of hearts even the members of coalition pleading that the member may be told enemy – the BJP that has swept the are of the same view. How could he be to resign and some other member be polls. “My enemy’s enemy is my friend” different when he joined hands with us? nominated for cabinet. But none of them is the principle on which they came He knows what the RJD party is when had the courage to tell that to the together. That is the only cement that he joined hands. How can he refuse to arrogant head of that party. Others were holds together the bricks to appear like accept its candidate now in the cabinet? taunting Nitish on that. He was not a wall. Naturally their survival depends That is, when you joined hands with a removing him as it would jeopardise his on the enemy.The parties have not corrupt party to form the government, Chair. But if he removes the member, it discarded their identities. They kept you have to carry on with the corrupt would certainly lead to break down of their members as separate camps. member in the cabinet. It amounts to a coalition and he would be blamed for Obviously they expected the coalition compromise on the part of Nitish that. It would be a sin on his pat if not a as a short term arrangement. The only Kumar. Isn’t it? Everybody knows that crime. Instead of cooperating with agreement is that they will form a the head of the party is disqualified on the Chief Minister to maintain government under the leadership of M allegations of corruption. Does it mean coalition respectably, the other partners Nitish Kumar after elections to the that everybody in that party is also were willing to play the game and see Assembly. Why did they choose him corrupt? We find that almost all the the fun. as Chief Minister beforehand? They terrorists are Muslims. In spite of it, we know he is the only one that has do not agree that all Muslims are At this juncture came another credibility among them. Such coalitions terrorists. It could be the same with the development that has thickened the will necessarily break down after the party also. The person nominated by quagmire and entangled him deeply. It enemy disappears by any reason. that party to join the cabinet has no was the election of President. A long Unfortunately, in this case, the enemy allegations against him. The Chief time was available for the parties to is getting stronger day by day and Minister has no objection for him. No select their candidates. In fact, the becoming invincible at least for the near doubt, that is also a compromise to coalition members met many times to future. some extent. But it is pragmatic. Those select the candidate, but could not 12 JANATA, August 20, 2017 identify any one that is acceptable to they show value for women. Even opportunist movement on the part of all of them. There was no unity of Hillary Clinton could not get any BJP. There will be a blame that he purpose. To cover up the absence of advantage of playing the gender card accepted the offer as he was fond of unity they declared that they will in America. In spite of insulting power. What is wrong in it? Is it not for announce their candidate after the women in the most uncivilized manner, grabbing power that political parties are official party announces their candidate. most of the women in America formed? Is there anybody who would Obviously, they preferred to react voted for Trump and made him the be benefitted if Nitish refuses to accept rather than to act. That was how they President. Feminism has no place in the offer of support from BJP? There lead the coalition. The common enemy politics. would be a price for accepting the was there that drove them to form a support from BJP. They may try to coalition. But now there is no common Then came the time to select a dictate. But he can always decline to friend to unite them. The ruling party candidate for Vice-President. This time toe the line if it is unworthy and quit if selected a Dalit candidate who the coalition was wise enough to necessary. Why to reject it now without happened to be the governor of Bihar announce their candidate immediately trying? He decided to accept the offer at that time. As Chief Minister of the in one sitting. Nitish offered his support and took charge as Chief Minister again. state Nitish had to work with him on to that candidate along with the The fast developments gave rise to daily basis and he has developed coalition members. Obviously, he was suspicions that it was all prearranged. cordial relations with him. He could not not thinking of going against coalition If it was really a prearranged affair, but congratulate him and offer his partners and expecting they will prevail it could have been prevented by support as he was sure to be the next on the recalcitrant party to cooperate facilitating Nitish continue as President.The coalition has not yet with the Chief Minister and save Chief Minister of coalition by removing selected its candidate and even if the coalition. All in vain. the tainted minister. Having refused selection is made it would be only as a to do that, the coalition has only to matter of token as he was sure to be The nominee of the ruling party won regret but not to blame anybody. defeated. But the coalition partners did the election as President. As a matter There is no use of searching for not like it. They never feel like one with of courtesy, Nitish had to go and scapegoats. the Chief Minister. They only wanted congratulate him, which he did. There to show their supremacy over the CM was no indication that the partners will Having observed this sick drama as partners of coalition that made him act to solve his problem. They wanted from the beginning, even the socialist the Chief Minister. If they were wise to see how Nitish will solve the friends who have claimed Nitish as enough to take advantage of selecting problem. Or, in their opinion, there is their own all these days, try to find their candidate in advance, Nitish would no problem at all. For Nitish, it is a grave fault with him and blame him as crazy have naturally committed to him even if situation. He has to act. Instead of for power. They blame him for he was not likely to get elected as removing the tainted minister and bear breaking the coalition. I feel particularly President. Even if it is in the interest of the sin of breaking the coalition, he sorry when Janata weekly did not the state, what he has done has become decided to resign as Chief Minister and hesitate to call it “treachery of Nitish”. a confrontation with the coalition stepped out. Things moved fast. The But they did not have the courage to partners. They have nominated another ruling party BJP immediately offered call the party any names who Dalit candidate to contest election for support as if they were waiting for such “preferred to the family’s fortune more President. The habitual communal a development. If he accepts the offer than the ideology”. On the other hand politics came into play. There may not he would be able to continue as Chief complements are paid for “his be anything to choose between the two Minister without the support of the impeccable secular character”. It is candidates except the party to which present coalition members. But support clearly showing prejudice. It is they are affiliated. But the coalition is coming from a party which he depressing to note that even among candidate is a woman and also from condemned earlier. If he does not the so-called socialists there is so much Bihar state. Thus, the fact that Nitish accept it, there would be either a of bias and partiality. Naturally it lead could not support her became a remark President’s rule or elections in the state to tilted analysis of the situation and against him. The play of gender card is of Bihar. What could he get by that? failed to call the spade a spade. If only an opportunism. The bill to reserve And what could he loose if he accepts there is any life in the coalition, there some seats in Parliament to women is the support offered by BJP and form a is nothing to prevent them from electing lying there for decades. That is how government? The support is an another person in the place of Nitish JANATA, August 20, 2017 13 when he resigned. They refuse to see coalition? They want to retain power because of its intrinsic defects, its lack the reason and allege that it is not any at the cost of reputation of Nitish. If of any common base except enmity principle that made Nitish resign. It is there is any trace of principle and with the ruling party. It was not a only the “desire to remain in power morality in Indian politics, it is only in coherent group. The partners refused that caused the move.” That is the crux people like Nitish and not in those to take any responsibility to ensure of the problem. Everybody in the who created a situation where he was the success of coalition. They enjoyed coalition lost the power while Nitish compelled to commit hara-kiri. By the situation where Nitish faced a even after resigning regained his power. that he hurt himself, but strangely, moral crisis. The coalition partners Naturally it caused jealousy and others are weeping. Allegations against have neither mutual trust nor respect became an excuse to blame him. They Nitish are illogical and do not get for each other. Still we could not find refuse to ask why such a situation was credibility just by referring to any other politician who stood for his allowed to develop. Why none of the Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. It own convictions to the extent Nitish coalition partners were willing to get is a shallow attempt. It is time to did. Let us wait and see what is in rid of a tainted minister to save the realise that the coalition broke store for him in future.

(Continued from Page 10) Imitating CMS, several other schools by the office of BSA are faulty then Jagdish Gandhi getting the funds from like Navyug Radiance, owned by action must be taken against the for publishing expensive advertisements Bhartiya Janata Party leader Sudhir BSA. However, if the BSA is correct and hiring costly lawyers like Shanti Halwasiya, City International, owned then administration or the Bhushan and Abhishek Manu Singhvi? by Jagdish Gandhi's daughter Sunita government must take action against Is it from the fees that he charges from Gandhi, Dr. Virendra Swaroop Public the truant schools. the parents of children who study in 20 School, Mahanagar and two branches branches of CMS? Does he have a of Saint Mary Intermediate College did An important question which arises right to waste the hard earned money not admit a total of 105 children in is whether Jagdish Gandhi has a right of parents on contesting the admissions 2016-17. to examine the criteria required for of underprivileged children in his admission for each of the children who school? In the current academic year 2017- are admitted to his school. If in this 18, 296 admissions have been ordered manner, every non-governmental by the local administration and of the person started examining the Janata Subscription 167 children who have approached correctness of government's decision CMS, all of them have been declared then the entire work of government can Annual Rs. : 260/- undeserving by it. According to the come to standstill. For example, if the school 117 of them live outside the limit fair price shop owner took a stand that Three Years : 750/- of one km, 135 are below 6 years of s(he) would first examine the age, 89 are already enrolled in other genuineness of the ration cards owners schools and 38 don't qualify to be in before distributing the food grains as economically weaker section category. part of Public Distribution System, Demand Draft / Cheque Some of the children fail on more than then the whole scheme would be on one criterion. The number of schools hampered. which are defiant about not admitting Mumbai Bank in favour of children under the Act is going up In the same advertisement every year as a result of CMS's published by Jagdish Gandhi in which stance. It is entirely because of CMS he has given reasons for not admitting that admissions to schools under children under the RTE Act, he has JANATA TRUST section 12(1)(c) has become such an also claimed in one corner that he and uphill task. his wife Bharti Gandhi do not own any D-15, Ganesh Prasad, private property, jewellery nor have Naushir Bharucha Marg, If Jagdish Gandhi is rightly large bank balances. The question Mumbai 400 007 claiming that all admissions ordered which must be asked is where is 14 JANATA, August 20, 2017 Bengal Chemicals up for sale

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944) was Professor of Chemistry at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata), an Indian patriot, educationist, and industrial pioneer who established the famous Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals as early as in 1901 when India was still under foreign rule. Addressing students in Trivandrum, Kerala on 13 March 1925, Mahatma Gandhi had held Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray out as an example to follow :

"I would like you to keep the two most brilliant examples we have in our own dear country, and those two are Drs. J.C. Bose and P.C. Ray. At least to the students of science, they must be household words, household names. I believe that they are household names to the whole of the educated India. They went in for science for the sake of science and we know what they have achieved. They never thought of what the profession of science would bring them in the shape of money or fame. They cultivated it for the sake of it ...".

Today the famous Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, which Acharya Ray established more than 115 years ago, and which had throughout the 20th century given many foreign companies a run for their money, might be up for sale. Efforts are on to prevent this. See the article below by Rabin Majumdar, himself a retired Professor of Chemical Technology, published in The Statesman. –Anil Nauriya

On the eve of our preparation to Prafulla Chandra was a great innovation were in-built into BCPW celebrate the 157th birthday of Acharya dreamer and a visionary. Among his from conception to its development Prafulla Chandra Ray falling on 2 August many projects undertaken to into a successful industry. Just before came the perturbing news that Bengal ameliorate the condition of his he fell seriously ill for the last time and Chemical & Pharmaceutical Limited countrymen, BCPW was perhaps the became inactive, Ray got disillusioned (BCPL) and its landed assets have been best vehicle to realise his dream. It and quit from the Board of Directors put on sale by the Government of India, was also instrumental in demonstrating and that too on a question of the owner of the company since his ideas and methods to his reinvestment of company profits into 1980-81. countrymen. research and well-being of workers that he favoured, against other The celebrity composer-artist As India’s first own Heavy members who wanted this to be paid Pratul Mukhopadhyay sings with Chemical and Pharmaceutical to shareholders. gusto - alu becho chhola becho, …O Industry, BCPW rose to dizzying bandhu…tomar… swapno becho na heights in his lifetime and became a BCPW strived to demonstrate, (sell potato, sell gram (but) dear symbol of indigenous wisdom and inter alia, how to weave education friend… don’t sell your… dreams). pride. and research to the benefit of an industry and how an industry having The audience is enchanted, they The story of BCPW and its creator significant pollution potential can live cheer and applaud. But when dreams spread far and wide and the people and grow sustainably. We failed to are thrown out in the open market for of Bombay (now Mumbai) placed at recognise the significance of BCPW bidding and selling, we keep mum. the disposal of Ray a handsome and thus Prafulla Chandra Ray has BCPL owes its origin to Bengal morsel of land at a token price of just never been given credit as a pioneer Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works one rupee to set up a Bombay unit of of industrialisation in modern India. Limited (BCPWL, 1901) popularly BCPW which became a reality in known as Bengal Chemical or 1938. He has been widely misinterpreted BCPW. Its founder-proprietor was and misunderstood albeit being sort none other than Acharya Prafulla The successes were not miracles, of worshipped and further distorted Chandra Ray who described BCPW they were won through great in the process. In Independent India, as his daughter (and his students as perseverance, hard labour and we ignored him and others like him his sons). research. In fact, research and and indulged in other easier routes to JANATA, August 20, 2017 15 industrialisation; we even failed to inherent strength towards sustained promoters/investors. Instead, let the realize the necessity of researching, growth to make profit? Why then is government take appropriate steps to developing and inculcating ideas and the current call for putting BCPL in set up an Industrial Laboratory cum methodologies expounded by him and the list of companies for disinvestment Research Institute in the name of PC demonstrated through BCPW. and sell-out? Ray to innovate and develop sustainable technologies not only for Quite a few research institutes BCPL workers have filed a case BCPL but also for other similar grew up in free India bearing the at Kolkata High Court against the industries in India. names of scientists winning decision and have obtained an interim recognition of Western countries, order of stay. This might be considered Let there also be provision for mainly Europe. PC Ray was a as a welcome step but will it be complimentary research into themes notable exception. BCPW has often sufficient to save BCPL from eventual like History of Science, Technology and been described as merely a Swadeshi death? It is hardly any exaggeration that Industry, Social basis of Technology adventure of an idiosyncratic scientist our education and research in science and Industry, Industrialisation in relation and failed to attract necessary and technology today have become to History, Environment and Social sympathy and support. mere parasites thriving on everything Culture etc. - research topics that were alien to the realities in India, particularly initiated by the Acharya himself. It started to show signs of wilting in respect of the needs and aspirations in Independent India; efforts to make of people. And that will possibly be the surest it profitable brought about further way to rejuvenate not only BCPL but decline. Finally, the Central Our precious resources like land, also India. Death is always sad, but Government took it over, rechristened forests, water bodies, mines and coasts death of dreams is dreadful to it as BCPL and a new government are on sale or lease, so are our a nation. Silence in such a situation company emerged. It continued to education, agriculture, health and is to commit suicide and that is a survive with subsidies and capital biodiversity, with active assistance from crime. loans on soft terms only to grow more governments in Delhi and in States. sick. When even ‘Navratnas’ are not spared, can the government be moved by A closer look reveals that the appealing in the name of dreams, popular household products, freedom, self-respect and industrial and agricultural chemicals sustainability? that were the hallmark of BCPW got little support to expand. Emphasis Even in these days of open global was laid on ‘producing’ tablets and market and business, developed capsules of medicines and countries are eager, on the one hand, formulations of wellknown brands. to export dirty industries to greener Marketing was the other area sought countries ready to embrace them and, to be modernised - BCPL joined on the other, are still keen on focusing hands with on-line shoppers and in areas of their strength and maintaining retail chains. Consequently, it was their supremacy and control. Only those the in-house R & D that suffered who are conscious, alert and have self- casualty. esteem can possibly resist the imminent death of BCPL. The net result was that BCPW minus Dreams = BCPL. It was They can join in chorus with workers Price: Rs. 20/- reported that BCPL made a profit of of the company and restrain the spree more than Rs 4 crore in the last of disinvestment and sale/lease for Janata Trust financial year (2016-17) after temporary benefits to the exchequer. D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir prolonged losses over six decades. Bharucha Marg, Wasn’t it a reflection of the Let us assert that BCPL and its lands Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. company’s turnaround, of gaining must not be sold or leased out to R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, August 20, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, August 20, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday August 23, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 31 Talaq, Talaq, Talaq August 27, 2017 Kuldip Nayar To End the Commission The Supreme Court’s judgment is is such that a debate on the subject System harsh and unequivocal. There could is not possible. Even a semblance of Sandeep Pandey be no compromise on the basics of discussion is rejected outright as an the Indian constitution, freedom to interference. The triple talaaq women and men to lead their lives continues to be invoked and the male For a Universalised Public as they wanted. I wish the Muslim dominance remains undiminished. Distribution System community had accepted the bar on Neeraj Jain triple talaq, which goes against the In contrast, the Hindu Personal spirit of the constitution. But it looks Law came into being after the as if the fundamentalists have been intervention of the first Prime My Abduction having their way. Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Bilal Khan It was he who introduced divorce in This was even the case with Shah the Hindu religion for the first time. Bano, a Muslim woman, where the He was strongly opposed by Dr India and North Korean Crisis Supreme Court intervened and fixed Rajendra Prasad, who was the D.K. Giri alimony in 1985 after a long legal chairman of the Constituent battle. The Muslims did not accept Assembly and widely respected. the judgment and argued that the Nehru had his way because he Imagining India courts were not at liberty to interfere controlled the government Visions of Swaraj and the in matters which relate to their machinery. Democratic Journey- III personal law. According to the Anand Kumar Muslim personal law board, the issue Muslims have faced a similar of support to divorced women by challenge for decades. The triple Editor : means of maintenance and mahr is talaaq has no Quranic sanction but it has been there for a long time. G. G. Parikh provided under the Shariat. But the Supreme Court did not accept the Some Muslim women challenged it Managing Editor : Guddi plea and fix the amount for in the Supreme Court which has said maintenance. that gender equality should be D-15, Ganesh Prasad, considered in this regard. The Naushir Bharucha Marg, The triple talaq had no place in a government thought of issuing a Mumbai - 400 007. secular society. Most Muslim questionnaire to find out the countries in the world, including consensus but refrained from doing Email : [email protected] Pakistan and Bangladesh, have so. Website:www.janataweekly.org banned it. But the situation in India 2 JANATA, August 27, 2017

The Muslim Personal Law Board Lok Sabha seats, the Muslim in the Constitution. In fact, it is vehemently opposed this move. community seems to be the king surprising that it has lasted so long Incidentally, it has no woman makers. despite the directive principles to member and continues to dictate have a common civil code. The terms without any consultation with For instance, Samajwadi Party successive governments since women. This has been resented by leader Mulayam Singh Yadav was independence have evaded the the women themselves but the able to garner Muslim votes since question. The Modi government may Muslim Personal Law Board he was respected in the community also do the same. But this is not the continues to follow a policy which who felt alienated from the Congress. solution. The triple talaaq will have doesn’t even entertain the women’s In the recent assembly elections in to go, sooner or later. The Supreme opinion. And thus, the UP, the anti-incumbency factor had Court has indicated how the fundamentalists continue to have come into play and the Chief Minister constitution should be interpreted in their say. was defeated this regard. despite having Azam Khan, then his The question is bound to come up cabinet minister, who was projected The Muslim community is being before Parliament some day as the custodian of Muslims. misled by the fundamentalists. because the different sections of the Unfortunately, the politics has also Muslim community and even others Congress Vice-President Rahul come in. The ruling Bhartiya Janata are agitated over the situation. There Gandhi, indiscreet in his speeches, Party has its eyes on the next general are social boycotts by most Muslim has been trying to get Muslims on election in 2019. Be that as it may women. Muslim men, on the other his side. But he doesn’t sell generally the atmosphere of pluralism should hand, continue to dominate, even among the people and it would not be polluted. The Supreme Court though they grant that the Prophet probably be better for Sonia Gandhi or for that matter any Court would wanted both men and women to be herself to lead the party. There is no have no ground to interfere if the treated as equal. However, when it Italian-tag attached to her any longer. preamble of the constitution is comes to codifying this idea, the And she attracts the crowd in her followed, that is secular and Board doesn’t care. own name more than her son does. democratic policy. This is a challenge for the Congress How can a debate take place which has staked its future with when the Muslim Personal Law Rahul but feels increasingly Board is straightaway opposed to the convinced that he does not go down questionnaire seeking people’s well with the masses. In fact, his Janata Subscription opinion? Women hailing from sister Priyanka Vadra has more of a different parts of the country have popular face than him. protested and demanded that they Annual Rs. : 260/- should be consulted. The Narendra It is a shame that a secular Three Years : 750/- Modi government is reluctant to take democratic country has been living Demand Draft / Cheque any step lest it should be with a practice like triple talaaq misunderstood. Things cannot be left fearing the annoyance of the on at that point. community. Prime Minister Rajiv Mumbai Bank Gandhi bungled by bringing in Parliament should step in first to legislation on stipend for Muslim in favour of debate on the issue in both Houses widows. It unnecessarily fuelled the and then find out how the community, anti-Babri Masjid agitation and JANATA TRUST particularly its women, feel about this during the P.V. Narasimha Rao D-15, Ganesh Prasad, question. Political parties government the mosque was Naushir Bharucha Marg, understandably want to maintain demolished. The rest is history. silence because of electoral Mumbai 400 007 considerations. In many states, In the same way, triple talaaq including Uttar Pradesh which is the cannot continue because it goes largest Hindi-speaking seats with 80 against the grain of what is enshrined JANATA, August 27, 2017 3 To End the Commission System

Sandeep Pandey

Even after the matter of death of people in the Kanwar yatra don’t regimes. 23 children on 10 August, 2017 at make a noise through whatever Medical College instruments they have and don’t The Gorakhpur incident also Hospital had come to light, children dance how will it appear to be a offers a glimpse of what will happen continued to die there. In all 30 Kanwar yatra. Otherwise it may if health care is privatised. The children died over two days 10-11 appear to be a funeral procession. company which held the oxygen August and 60 children died over He said if microphone is to be supply contract simply stopped the five days from 7 to 11 August banned in Kanwar yatra it should supply when payment was not made. indicating that Yogi government had first be banned in all religious places. Private hospitals will not treat the little control over the turn of events. No voice should be audible outside poor because the reason for their a religious place. He asked the existence is profit making. For the Yogi says he has been working officials whether they can enforce poor the only hope is government on the problem of death of children such an order? He further said that hospitals. Therefore more people due to Japanese encephalitis since if they cannot do this, then no ban keep coming to BRD Medical 1996-97 but if there is no would be imposed on anything. He College even after knowing that improvement in the situation then made an appeal to people to shower there is a danger to their child and responsibility must be fixed. flower petals on kanwariyas. they are probably not going to get the best of facilities. After becoming the Chief Minister How can we believe that even he has said on more than one before the headlines about children’s In a democratic country education occasion that he is only a part time death in Gorakhpur have disappeared and health care should remain in the politician. If this is the truth then it is from the newspapers somebody who government sector so that all citizens inexplicable why he chose to become is concerned about children will talk have access to good quality of these the Member of Parliament four times like this on a non-priority issue and services. Privatisation of these in a row. If he thinks he can’t give even that in an aggressive tone. sectors will be an anti-poor stand. full time to his chief minister-ship Even after becoming the CM he is The government should take then he must give up the post. In the keen to represent his religious complete responsibility for these two Indian historical tradition there are identity and wants it to be assertive. sectors and must make effort to not many instances when a monk or He is obviously more worried about make available to people high quality a saint became a ruler. The role of the Kanwariyas than the children. services in them. Even after news monk or saint has usually been that of death of children made national of an advisor to the ruler. Maybe the people who don’t have headlines garbage strewn over floor children and more importantly have in the corridors of the BRD Medical Yogi says that nobody can be more kept themselves aloof from living in College could still be found. What concerned about the children in human relationships should not hold can be a bigger mockery of the Gorakhpur than him. But merely a high executive offices. When they national clean India campaign? statement won’t do unless he is able don’t have children and family how to bring to end the high incidence of will they have empathy for the loss A three member investigation children’s deaths. of children? Only a person who has team from the Central government experienced family life will declared that the deaths of children On the fourth day from the understand the difficulties of life were not caused due to lack of tragedy in Gorakhpur Yogi made a better and will also be in a better oxygen supply. This has been a statement that he cannot stop position to come up with solutions. matter of debate since the very first observance of Janamashtmi in Police That is why problems for common day. Whether the children died due Stations until offering of Namaz on poor and lower middle class people to stoppage in Oxygen supply or not, roads is stopped. He said that until have increased in the Modi-Yogi fact remains that the hospital owed 4 JANATA, August 27, 2017 close to Rs. 70 lakhs to the vendor officials above and below. This Does the Yogi or Modi who was contracted to make the system of commissions is still government have the political will to supply, even though money was flourishing because it finances strike at the roots of corruption in available with the hospital. Clearly it electoral politics. this country? was an issue of commission not having been paid or a higher demand for commission remaining unfulfilled. Remembering Prof. Bhargava

In this country payment and Bharat Dogra receipt of commissions is the primary mode of corruption and the Narendra Modi government, With the recent demise of Prof. that the Bt gene in both cotton and ostensibly committed to end Pushpa M. Bhargava India lost one brinjal leads to inhibition of growth corruption, has not even of its most capable scientists and also and development of the plant. On the acknowledged the existence of this a scientist of the highest integrity. other hand, virtually every paper problem. Along with his very impressive supporting GM crops is by scientists scientific achievements he was who have a declared conflict of Part of the money generated known for his deep commitment to interest or whose credibility and from commissions is ploughed back protecting the interests of people and integrity can be doubted.” environment. This combination made into electoral politics. This is Elsewhere in this article he him particularly suitable for unaccounted or black money. If the commented, “The central understanding the full depth of the practice of commissions is done government departments that have very serious threats posed by away with, it will be the beginning been acting as peddlers of GM Genetically Modified or GM crops of ending of corruption campaign technology-probably in collusion to sustainable farming based and the first visible sign will be clean with MNCs marketing GM seeds - livelihoods, health and environment elections. have shown little respect for law.” as well as overall food sovereignty It is blot on this country that rate and security, particularly in the He further wrote, “It is well- of commission have been set for context of India. With his known that the US would like to every government department, comprehensive understanding of the control food production around the office, scheme, project, etc. If one issue strengthened further by the world by marketing patented GM wants to be the beneficiary of one strong ethical base of the stand taken seeds… The MNCs that sell GM of the many government schemes a by him, he openly and firmly seeds that are protected by prescribed amont of money has to confronted and exposed the intellectual property rights also sell be paid. If some construction is to multinational companies and local agri-chemicals. If we allow such be done, then officials of interests colluding with them in a MNCs to control our seed development authority and anybody very courageous and inspiring way. production, we would simply de facto lose our freedom.” who has to give any approval will A few quotes from his writings in demand their share of cut. Rates are the last years of his life would help In a letter dated July 26 2015 fixed for movement of files from one to make clearer the strong stand addressed to the Prime Minister on table to another in government taken by him on this issue. Writing this issue Prof. Bhargava wrote, “I offices. If somebody has taken a in The HindustanTimes (August have provided to the Genetic government contract then money will 7,2014 ) he wrote, “There are over Engineering Approval Committee a have to be paid to in-charge 500 research publications by list of tests that must be done before government officials. Different scientists of indisputable integrity, a GM crop is approved. However, amounts are fixed for different who have no conflict of interest, that only less than 10 per cent of the tests works, departments, supply of items, establish harmful effects of GM are actually being done before for copying in examinations, people’s crops on human, animal and plant approval of GM crops.” representatives of ruling party and health, and on the environment and We should remember the strong higher level officials. The bribe biodiversity. For example, a recent amount is also shared with colluding stand taken by this eminent scientist paper by Indian scientists showed on this critical issue in his last years. JANATA, August 27, 2017 5 For a Universalised Public Distribution System

Neeraj Jain explicit about it: the government wants to reduce its food subsidy bill, The government is speedily exclude the better-off from so that it can channelise the savings pushing ahead with what is being receiving benefits, resulting in into public investment in called in official circles as the JAM significant savings for the infrastructure.5 In today’s economic 3 trinity. That refers to three things: government. What does the scenario of neoliberal reforms, this vast numbers of no-frills Jan Dhan government plan to do with these means the government wants to bank accounts created under the savings? Does it want to use them transfer these savings as subsidies Prime Minister’s programme; an to increase the cash transfers to the to the private sector for investment identification number for (eventually) poor, or expand the number of poor in infrastructure, through what it calls nearly all Indians; and near-universal to be given this food subsidy? the Public–Private–Partnership mobile telephony. The government’s (PPP) route. Chief Economic Advisor Arvind The main scheme through which Subramanian tells us in the the government distributes food Subsidies to the rich Economic Survey 2016–17 that subsidy to the poor is the National once these are fully adopted, then Food Security Act (NFSA). Under As it is, the government gives welfare services can be delivered to this, the government distributes five huge subsidies to the corporate the poor by a ‘administratively more kilograms of grains (rice/wheat/ houses. The amounts are efficient’ mode—the government millets) per person per month at the mindboggling. To give just three can then transfer cash directly to price of Rs 3/2/1 per kg to 67% of absolutely amazing examples: individual accounts, in place of the country’s population, through the providing goods and services to the public distribution system (PDS). As  In this year’s budget, the 4 people. This will solve the present we have discussed elsewhere, the government has allocated Rs problem with our existing welfare NFSA is a very inadequate Act. The 64,900 crore for the construction schemes, which are ‘riddled with government needs to: (i) significantly of roads and highways—which misallocation, leakages and exclusion expand its coverage, that is, it needs essentially means that this is the of the poor’.1 Explaining the to expand the number of people who amount that is going to be doled philosophy behind the JAM initiative, are eligible for this food subsidy; (ii) out as grants to the private the finance minister stated: ‘the increase the amount of foodgrains corporate sector in the name of question was whether to continue that are to be distributed to every PPP. This is a substantial increase subsidies indefinitely with an person at subsidised rates under this from last year’s allocation of Rs unquantified amount going to an Act, from the 5 kg per person per 52,400 crore (2016–17 RE).6 And unidentified number of people, or month at present to at least 7 kg if yet the government wants to target specific categories of people not more (the Indian Council for reduce food subsidy and further needing them.’2 Medical Research recommends that hike this ‘subsidy’ to private an adult requires 14 kg of foodgrains businesses! Targeting at the poor per month); and (iii) expand the entitlements from only cereals at  During the three years it has been One of these welfare schemes present to include other basic food in power, the Modi Government whose delivery the government necessities such as pulses and edible has given away Rs 16.5 lakh wants to make more ‘efficient’ is food oil which are much required to crore in tax concessions to the subsidy. Subramanian claims that by combat malnutrition. country’s richie rich. These eliminating the ration system, and concessions are in corporate transferring the food subsidies But the government wants to do taxes, custom duties and excise directly to the accounts of the poor none of this with the savings from duties.7 through JAM, the government will improved targeting of food subsidy.  Over the period 2004–16, first the be able to eliminate leakages and Subramanian and Jaitley are very UPA Government and now the 6 JANATA, August 27, 2017

BJP Government have waived This only means that targeting has methodology developed by Praveen loans given to country’s rich to the miserably failed to check leakages. Jha (with the School of Social tune of Rs 2.6 lakh crore. (Of this, This is in fact brought out in a Sciences, JNU) and Nilachala Rs 1 lakh crore has been waived Planning Commission study, which Acharya (research consultant with by the Modi Government during shows that leakages from the PDS Centre for Budget and Governance its first two years in power.)8 doubled after targeting! The PDS Accountability, Delhi); and modify it Additionally they have also was universal in 1993–94 but in accordance with another research restructured loans to the tune of targeted in 2004–05. NSS data for paper by Himanshu and Abhijit Sen, Rs 6 lakh crore9—this is a these years show that for rice and both with the JNU. We update their roundabout way being resorted to wheat together, leakages increased calculations to this year (2017).12 by public sector banks in collusion from 28% in 1993–94 to 54% in with the government to eventually 2004–05. On the other hand, even Even if the PDS is universalised, write-off these loans. after the Central Government Himanshu and Abhijit argue that the introduced targeting, those states maximum all-India proportion of Note that these subsidies (in the such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh households who would choose to buy form of loan write-offs, tax and Chhattisgarh, which did not cereals from it would not exceed concessions, government grants, accept the Central targeting norms, 70%. Let us base our calculations etc.) are being given to some of the continued to provide universal or on a higher percentage, of 75%. richest people in the world. India near-universal PDS coverage, and today boasts of having the fourth also took steps to improve PDS Our exercise is further based on largest number of billionaires in the functioning through various reforms, the following assumptions: world.10 In comparison to these 11 had almost no or very low leakage.  Total number of households at several lakh crore rupees worth of present is 24 crore (approximate); subsidies, the food subsidy bill of the This leads us to exactly the therefore, total number of government is only Rs 1.45 lakh opposite conclusion to that drawn by households accessing the crore (2017–18 BE). This is for Arvind Subramanian and Arun universal PDS would be 18 crore providing bare minimum calories— Jaitley—that to reduce the leakages households. that too, only in the form of cereals— from the PDS, genuinely eliminate to the largest population of hungry hunger, and provide food security to  Provision of distribution of rice or people in the world. And yet the all in an efficient manner, what is wheat under PDS to all government wants to reduce its food needed is not further targeting, but households at 35 kg per month per subsidy bill, and transfer the savings universalisation of PDS. household; to building roads and highways!  Provision of distribution of millets This suggestion would leave many under PDS to all households at 5 Failure of targetting of our leading economists aghast. kg per month per household; They had opposed the country’s Let us now examine the other emaciated NFSA too, claiming that  Distribution of rice and wheat is aspect of the government even that was not affordable. They in the ratio of 2:1; argument—that it wants to target will now exclaim: this suggestion will  Central issue price (CIP) for rice, food subsidy and direct it to those absolutely bankrupt the country, wheat and millets to be same as who really need it, so as to eliminate increase the fiscal deficit to that in the NFSA, at Rs 3/2/1 ‘leakages’. But, the fact of the unsustainable levels, will push us respectively. matter is, ‘targeting’ of food subsidy back to the pre-globalisation decades has been going on since 1997, when of slow growth, blah blah blah. In our calculation, we take the the then government replaced the economic cost (EC) for wheat and Universal Public Distribution System How much will a universal PDS rice as that given in official with the Targeted Public Distribution cost? documents for 2017–18: for wheat, System. Twenty years later, the Let us therefore make an estimate this is Rs 2,409 per quintal, and for finance minister says the leakages of what universalisation of the PDS rice, is Rs 3,264 per quintal; further are continuing, and wants still better is going to cost the country. We base we assume price of millets as Rs targeting! 13 our calculations on a simple 2,400 per quintal. See the Table: JANATA, August 27, 2017 7

Description Units Amount

I. Amount of rice required to be distributed (per annum) Million tons 50.4 at 23.33 kg/month per household II. Amount of wheat required to be distributed (per annum) Million tons 25.2 at 11.67 kg/month per household III. Amount of millets required to be distributed (per annum) Million tons 10.8 at 5 kg/month per household IV. Total foodgrains required to be distributed (I+II+III) Million tons 86.4 V. Total recovery per annum for distribution of rice: I x Rs 3 Rs crore 15,120 VI. Total recovery per annum for distribution of wheat: II x Rs 2 Rs crore 5,040 VII. Total recovery per annum for distribution of millets: III x Re 1 Rs crore 1,080 VIII. Total recovery through CIP: (IV+V+VI) Rs crore 21,240 IX. Total EC for distribution of rice Rs crore 1,64,506 X. Total EC for distribution of wheat Rs crore 60,707 XI. Total EC for distribution of millets Rs crore 25,920 XII. Total EC for distribution of rice, wheat and millets Rs crore 2,51,133 (VII+VIII+IX) XIII. Amount of Food Subsidy required per annum (C – B) Rs crore 2,29,893 XIV. Present budgetary provision for food subsidy (2017–18 BE) Rs crore 1,45,339 XV. Additional Food subsidy required for universalisation Rs crore 84,554 of PDS: (D – E)

Based on these assumptions, the country’s corporate houses and /www.rupe-india.org. total additional food subsidy required uber-rich is very long. 3. See Economic Survey, 2014–15, for universalisation of PDS works out Volume 1, pp. 20–25, http:// to only around Rs 85,000 crore for But for Modi–Jaitley, this indiabudget.nic.in. this year. This is not an unaffordable suggestion of increasing India’s food amount for the Government of India! subsidy bill is simply unthinkable. 4. Neeraj Jain, Education Under Globalisation : Burial of the It has been giving more than Rs 5 The ‘nationalist’ government in Constitutional Dream, Aakar Books, power at the Centre would rather lakh crore as tax concessions to the 2015, Delhi, pp. 261-63. country’s richie rich every year, it have people starve than reduce the has given them more than Rs 8 lakh mindboggling subsidies being given 5. See Economic Survey, 2014–15, crore in the form of loan write-offs to India’s elites... Volume 1, pp. 20–25, http:// and restructurings, it has handed over indiabudget.nic.in. to them control of the country’s 1. Economic Survey, 2016–17, p. 174, 6. Neeraj Jain, “Pandering to Dictates of mineral wealth virtually for free http://indiabudget.nic.in. Global Finance”, Janata, February resulting in losses to the national 19, 2017, http:// 2. “Constructing Theoretical www.janataweekly.org. exchequer to the tune of several Justifications to Suppress People’s lakhs of crores of rupees . . . the list Social Claims”, Aspects of India’s 7. Ibid. of concessions being given to the Economy, No. 62, January 2016, http:/ (Continued on Page 15) 8 JANATA, August 27, 2017

Sandip Das A Socialist Wanderer

When a friend told me Sandip Das Total Revolution accompanied JP used to tell me he would like to invite was no more I was overwhelmed and toured extensively in Bihar and Janata editor G G Parikh to Calcutta with a flood of emotions. The icy West Bengal. The Gandhian traits to show people here who this hand of death took his life on the in Socialist Sandip were becoming socialist legend is! That was not to night of the 19th July and the news evident by that time. To extremely be. was on my monitor the next day. His mobile Sandip Das I put the last rites at a cremation centre I inconvenient question socialism Sandip Das was a bachelor and missed because the place was too carried no meaning without a socialist 79 when the life curtain fell on him. far away and I knew I would not party and why he was not doing He was a philosophy lecturer in make it. The wanderer with distinct meaningful work towards that Howah’s Uluberia College and later political ideals was always smitten direction he brushed that off saying became the visiting lecturer at by the essence of social concerns party life was not for him. It seems Wardha’s Gandhian Instute of Social and the loner that he was, Sandip Das he preferred to remain a wayfarer Sciences. In honour of his holistic did not have the mind or capacity to without caring for set direction. religious views Sandip’s family sit tight as a helpless onlooker. He members held the last performance would be there whetheer his socialist But he was always fondly of the departed soul, but not sradh, comrades are there or not. He had received by his socialist friends, in which texts of Koran, Bible and his affiliations with the PSP, Socialist remnants of the Gandhians and far Gita were read out on the 30th July. Party, of course, and was elected to wider sections of people in this His friends and admirers the West Bengal State Legislature country and Bangladesh because of outnumbered the narrow political as a Janata Party candidate from his simplicity, amiability and distilled circle. It is sad Sandip’s closest the posh Chowringee constituency integrity. A man without foe and full friend Jahanara Begum and her of Kolkata in 1977. Even before that of friends. Even when he was not in close relative Samad were absent Sandip Das committing himself to fullness of his mental strength Sandip because of ailments.

–Mrinal K Biswas Distinguished Gandhian Socialist

The former Legislator of West agitation under the leadership of Honourary Visiting Lecturer in Bengal Assembly, a distinguished Jayaprakash Narayan and helped to Vidyasagar University and the Gandhian and Socialist leader and spread it across West Bengal. Gandhian Institute at Wardha. He lifelong bachelor Prof. Sandip Das During the Emergency he was contributed numerous articles in passed away at 9.50 p.m. on detained under MISA and spent 17 different journals and edited the Wednesday the 19th of July. He was months behind the bars. In the 1977 J.P.Centenary volume. He was one eighty. During the seventies Lok elections he was elected to the West of the editors of the Collected Works Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan sent Bengal Assembly from the of Prof. Amlan Dutta which is due him as his representative to the South Chowringhee constituency. The to be published in five volumes soon. East Asian Socialist Conference.. former Chief Minister of West Bengal Prafulla Chandra Sen He also served in the Editorial He played a notable role in the developed a soft corner and grew Board of Jayasree and came in struggle for the liberation of very affectionate towards him. contact with Deshnetri Leela Roy in Bangladesh in 1971, for which Sheikh 1961 when she was the chairperson Hasina felicitated him in recognition He was a Distinguished Professor of the state Praja Socialist Party. of his contribution. In 1974-75 he of Philosophy, a permanent Lecturer took the plunge in the anti-corruption of Uluberia College and served as –Bejoy JANATA, August 27, 2017 9 My Abduction

Bilal Khan

I, along with four others, reached Medha Patkar. Our demand was to would be in vain, I still tried to tell Bombay Hospital, Indore on August at least allow one attendant with her the cops that I had come in just to 8 to meet Medha Patkar who was if not visitors. The media recorded use the washroom. After a while, the forcefully hospitalised on the 12th our arguments with the police and constable with the lathi went outside. day of her indefinite fast by the started broadcasting the incident. Finally, the cop took his hands off Madhya Pradesh Police. Medha The police were visibly annoyed by me and made me stand to the side. Patkar was fasting to protest against us. I could sense that I was under He called two cops inside who were the illegal submergence of 192 watch in the hospital premises. in civil dress. They were villages and one township in Madhya continuously staring at me. I thought Pradesh by the backwaters of the This suspicion was confirmed as they might thrash me. One of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. I made my way to the washroom. I two left and I was made to sit with entered inside with the permission another on a bench. This cop I work closely with Medha Patkar. from the watchman. A cop suddenly showed me the photographs of other I work with the ‘Ghar Bachao Ghar came from behind and caught hold colleagues of mine which he shot Banao Andolan’ (Save Home-Build of me. He grabbed me with his arm when we were giving bytes to the Home Movement) in Mumbai. Ghar around my neck and held my right media. He started asking for their Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan hand with his other hand as if he was names. After a while a constable (GBGBA) has exposed major scams shaking hands with me. He smiled came inside and informed that the from Adarsh to scams in slum after holding me like this. His smile jeep has arrived. I was made to sit rehabilitation scheme in Golibar gave me the impression that I was in that. undertaken by Shivalik Developers. not in trouble; that he would either Medha Patkar has been the leader ask me to go back to where I had I saw the senior officials saying of this movement. I am also been waiting or perhaps even take something in the ears of those engaged with the Narmada Bachao me to meet Medha (after all, he constables who were to accompany Andolan (NBA) as a part time knew I was associated with her). me to wherever they were going to activist. I was taking part in the take me. I was driven to a faraway indefinite fast protest organised by These thoughts, however, were police station; I couldn’t even see NBA. short lived as he ordered someone the name of the police station. I had to take my phone out of my pocket. become upset by seeing the Some of us decided to visit I didn’t see the point in protesting, highhandedness in picking me up Bombay Hospital, Indore as soon as as I was already encircled by a lot despite being innocent. I had stop we found out where the police had of police. I did not even bother to protesting or reacting and was just taken Medha after forcefully picking see who was taking out my phone observing whatever was happening. her up from Chikhalda - the fasting from my pocket. By now I had I visit Mumbai’s police stations very site. As we reached the hospital, we accepted that I am in real trouble. frequently and deal with topmost realised that no one was allowed to cops with a sense of confidence meet with Medha. It is worth noting The cop took me to a place that while advocating on the side of slum that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh appeared like a lounge. All the visitors dwellers whenever there is a slum Chouhan tweeted that Medha was present in the area were asked to demolition but now all my confidence just hospitalised given her vacate the premises. More cops was gone and I felt betrayed. deteriorating health due to her fast poured into the vacated area. I saw and not arrested. Hence, we got into one constable with a lathi and I My Muslim identity had also argument with the police as they prepared myself for the ensuing added to my nervousness. I was not were restricting entry to meet event. Although I knew my pleas telling them my full name and it is 10 JANATA, August 27, 2017 only after their insistence that I was her upset knowingly. My main worry was coming to Bombay Hospital. He sharing my surname. My politics as was my mother only-how will she asked me stay where I was and that well as my identity makes me feel react to my missing. he would come to pick me up. I said more vulnerable . I would come back on my own One or the other cops would come because I did not want to take the Finally I entered the police station after regular interval and ask for the risk of being caught again by the and immediately asked for three same information again and again - police while waiting for him. I had things: lawyer, water and bathroom. my name and my residence and received several calls from the police First two demands were denied and every time my answer was the same. station to come back. for the third one I was asked to use After almost an hour I could see the the toilet that was there in the lock- change in behaviour of constables, The moment I entered the hospital up. Then the constable who brought they started treating me well. I was I was encircled by a crowd which me from the hospital made me stand given a bottle of mineral water and had come to demand my release. I in front of a duty officer who asked asked for if I wanted food. I took was then immediately mobbed by the my name and address. He asked me the water and thanked them for media asking for my byte. I did not where I had come from and why I asking about food. After a while the receive any further calls from the came. I told him that I was from duty officer called for me and told police station as soon as I started Mumbai and how I am associated me that I would be released after appearing to the media. Every state with Medha Patkar and wanted to their senior comes to police station. news channel started claiming that meet her. He hurled a filthy epithet He also gave me tea. I felt half it was due to the impact of their news at me and asked me to sit in a corner relieved as I still did not trust them that I was released. Soon I received that was stinky and dirty, by taking fully. a call from a politician who asked off my shoes. After a moment he about my wellbeing in order to called me and asked me to deposit By now, I was abducted and had convey that it was due to his all the money I had with me. I took been missing for two hours. Now I influence that I reappeared. out all the cash, counted and gave it thought to ask them of my release to him. Then another officer sitting because the senior police officer did In reality, it was local supporters in another corner asked that duty not seem to be coming. However, Latika and Deepmala who created officer to not deposit the money with the trauma of my abduction had a buzz when I went missing. I had him. I found myself totally made me so upset that I did not want informed Latika when I left for disconnected with the outside world to talk to anybody and let anything washroom in the hospital. I was also without a phone and any access to a happen to me. Injustice had already informed that a sympathetic former lawyer or friend. No one would happened to me. Agitating against it IG of Indore had also intervened to know where I was. I was missing would mean begging for justice. get me released. Probably the quick now. Finally I was called and made to media campaign and the intervention write and sign an apology letter for of some influential persons was the What I was most worried about entering the hospital without reason behind the change of in the police station was my mother. permission. After I signed the letter, behaviour of the cops in the police I was wondering how my mother I was returned my phone and asked station towards me. would react when she would not be to go. able to contact me. She speaks with me on phone every day and I took an auto rickshaw and asked sometime twice a day with one or to get dropped at the Bombay Janata the other excuse just to ensure that hospital - from where I was abducted I am safe. Initially she did not like by the police - thinking that I would my work but later when she realised change the route in case I find any is available at that I was not leaving activism she danger. My concern about danger just asks me to not go in front during was confirmed as soon as I switched any action and warns me about on my phone to talk to the local www.lohiatoday.com possible threats. I always defy her Indore supporters. I called our Indore tactfully. I cannot imagine making supporter and informed him that I JANATA, August 27, 2017 11 India and North Korean Crisis

D.K. Giri

North Korea and United States India’s stake in Korean peninsula to Korean peace. The United States are likely to go to war anytime as is immense. India should be wary of has been carrying out joint military things stand at present. North Korea North Korea. India has a huge trade drills with , and 28,500 has been threatening to bomb Guam, relation with South Korea, the US troops - soldiers, sailors, airmen an American territory in the Pacific. primary stakeholder of North and marines are stationed in South And the US is ready to retaliate Korean nuclearisation and Korea. China has been aiding and heavily. Donald Trump, unlike his aggression. North Korea has aided abetting North Korea’s militarization predecessors in the White House Pakistan’s nuclear process and has as it is alarmed by THAAD – has already blown the bugle for war. supported Pakistan’s position on Terminal High Altitude Area Should North Korea lift a finger at Kashmir. Moreover, North Korea is Defense, a joint-mechanism by USA US, Donald Trump vows to respond the closest ally of China. So, dealing and South Korea. The powerful with “fire and fury” that the world with North Korea alongside South radar installed in it can see far into has never seen before. He warned Korea, Japan and USA is engaging China. However, later, the current that US army is ‘locked and loaded’ with China. India, therefore, needs President Kim Jong-Un went beyond to take on North-Korea. In the last to engage. Recently, the US admiral Chinese control. Beijing joined other few days, the war cry has become a Harry Harris urged India to play its countries in imposing sanctions bit subdued with North Korea putting role; he said, “India’s voice is a loud against North Korea. off its threat on Guam. Also, China, voice, and people pay attention to it”. the mainstay behind North Korea China is in a fix on North Korea. has joined the fray and has urged both The war-like situation developed If there were a war, United States Washington and Pyongyang to in North Korea when it tested two would get instant support of South restrain. North-Korea has heeded ICBMs – Intercontinental Ballistic Korea and Japan and its other allies, Chinese advice, as the former’s Missile, which can carry nuclear and the conflict may spill over to East nuclear-military power is the warheads to strike any part of the China and North China. Therefore, creation of China. Should there be a American territory. Pyongyang although China realizes that US “only war; China has little option other than embarked on nuclearisation with wants to heighten the sanctions and defending North Korea. China has active material support of Beijing in the military threats against so much at stake in North Korea. violation of the restraining Pyongyang” Xi Jinping’s government Out of total trade of North Korea, agreements, mainly the 1992 has banned Pyongyang’s exports of China controls more than 90 percent. Declaration on the Denuclearisation coal, iron ore, and seafood. But is North Korea’s military and nuclear of Korean peninsula, on Beijing willing and able to enforce arsenal is built entirely by China. It reconciliation and non-aggression. these sanctions? Will China is asserted by the Chinese that their Some experts believed that accommodate the American wish to relations with North Korea are as Pyongyang’s nuclear belligerence stop the sale of oil and gas to close as the ‘lips and teeth’. was meant to secure diplomatic Pyongyang, to deny Pyongyang’s concessions from United States. access to Chinese banks, and stop So if China is involved in North Others interpret it as North Korean’s cross-border movement of consumer Korean and US stand-off, can India apprehension of going Iraq and goods? It is very unlikely. be far behind! India and China seem Afghanistan way under US to stalk each other in international aggression, unless they equip to As China is caught in long- arena, and currently, they have a defend themselves. It is no secret standing border dispute with India, face-off at Doklam for last two that US has been on the side of South its major competitor in Asia, China months.Only a couple of days ago, Korea doing brisk business and has may not want to escalate the the Chinese and Indian soldiers came maintained that North Korea’s tensions between North Korea and to blows in the Ladakh Border. nuclear ambitions are not congenial the United States. The aggressive, 12 JANATA, August 27, 2017 unprecedented posturing by Donald using cheap labour with an imposing sanctions against Trump has caught China off-guard. authoritarian, anti-democratic Pyongyang which could cost the In fact, one theory is that Donald political set-up. But it has limited country one billion USD a year. The Trump has turned Doklam tide in diplomatic skills. It can create countries on the firing line are India’s favour by raising heat over conflicts but cannot contain or cautious in their reaction to the North Korea. On Doklam, US and mitigate them. Chinese foreign situation. South Korean President the United Kingdom are more on minister Wang Yi has said that Japan Moon Jae-In, while urging restraint Indian side than on Chinese. and US are itching for a limited on US and North Korea, said, “any According to Lord Meghnad Desai, military conflict in North Korea. The military action on the Korean Prime Minister Modi and President same could be said about China on peninsula can only be decided by Donald Trump are in direct contact South China Sea, Doklam, and other South Korea and no one else”. There over Doklam stand-off. When border areas connecting India. North are mixed feelings in Japan, China President Trump called Modi to Korea provides an opportunity for and Guam. While their governments greet him on Indian Independence India to prove a point to China that are busy preparing for any Day, Prime Minister Modi is said to is cannot go on bullying others with eventuality, the common people are have praised Trump on his handling its economic strength. There are not so perturbed. They seem to be of North Korea. principles, laws, treaties and habituated to the sounds of war- conventions that govern international planes flying over their sky. However, India has been involved in Korean relations. war must be avoided at any cost as peninsula in the past, but has not the costs of war would be too heavy been effective primarily because China says it cannot stop either to bear. China, as the main ally of India is still not a permanent member US or North Korea. It urges an “end North Korea has a lot to lose if at all of the Security Council. Secondly, as to China’s responsibility theory”. But there is a war. Therefore, even if the a non-aligned country, India had the it can indeed restrain North Korea rhetoric reaches the crescendo they support of some Third World as it has militiarised the state in the should force the warring parties to countries, but had not much clout. first place and has great strategic the negotiating table not to war Now, it is perceived as an ally of stake. US, on the other hand has machines. India, in its ‘new United States, Israel, Japan, and been inconsistent in its North Korean international avatar’ could play a role other European countries. So, it policy. During the Presidential in defusing the situation while commands greater attention. China campaign, Donald Trump had securing diplomatic gains for itself has been bullying its neighbours with boasted that he could sort out North and its allies. Is India up to it! its nouveau riche status in the world; Korea over a hamburger with its it has been buying off Indian President. After he became the neighbours by trade, investment and President, he is spewing fire on financial support. As Karl Marx had Pyongyang. At the same time, his Madhu Dandavate suggested, capitalism leads to Secretary of State, Rex Tillersen By imperialism, China is treading says to North Korea, “we are not dangerously that path. What India your enemy, we are not your threat”. B. Vivekanandan needs to do is to engage China along He indicates US willingness to with South Korea, Japan and US on negotiate. But the sabre rattling Price: Rs. 20/- North Korea and make it realize that between Washington and Beijing cannot throw its weight Pyongyang continues. around, flex its economic muscle Janata Trust and exacerbate conflicts between The world is watching anxiously North and South Korea, India and if North Korea and US resort to a D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Pakistan and so on. nuclear war. That will be simply a Naushir Bharucha Marg, catastrophe for the whole world. China’s policies have created war That is why there was a unanimous Grant Road (W), like situations in several conflict position at the UN last month against Mumbai 400 007. zones which may explode anytime. the North Korean dictator Kim Jong- China knew how to make money by Un. Even China joined the rest on JANATA, August 27, 2017 13 Imagining India Visions of Swaraj and the Democratic Journey- III

Anand Kumar

Democracy and Nation-building gravely retarded and even freedom political parties. Otherwise, national in the 1960s will be imperilled.” It was followed unity and solidarity will continue to by a special committee headed by be threatened by fissiparous What were the primary concerns Indira Gandhi which submitted a tendencies which are being directly about India as a nation among the report recommending a national and indirectly fostered and political leaders in the 1960’s after outlook in education and promotion encouraged by anti-national forces several national elections and of opportunities for the minorities in from within and outside the country. increasing disenchantment with the the economic field among other (1969: 93-99) cycle of dominant party democracy? suggestions. Then there was a ‘National integration’,‘fissiparous session of National Integration On the other hand, the left tendencies’, ‘provincialism’, Conference in October, 1961 which ideologue and eminent Communist ‘linguism’, ‘casteism and found it necessary to look into the leader E. M. S. Namboodiripad, in communalism’, ‘centripetal forces’, problems of emotional integration and Problems of National Integration self-reliance’, ‘decentralization’, need of moral and religious (1966), recommended need of ‘development’, and ‘corruption’ instructions. independent stand by the Communist were some of the key words and Party because of the inherent issues of this period. But according to Prof. Balraj weaknesses of the ‘policies pursued Madhok, (a leading ideologue of by the bourgeoisie which accentuate Let us start with a resolution on Bharatiya Jana Sangh), the need of the conflict on questions of language, national integration adopted by Indian Indianization of Muslims and provincial and regional inequality, National Congress in its session at Christians were the major issue of caste, communal and tribal Bhavnagar in January, 1961: national integration. Presenting this discontent.’ His programme included “Democracy, with its widespread thesis on Indian Nationalism (1969), six issues – i. Firm opposition to system of elections, which is vitally Madhok asserted that India is an separatism and support to twin important and which is the very basis ancient nation possessing all the principles of linguistic states and of our Constitution, has also resulted unities, physical as well as cultural, maximum possible autonomy for the in some ways in encouraging certain and not a nation-in-making. states, ii. Replacing English by the disintegrating forces. Under cover of Secondly. Indian, Hindu and regional languages at the state level political and social activities, the old Bharatiya are synonymous words. and Hindi at the centre as official evils of communalism, casteism, They all refer to the nationals of language, iii. Most rapid reduction of provincialism and linguism have India. It is wrong to talk of Hinduism provincial and regional disparities in appeared again in some measure… as a religion in the sense in which development, iv. Protecting the tribal Communalism which has in the past Islam and Christianity are religions. people from the exploitation of done so much injury to the nation is It is Hinduism or Hindutva of a man landlord and capitalist elements from again coming into evidence and which makes him a national of India. the plains, v. Educational concessions taking advantage of the democratic The only way to correct this situation and reservations in government jobs apparatus to undermine this unity to is to make Muslims and other to continue for the ‘lower castes’, encourage reactionary tendencies. separatist groups to realize that and vi. Firm stand on the principle Provincialism and linguism have also separatism will not pay. They must of secularism and fight against injured the cause for which the learn to take pride in India’s past intrusion of religion in the political life Congress stands. Caste, although which is their past as well. (Then he of the country. ( 1966: 92-95) losing its basic force, is beginning to sites examples of the Muslims and function in a new political garb. If their ways in and China). Architect of ‘Congress Hatao– these tendencies are allowed to Finally, Indian nationalism should not Desh Bachao’ (Non-Congressism) flourish, then India’s progress will be mean different things to different and socialist leader Dr.Rammanohar 14 JANATA, August 27, 2017

Lohia presented a different critique comparatively new phenomenon. It rarely belonged to a single political of the crisis of nation-building where is not older than 200 years. Earlier state. Nor is this a peculiarly Indian prominence was given to four areas there were no nations in the modern phenomenon. Elsewhere too such as of policy failures. They were sense of the term. There were in Europe or in the Arab world, language plicy, caste policy, price kingdoms, empires, tribes, unions of cultural unity has coexisted for policy and the challenge of national tribes, city states, but no nations. centuries with political disunity. Our security. The language policy was There are many nations today. But central concern at the present marked by the neglect of the Indian there is no nation in the world that is moment of our history is to ensure languages and continuity of colonial not a mixture of sub-nations. Every that the political unity established by practice of preference to English in nation today is a multi-nation, a multi- the constitution should be made firm administration, legislature, education, national state. Look at Soviet Russia, and enduring. Events have shown and judiciary. There was no move look at China. In Soviet Russia there that even those sections of the towards preferential opportunities are about 76 nations, national people who share India’s ancient for the Backward sections of the minorities. The British nation has at heritage have not hesitated when Indian society to create national least three sub-nations: English, aggrieved, whether rightly or rejuvenation – the women, the Scottish, Welsh. And the British wrongly, to harbour, even proclaim Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Constitution gives to the Scottish and secessionist sentiments. It would be Tribes, the backward castes and the Welsh national minorities certain therefore wrong to think that the task under-privileged sections among the rights and guarantees. Most modern of moulding a modern nation out of Muslims. The national price policy nations are result of violence, some the diverse elements of Indian society was loaded in favour of are voluntary unions.” (Ibid: 357-58) has already been completed by the manufacturing sector and negligent achievements of our savants and of making agriculture profitable. Jayaprakash Narayan found it sages.”(Ibid: 419-20) Finally, there was need to secure the urgent to have clarity of vision of national frontiers with a holistic ‘Save India as a nation with political unity The scenario of 1990s Himalaya’ thrust after the tragedy in the following words at a nation of Tibet in 1959 and the Chinese conference of all political parties and By 1990s, after four decades of aggression of 1962 (Lohia: 1966). eminent scholars at Delhi in 1969 the emergence of the cycle of where he emphasized the following dominant party democracy through Sarvodaya leader and non- (1974): “If the people of India with the hegemony of the Congress party partisan statesman Jayaprakash their many diversities are to become under the charismatic leadership of Narayan was one of the most well- an emotionally united nation able to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru known public intellectuals since the preserve and strengthen their political (leading the Indian government from days of the freedom struggle that unity, they cannot but deliberately 1947 to 1964), there was consistently remained vigilant, and and understandingly choose the ideal manifestation of anxiety about made constructive contributions, of a composite, non-sectarian increasing togetherness of four ‘C’s about the problems of nation-building nationhood and work actively to that in the discourse of democratic power (1972). In his view a) Hindu-Muslim end.” He underlined the need to avoid – i. corruption, ii. criminalization, iii. unity, b) question of the minorities equating between ‘cultural unity’ and casteism and iv. communalization. and communal riots, c) national political unity’ – a problem with the There were the long shadows of the language, d) problem of linguistic Hindu nationalists who insist about Emergency Raj (1975-77) and states, e) the Sikh Problem and India as a Hindu-Rashtra and not a disorientation of democracy due to Punjabi Suba issue, f) Kashmir, and nation-in-making. It is important to populist politics of Indira Gandhi (the g) Nagaland were in need of be able to recognize the challenges prime minister from 1966 to 1984 constructive solutions through of nation-building more clearly: “The with a short interruption of 1977-79). dialogue and deliberations. confusion here is between the They together had caused a dual cultural unity of a people and their phenomenon – awakening of the Addressing at a reception on political unity. Despite the fact that masses with democratic aspirations August 12, 1966 by the Baptist the people of India, from the and institutional erosion in the battle Church Council and Peace Centre Himachal to the Setu, have shared for power. It was not associated with at Kohima, Jayaprakash Narayan for centuries (with local variations) the political culture of India till the said: “The nation-state is a a common cultural heritage they very ‘Sixties. JANATA, August 27, 2017 15

There was alarm about the decline fragmentations of the Janata Party Ram confrontations in of democratic institutions, including (1977-79) and (1989-92) 1992. In socio-economic terms, it the parliamentary system, party and their failures in providing was correlated with new politics of organizations, election process and alternative way of effective and the forces of status quo for increasing use of ‘black money’. orderly democratic governance. ‘suppressing awakening at the There were fears about entering of bottom’ and ‘backlash at the top’. It the criminalized types into the spaces There were signs of nexus was seen as ‘using violence as a created by the erosion of the between communalism and mechanism of both suppressing the dominant party system and its main criminalization as manifested during awakening and of channelizing it in instrument the Congress party. It was the Sikh killings in 1984 after the directions that take away from the compounded by the disorderly assassination of Prime Minister politics of transformation’. functioning and chaotic Indira Gandhi, and Babri Masjid– (To be concluded)

(Continued from Page 7) 9. Dinesh Unnikrishnan, “For State- Social Claims”, Aspects of India’s Run Banks, Delayed Economic Economy, op. cit.; Himanshu, Abhijit 8. We have calculated this from the Recovery Would Mean More Pain Sen, “Why Not a Universal Food following data: (i) Loans written off from Restructured Loans”, December, Security Legislation?”, Economic by public sector banks over the 26 2014, http://www.firstpost.com; and Political Weekly, March 19, period 2004–15 totalled Rs 2.11 lakh “Infrastructure Loans Emerge as 2011, http:// crore (“PSU Banks’ Write-Off of Bad Banks’ Biggest Stress Point”, April www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in. Loans at Rs 1,14,000 Cr in 2013–15: 25, 2014, http://www.livemint.com; 12.Praveen Jha, Nilachala Acharya, RBI”, February 8, 2016, http:// “Restructured Loans Cross Rs.2.27 “Securing Food for All: Is It Really www.domain-b.com.); (ii) PSBs wrote Trillion; Pace Slows”, April 5, 2013, Difûcult to Afford?” Economic & off Rs 49,018 crore in 2014–15, and http://www.livemint.com. they further wrote off NPAs of Rs Political Weekly, January 26, 2013, 56,012 crore during 2015–16, 10.“India Home to 101 Billionaires, http://www.cbgaindia.org; according to Minister of State for Mukesh Ambani Tops List: Forbes”, Himanshu, Abhijit Sen, ibid. March 21, 2017, http:// Finance S.K. Gangwar in a written 13.Economic costs for 2017–18 taken www.thehindubusinessline.com. reply to the Rajya Sabha (“PSU Banks from: Demand for Grants 2017–18 Write Off Rs 1.54 Lakh Crore Bad 11.“Constructing Theoretical Analysis: Food and Public Loans”, December 8, 2016, https:// Justifications to Suppress People’s Distribution, http:// yourstory.com.). www.prsindia.org. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, August 27, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, August 27, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday August 30, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 32 Ugly Side of Godmen September 3, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Nepal PM Visit: Repairing & Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim was a them, too. There are other cases of Rebuilding Relations Bhindranwale in making. He, too, saw castration of male followers in the Dera D. K. Giri to it that nobody dared him. But he which are being pursued. All these turned out to be a paper tiger. When clearly indicate the mindset of the Baba CBI court judge Jagdeep Singh and the connivance of the authorities. pronounced his verdict, the Baba wept Remembering Balraj Puri – There are some similarities between a true patriot openly in the court and implored him Ramachandra Guha not to give severe punishment. His Bhindrawale and Baba Gurmeet Ram followers, too, were reportedly Rahim. If the former was the creation surprised over the manner in which the of the Congress Party, the latter has had Baba capsized. the support of a plethora of parties in The Champaran Crusade the state of Haryana, including the ruling Jawaharlal Jasthi But there is no doubting about the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). The Baba Baba’s vast following. It did not bother may not be a militant like Bhindranwale that he was being punished for raping but his motivation was very clear as he two sadhvis, who were his followers at used political benevolence to further his Imagining India the Dera. It shows how ignorant and own interests. Otherwise, he could not Visions of Swaraj and the gullible can the followers be as they have amassed huge wealth and built as Democratic Journey- IV always looked towards him for many as 132 deras around the world, Anand Kumar leadership and guidance blindly. including in the UK and the US. Bhindranwale, too, had become so powerful because of the vast following The Akalis were gaining upper hand that the government turned a blind eye and slowly eroding the base of the Editor : towards whatever he did. Congress in Punjab after the Akali- G. G. Parikh Janata Party government came to Managing Editor : Guddi Now that the verdict is out with the power in 1977. That was when the quantum of punishment pronounced on Congress under Sanjay Gandhi and Zail D-15, Ganesh Prasad, rape cases, there is a likelihood of more Singh selected and supported Naushir Bharucha Marg, skeletons tumbling out of the Dera Bhindranwale to take on the Akalis. He cupboards. The CBI court is already became so powerful that by the time Mumbai - 400 007. hearing murder charges against the Indira Gandhi realised that a Email : [email protected] Baba and it will be sooner than later Frankenstein had been created and it Website:www.janataweekly.org that the court will give its verdict on was time for him to go, nothing less than 2 JANATA, September 3, 2017 the Indian Army would do to flush him the Z plus security cover the UPA for the loss of 30 lives and damage to out of Akal Takht inside the Golden provided to him in 2007. It was public property? But the BJP leadership Temple complex in Amritsar. palpable how the Baba had become has not done anything to touch chief powerful that the state went weak in minister Khattar because of the backing Before using the tanks the Army the knees when challenged by his he has from the RSS. But then the sought the permission of Mrs Gandhi private army. That the state of Haryana problem in India is how to curb the and woke her up at midnight. Mrs deliberately bungled in imposing godmen and to stop the government Gandhi ended up committing a costly Section 144 before the verdict, sending from supporting them? Maybe, they mistake by sending in the Army into the a cold invitation to murderers, asking provide the vote bank but they do an sanctum sanctorum in June 1984. them to take over. irreparable damage to the polity. Bhindranwale was killed but the anger over Operation Bluestar cost Mrs Apparently, there were intelligence Democracy demands a direct Gandhi her life four months later. reports before the verdict and both the contact between the voter and the states of Punjab and Haryana, including party. The Babas come in the way and Similarly, Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim the Chandigarh Administration, were try to become a parallel authority. When was encouraged by the leaders of the warned of the trouble brewing as the the ballot box is stalled by another force, BJP because it suited the party’s vote Dera followers were gathering in democracy gets weakened. Therefore bank politics. The Baba endorsed the Panchkula and preparing themselves for the godmen have no place in a system BJP in both the 2014 Lok Sabha the show of strength if the verdict went which runs with the consent of the elections and the Haryana assembly against the Baba. Punjab, however, did people. They are only like mahants in elections in the same year. He also safeguard its interests taking all temples. The more they are allowed to supported the saffron party in Punjab necessary measures while Haryana, have say in public affairs, the less there against Captain Amarinder Singh’s despite assuring that they were well would be free expressions. Congress but that was not good enough prepared to meet any situation, failed to make it win. There are rumours that to stop the followers from destroying Religion is a private affair. There are the entire Manohar Lal Khatter’s public property and killing people. Only no problems with the Asarams, cabinet, minus the chief minister, visited after the Punjab and Haryana High Nithyanandas and Ram Rahims as Baba’s Dera Sachcha Souda in Sirsa Court’s order did the Haryana long as they pursue and preach after the swearing-in ceremony to pay government wake up and make spiritual thoughts. The problem arises obeisance to him. preparations to stall any further when they indulge in fraudulent and damage. illegal activity, going to the extent of But it is not as if the other parties committing rapes and murders. What are not complicit. In 2009, the Dera When history repeats itself, it is gives the whole thing an ugly shape is chief extended his support to the basically mocking at our system of not the support of the political parties for Congress which was his return gift for learning any lessons. Who will account their own gains. Janata Subscription Annual Rs. : 260/- Janata

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Demand Draft / Cheque is available at on Mumbai Bank in favour of JANATA TRUST www.lohiatoday.com D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, September 3, 2017 3 Nepal PM Visit: Repairing & Rebuilding Relations

D. K. Giri

The recent visit of Nepalese Prime Deuba’s five-day visit was also trade partner of Nepal. Now, China Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India important as, admittedly, India-Nepal claims to have overtaken it in its trade assumes unusually great significance in relations have become sour after the and investment. India-Nepal relations’ the current scenario. The Doklam enactment of the Constitution on 20 survey reveals: They have historical and stand-off lasting for 74 days between September 2015; and the Madhesis, civilisational links; are connected India and China has just been Nepalese with their origins from Bihar through kinship and culture, both “temporarily” resolved.And and Eastern UP, felt discriminated. They religion and language; Nepal has 1,800 Kathmandu claims to maintain “special led protests in Parliament and on the km of open border with India touching relations” with both countries. streets and these were believed to have five States - Bihar, UP, West Bengal, New Delhi’s tacit support. At one point, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand; there are one India’s strategic concern of being it was said that India had imposed the million Indians living in Nepal and four encircled by China through its economic blockade, causing million-odd Nepalese residing in India; neighbours is most evident in Nepal. considerable strain to Nepal’s the Indian Army has 32,000 Gurkhas When there was the economic economy and society. Though the serving and 126,000 retired blockade of Nepal on Indian borders, Indian government vehemently denied pensioners; after the One rank one with ‘alleged’ support from New Delhi, it saying the blockade was caused by pension scheme Rs 4,000 crore Kathmandu turned to Beijing, which internal conflicts in Nepal, it failed to pension is paid to retired Nepalese. pumped in requisite goods and services. convince the Nepalese. Kathmandu has tangibly turned to Additionally, India is its largest China as it was wary of South Block’s Relations between the two trading partner. The trade between the Nepal policy, especially since it plummeted for a brief period since. two increased from 29 percent to 66 abolished the monarchy and became a There was an anti-India feeling percent. Exports from Nepal increased republic. sweeping across the hills as the people from NR 230 cr to 3713.5 cr in 2013- in the Terai region claimed the support 14. Likewise, Indian exports to Nepal First, it feels India has not been of Government of India. Although, in increased from 1525 cr in 1995-96 to supportive in the difficult transition to recent years there has been ebb in flow 29545.6 cr in 2013-2014. India’s democracy. It was only taking up the of the relationship, the two have had a direct investment in Nepal amounts 40 cause of Madhesis, who were fighting very special relationship since the per cent of its total FDI. In development for equal representation etc under the signing of the Friendship Treaty in assistance, New Delhi has extended new Constitution. Second, New Delhi 1950. Nepal is the only country which Rs300 cr aid to Kathmandu; gives is micro-managing the politics in enjoys borderless access to India and 3,000 scholarships for higher studies; Kathmandu. Third, RSS leadership is Nepalese are treated at par with has given three lines of big credit so far, more interested in Nepal being a Hindu Indians and vice-versa. US$ 100 million in 2006-7, $250 Kingdom than a Secular Republic and million in 2011-12 and $1billion in would like the influence of Monarchy However, with emergence of China 2013-2014. In this visit,both have to be revived and retained which was as a big power in the neighbourhood, inkedeight MOUs of $250 million. apparently conditioned to Nepal’s India’s relations with its neighbours are However, from Kathmandu’s point of Hindu profile. Fourth, Nepal would like being influenced. Nepal is no exception. view it is worried over the persistent to dip its hands into the deep pockets India’s neighbours play the China card trade deficit with India. of China, as India’s Ambassador to whenever they are concerned about the Nepal Deep Kumar Upadhyay said in “overlordship of India, or they seek to There is no gainsaying the fact that an IDSA seminar: “It is China who has gain greater concessions from their big China is trying all means to woo Nepal. the surplus money today and we are brother, India.” It is worried that Deuba chose to make trying, like others, to get some of it in India his first foreign visit. He is also investment etc.” India has been the biggest donor and known to be more India-inclined than 4 JANATA, September 3, 2017 both Khadga Prasad, Sharma Oli, of contradictions, extending help only if it without India and remaining neutral on the Communist Party of Nepal, and is called for, and dealing with Nepal as Doklam. Notably, the Nepalese Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman, a country. It would remain neutral to Ambassador in Delhi kept mum when Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist- the internal contestations on the nature asked whether he expected India to be centre). During the latter two PMs’ of the Constitution, the nature and neutral when Kathmandu is in trouble tenure, Nepal joined the adventurous degree of representation to different or in conflict with another country! one-belt-one-road (OBOR) project of sections of people. India has to be China. And Nepal remains neutral on sensitive to the deep as well as Both India and Nepal have to realise the Doklam stand-off. widespread political divisions across and reaffirm that their relations are more the country. than transactional, covering whole Deuba has to do tight-rope walking gamut of contacts between their people. between India and China. His At this particular time of Nepal’s China is wary of a resurgent India and detractors are watching if he could get painful and fractious democratic is seeking to encircle it, by buying off New Delhi to start some of the big evolution, maintaining unity of its neighbours. New Delhi will have to projects signed. One such being the perspective and opinions is difficult, show it to Beijing that the latter may hydro project, called Mahakali exacerbating the differences is easy. have a military and economic edge over Treatysigned in 1996, in his earlier stint India should do all it can to bring the it at present, but its success in winning as PM, which sadly is yet to take-off. political actors in Nepal together. At the lies in its display of democracy, that is same time, Nepal in its pursuit of national viable and enduring. Kathmandu too New Delhi has also apparently interest should not distance from its long should see that difference, as it struggles shifted its position, which is staying term partner and mentor that India has for past 11 years, since the monarchy, away from Nepal’s internal been. It has done so by joining OBOR to stabilise its nascent democracy.

Letter to The Editor Observations of Parliamentary Panel Crucial For GM Crop Debate On August 25, 2017 the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests submitted its report on Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and Their Impact on Environment. This Committee has 31 Members of Parliament from various political parties including 11 from the BJP. This report has made very strong criticism of the pro-GM lobby bias of government policies and regulations on this issue and is a wake-up call to the government to show more concern for protecting the health, environment and agriculture of the nation. This report will be remembered for long for standing up for the true national interests of the country at a time when these are very badly threatened by the very strong and resourceful lobbyists for GM crops with their reach to the topmost levels of policy making in India. The Parliamentary Panel has regretted that the regulators in India are relying on data made available by the applicants of GM crops. The Panel expressed that this leaves scope for the technology developers to fudge data to suit their own requirements, and regretted that no governmental in-house study has been carried out till date to analyse the impact of GM crops on human health. “This Committee strongly believes that unless the bio-safety and socio-economic desirability taking into consideration long run effects is evaluated by a participatory, independent and transparent process and a retrieval and accountability regime is put in place, no GM crop should be introduced in the country.” Coming more specifically to the current debate on GM Mustard the Committee has stated that in this case there are several unanswered questions. Further the Committee observed, “The Committee has also come to know that many state governments in the country are opposed to its entry even in the form of field trials, let alone commercial cultivation.” The Committee has noted that GM Mustard being an herbicide-tolerant GM organism, the clear evidence on the adverse impacts of such GMOs available from various parts of the world needs to be noted. The environment ministry should examine the impact of GM crops on environment thoroughly.The Committee has regretted that the government has been painting a rosy picture of the performance of Btcotton while the actual facts reveal very disturbing trends related to Bt cotton. –Bharat Dogra, New Delhi JANATA, September 3, 2017 5 Remembering Balraj Puri – a true patriot The Difference Between Patriotism and Jingoism

Ramachandra Guha

I have been thinking a great deal by Islamists in the Valley. patriotism is expressed not in the recently about the difference between Contemporaries carry vivid memories continuous vilification of some other patriotism and jingoism. The of Puri, then well into his sixties, moving country, but in words and actions aimed provocation - or inspiration rather - was around his home town on a battered at making our own country more a visit to Jammu to speak in memory of old scooter, seeking to calm tempers tolerant, more prosperous, less Balraj Puri - writer, social reformer and and prevent anger being converted into unhappy, and less conflict-ridden. For political activist - who embodied Indian violence. perhaps the most important form of democracy at its best. patriotism is that which seeks to give In a state riven by suspicion and dignity to oppressed groups such as There are a great many hyper- discord, Balraj Puri was trusted in all Dalits and women while simultaneously patriots active in India today who spend regions and by all communities. When seeking to promote tolerance and their days and nights abusing either he died in August 2014, one obituarist mutual respect among citizens Pakistan or China, and, sometimes, wrote that “Jammu has lost the otherwise divided by language, caste both. Balraj Puri expressed his love for champion of its regional identity, or religion. his country in an altogether different Kashmir has lost a crusader for manner. Over the course of a long life, democracy and human rights, the State Unlike the hyper-ventilating hyper- he fought for independence from the as a whole has lost a peace activist, and patriots of the present time, Balraj Puri British, for freedom from the autocratic the nation has lost a liberal and was not consumed by the desire to rule of the Kashmir maharaja, for the progressive voice.” Another compared make India more powerful than its human rights of Kashmiris and for Puri to India’s second prime minister, neighbours. Rather, he wanted to make regional autonomy for Jammu and Lal Bahadur Shastri; both men whose India itself a better and safer place for Ladakh as well. small and slight frame “concealed a its citizens. That was the first lesson of human dynamo with boundless energy Puri’s life. A second lesson is that there Balraj Puri’s life as an Indian patriot for all constructive causes...” is no one singular patriotism; rather, started early, at the age of 14, when he there are multiple and overlapping started an Urdu weekly inspired by the A large crowd of mourners forms of patriotism. Quit India movement. He was an active accompanied Balraj Puri’s body to the journalist for many decades thereafter, crematorium in Jammu. Among them There is a famous saying, ‘Charity and also wrote many books in English, was an elderly man crying loudly while begins at home.’ Patriotism also begins among them an important study of muttering, ‘This person was not up for at home. Balraj Puri loved his town and Indian Muslims, an analysis of the sale,’ ‘This person was not up for sale.’ his district, but he loved his state and complicated relations between Jammu Puri’s family and friends had never his country too. He was a Jammu city province and the Kashmir Valley, and before seen this grieving Jammu-ite, patriot, a Jammu province patriot, a an authoritative analysis of the origins whose spontaneous tribute was as Jammu and Kashmir patriot and an of the insurgency in Kashmir. moving, and as just, as any offered later Indian patriot - all at the same time. He in print. demonstrated by example that love for Balraj Puri was admired for his your locality and for your province writings, and for his probity and Within Jammu and Kashmir, Balraj could be perfectly consistent with love personal courage. In the 1980s and Puri remains a greatly respected figure. for your country. 1990s, Jammu was prone to bouts of However, outside his home state, his communal violence, provoked on the work remains less known than it should Notably, Balraj Puri devoted a great one side by Hindu militants of the Ram be. That is a pity. For now, more than deal of energy to promoting peace and Janmabhoomi movement and on the ever, India needs patriots like Balraj self-respect in the neighbouring state of other by the persecution of the Pandits Puri. It needs men and women whose Punjab. Among the half-a-dozen 6 JANATA, September 3, 2017 languages he himself spoke fluently was publicity, the less time you can actually Puri’s life that I would like to recall. Punjabi. He urged the Hindus of Punjab devote to social reform or constructive Seventy years after Independence, India to honour the mother tongue they work. remains a deeply divided society, this shared with the Sikhs, rather than divisiveness stoked and encouraged by succumb to sanghparivar chauvinists Balraj Puri was a patriot, not a power-obsessed politicians and by a who wanted them to promote Hindi jingoist. Making his own country a TRP-obsessed media. In this instead. At the same time, he better place was far more important to atmosphere, one of the hardest jobs in unequivocally opposed Jarnail Singh him than demonizing other countries. He India is reconciliation. But also perhaps Bhindranwale and his band of gun- recognized that patriotism begins at one of the most necessary. For India toting Sikh extremists. He was one of home, with the place one is in, yet also can stay united and democratic only the first from outside the state to visit understood that one must have a wider when respect and recognition replace Punjab after Operation Bluestar, view of how one’s locality related to suspicion and animosity in relations speaking out against violence and in one’s state and one’s nation. In among castes, regions, languages and favour of reconciliation. presenting his views, he never resorted religions. This reconciliation is what to violence, not even to violence in Balraj Puri strove for all his life, Some would like to reduce language. And he worked out of passion admirably following in the footsteps of patriotism to the worshipping of and conviction, not for honour or that other great patriot and reconciler, symbols. However, offering puja to the reward. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. tirangajhanda ten times a day may or may not make you a better patriot. A There is one last aspect of Balraj Courtesy: The Telegraph more lasting, more constructive, form of patriotism is to endeavour to make your locality, your town, your district, The Champaran Crusade your province and country a more tolerant, inclusive and democratic place. Jawaharlal Jasthi

Balraj Puri’s own patriotism was th substantive rather than symbolic. He did On 14 August, 2017 a significant Autobiography of Gandhi wherein he not exhibit his love for the motherland event took place in Hyderabad. A small explains how he was drawn into the by shouting ‘ Mera Bharat Mahan’ book in Telugu titled A GREAT troubles of the innocent farmers. How every now and then, interspersing this HISTORICAL MOVEMENT – he was discriminated against initially due with shouts of ‘Pakistan murdabad’. CHAMPARAN RIGHTEOUS to caste apprehensions, but accepted Rather, in how he behaved, what he CRUSADE was released by Sri Nayani and honoured later. He was wrote, and what he struggled about, he Narasimhareddy, the Home Minister of magnanimous enough to understand the tried to make our country more worthy the state of . Sri P influence of the traditions prevailing then of the ideals of the Indian Constitution Janardanreddy presided over the and did not complain. His method was by promoting respect, honour, dignity, meeting. It is significant as it marks the first to acquaint himself of the problem equality and justice in everyday life. centenary of the Champaran movement by direct contact with the indigo farmers led by Gandhi. It was the movement to and then infuse confidence in them to Balraj Puri was admirable and free the farmers of Champaran in Bihar stand united against the government to exemplary, but not, of course, unique. from the suffocating grip of the colonial get out of their predicament. It was no There are many such patriots active in authorities. doubt difficult to make them understand our land, who promote the values of that they could resist the onslaught of the Constitution while working in village, It is no doubt a small book containing the colonial power in a non-violent way town, district, state or country. Some translations of articles by Tushar Gandhi, without incurring the wrath of the of these patriots are written about Irfan Habeeb and J B Kripalani. inhuman power. occasionally in the press. Others remain Particularly Kripalani happened to be unknown. Not that they mind. For himself a partner in the great movement Gandhi knows he has to defy the publicity, or at least an excess of it, can and explained the troubles and travails law if he wants to save the farmers and be antithetical to true patriotism and of Gandhi in organising and conducting it will necessarily attract violent nation-building. The more you crave the movement. Added to that is a part of punishment from the government. He JANATA, September 3, 2017 7 has to be careful not to provoke the the Marxist intellectual Irfan Habeeb society. Neighbours used to share the government to the extent of deploying paid a glowing tribute to Gandhi for what burden of each other. But now in the their forces. He was tactical to he did in Champaran and the manner in name of progress the society is respond humbly to the dictates of the which he did it. It was almost a lesson atomized and farmers feel helpless in authorities. When he was asked to on how to organize a mass movement, time of trouble. Suicides have leave the state he said politely that he the breathe of Marxists. Irfan referred become the order of the day. came to help the innocent farmers and to the way in which Gandhi reacted to would leave immediately after their the dictates of the colonial authorities Mr K Pratap Reddy, a senior problems were solved. The and finally made them support his advocate, emphasised the relevance government was forced to take note of activities. Irfan was particularly of Gandhian principles at the present the problems of the farmers and realise appreciative of the manner in which juncture to solve the problems. The the justice in the demands of the Gandhi earned the confidence of the path shown by Gandhi is valid even movement. By showing his willingness people who were strangers when he 70 years after his death, he said. to undergo the punishment for his approached them. As Marxist, he might defiance, he introduced an element of not agree to all Gandhi did. But he had Prof G R S Rao explained the ethics into his movement. It was the the intellectual honesty to appreciate social significance of the movement first time that Gandhi had to run a what Gandhi did as a pragmatist started by Gandhi and its impact on movement of farmers in India after revolutionary, because what he did was the various aspects in development. coming from South Africa. While nothing less than a revolution in He also emphasized the way the dealing with the innocent and fearing Champaran. Perhaps, Irfan Habeeb felt movement was conducted which gave farmers on one side and the inhuman that was what a Marxist should have results without much of violence. He colonial power on the other, Gandhi done in that situation. Such an intellectual lamented that the leaders now are could find a way to success in a non- honesty is a scarcity in our present day wary of going to the level of the violent method. That was a big relief politics. To what party he belongs is not people to understand their problems and he decided to apply the same relevant. but they want to leadthem. They method throughout the fight for naturally fail to get dedicated freedom for the entire country. It was In spite of the significance of this followers. There will be no mass as if Champaran was a training ground movement in the history and economy movements. for Gandhi to become a leader of the of the country, it is a pity that the present freedom movement and succeed generation is not aware of it. The present The book is compiled by Sri P without violence. In fact non-violent work brings to the notice of the young Janardan Reddy, ex-MLA and the resistance is considered the most generation not only the historical doyen of socialist movement in this part significant contribution of Gandhi. The importance but also the relevance of of the country. He was assisted by Sri foundation for it was laid in Gandhian principles to the present Ravela Somayya in compilation and in Champaran. That is the significance of society. As stated by Sudhir Chandra at organizing the function successfully. The that movement.Encouraged by that the end, remembering Champaran translation from English was done by example agricultural movements took amounts to remembering Gandhi Mr “Gourav”, an established writer in place later in other parts of the country. himself. Telugu, who is eager to propagate progressive ideas, without bearing any MrTushar Gandhi, the great While releasing the book, the “ism” on his sleeves. The translations grandson of the Mahatma pleaded that Hon’ble minister referred to the run smoothly bringing out the flow and the Champaran Movement shall not be present conditions of farmers and cohesion in the original essays. considered as confined to the indigo took the opportunity to explain the farmers of Champaran alone. Rather, various schemes of his government to The book is published by the it has to be seen as an attempt to ameliorate the conditions of farmers. Hyderabad Writers, Printers and encourage and empower the weaker The pity is that the conditions of Publishers Cooperative Society. There sections and helpless farmers. It was farmers are the same as were in is dearth of non-fiction books in Telugu an effort to organise them to achieve Champaran a century ago. The and the publishers are filling that vacuum and enjoy freedom. troubles of farmers are the same. But now. We can expect more books like the social situation has worsened. this from them and enrich the Telugu Of more significance is the fact that Earlier there was cohesion in the literature. 8 JANATA, September 3, 2017 Needless Controversy about the Battle of Haldighati

Bharat Dogra

It is both sad and surprising that an Haldighati the brave resistance revolt he sent armies led by Mansingh entirely needless controversy is being offered by Maharana Pratap was led and Todarmal! So to call these whipped up in Rajasthan to somehow to a considerable extent by his brave medieval battles Hindu-Muslim show that Rana Pratap won the battle commander Hakim Khan Sur (or battles is absolute junk. of Haldighati and then somehow get Suri) and his Muslim soldiers. This this included in text books. This is aspect that Maharana Pratap was Another neglected aspect of Rana really surprising because history is greatly helped by Muslim soldiers is Pratap’s role is the respect he gave supposed to have moved beyond often deliberately suppressed, even to adivasis. As a result during his battle wining kings and warriors a long though people of Mewar still years of exile the adivasis became his time back, but it is clear that some remember the great courage of Hakim most trusted soldiers. They were also people despite their long experience Khan Sur and his soldiers with great most capable of handling guerilla and despite occupying senior respect and a memorial has also been warfare type tactics needed by positions are not aware of this. What erected to pay respect to Hakim Pratap during his years of exile in is even more worrying that Khan Sur. forests and hills. So the great thing sometimes this kind of narrow about Rana Pratap is that he could thinking is only a precursor to later Side by side another related fact build a wider unity of Hindus, giving a dangerous communal twist to that has been suppressed is that Muslims and Adivasis as he believed the entire issue. In such efforts Pratap had good relations with in respect for all communities. This describing the virtues of Rana is Muslim rulers like Taj Khan of Jalaur. was the real strength of his great necessarily accompanied by He had given jagirs to Sindhi struggles. unwarranted criticisms of Akbar. Muslims. He extended Why should not admirers of Rana encouragement to Muslim artists who Pratap concentrate on the very real achieved a lot of accomplishments courage and other virtues of the Rana during his rule. while avoiding needless downgrading of Akbar whose several memorable What is most important is to achievements have been well remember that while Hakim Khan Sur documented by historians. was a main commander of Maharana Pratap in the famous battle of Maharana Pratap is one of the Haldighati, Akbar’s forces were led most courageous heroes of India’s by Raja Mansingh, a highly respected history. Pratap defended his much Hindu general of Akbar who was time smaller kingdom of Mewar very and again given the most crucial bravely against the much more responsibilities by him. Thus there powerful forces sent by Akbar, the is absolutely no justification for calling great Mughal emperor in the famous this a fight between Hindus and battle of Haldighati. Later he Muslims, even though such distortions continued his struggles from forests have been repeated time and again. and hills with guerilla warfare type tactics, and by the time of his death It may also be noted here that he was able to reclaim some of his Akbar’s rule was identified mainly territory and forts. with policies of social harmony and unity of all religions. Due to this he However we should at the same faced anger of Muslim religious time remember that in the battle of fundamentalists and to suppress this JANATA, September 3, 2017 9 Imagining India Visions of Swaraj and the Democratic Journey- IV

Anand Kumar

a.Black Money and Corruption: or to violation of laws, which then phenomenon of state losing its grip and Black money is result of all that income result in a large expansion of law and emergence of ‘parallel authority of a generated through illegal activities and order and enforcement and intelligence nexus of criminals-police and corruption is abuse of public authority apparatus, all of which is unproductive politicians’ in some significant states for private gains. It is said that the two employment. The result is a waste of including the National Capital Region are like twins in the Indian political the nation’s resources akin to digging (NCR) (1993) and became more and economy inherited from the British Raj. holes and filling holes – there is activity more explicit in the electoral system and They are patronized and promoted by without productivity. The economic government machinery with the passage unholy alliance of dishonest potential of the country declines when of time. First the report has narrated businessmen, powerful politicians, and investment goes into unproductive the context of the emergence of the bureaucrats at senior posts in the channels, such as holding gold, crime syndicate and Mafia in small government system. Economists tell us speculating in real estate, or if capital towns, port cities and the bigger cities. that the size of black economy is a is spirited out of the country. All these Then it has cited patterns of crime- measure of illegality prevailing in the activities are associated with black politics nexus with eye-opening economy and it has been growing economy and the absolute size of the examples. According to the Vohra rapidly in the Indian economy in the black economy in 2010 was estimated Committee Report, “3.2: An organized recent decades. The figure of 50 per to be around Rs. 50 lakh crore. No crime Syndicate/Mafia generally cent of GDP is one of the lowest aspect of the citizen’s lives is commences its activities by indulging in estimates available from experts who untouched by the black economy and petty crime at the local level, mostly may be considered conservative. It is no sector is clean. These black relating to illicit distillation/gambling/ asserted that the failure of India’s public incomes are concentrated in the hands organized Satta and prostitution in the institutions to keep pace with the of 3 per cent of the population. They larger towns. In port towns, their dramatic political, economic, and social are also elite of our society who are activities involve smuggling and sale of transformations under way has led to able to influence the opinion makers imported goods and progressively severe gap in governance. The end and policy makers. What is the way graduate to narcotics and drug result of this disjuncture has been a out? Right to information to introduce trafficking. In the bigger cities, the main proliferation of grand corruption – a transparency in governance, electoral source of income relates to real estate malaise made up of a diverse array of reforms and audit of party accounts, – forcibly occupying lands/buildings, regulatory, extractive, and political rent- judicial reforms for accountability, procuring such properties at cheap rates seeking activities.(Vaishnav: 2017, 25- business watch dogs and tax reforms, by forcing out the existing occupants/ 69) and political will are needed to act tenants, etc. Over time, the money together to bring dynamism in power thus acquired is used for building Arun Kumar points out that some economy and institutional health in the up contacts with bureaucrats and argue that black economy is not a polity of the 21st century India. (Ibid: politicians and expansion of activities problem since it exists in all nations or 2013, 417 – 457) with impunity. The money power is used that it recycles incomes within the to develop a network of muscle-power country and generate employment. b. Criminalization of Politics: The which is also used by the politicians But, in reality, the black economy is realities of crime-politics nexus entered during elections.” the single biggest cause of most of the into public discourse with the macro and micro problems confronted observations of N. N. Vohra It is followed by details of the by the economy since 1970s. While it Committee Report. It can be called ‘the growing inter-dependence between the generates some employment, a large pathologist’s report’ about power and crime-Syndicates and bureaucrats, part of it is related to criminal activities governance. It underlined the politicians and police on the basis the 10 JANATA, September 3, 2017 information from Central Bureau of circulation of Black money and out of the Vohra Committee Report in Investigation and other intelligence operations of vicious parallel economy 1993 by an ‘insider’ (a former Cabinet services. According to the Report causing serious damage to the Secretary of the Government of India (1993), “6.2: Like the Director, CBI, economic fibre of the country. The who had also been the Chief Secretary the IDB has also stated that there has Syndicates have acquired substantial of Uttar Pradesh), and a comparative been a rapid spread and growth of financial and muscle-power and social picture of crime-politics nexus from the criminal gangs, armed Senas, drug respectability and have successfully top of the Indian parliamentary order – Mafias, smuggling gangs, and economic corrupted the government machinery at the characteristics of the members of lobbies in the country, which have, over all the levels and wield enough Lok Sabha who got elected by the voters the years, developed an extensive influences to make the task of in 2009 and 2014 on the basis of a network of contacts with the investigating and prosecuting agencies research report of a non-partisan body bureaucrats/government functionaries extremely difficult. Even the members of concerned citizens. According to T. at the local levels, politicians, media of the judicial system have not escaped S. R. Subramanian in ‘Journeys through persons and strategically located the embrace of the Mafia.” Babudom and Netaland (2004), “The individuals in the non-state sector. Some bottom third of our population is invisible of these Syndicates also have “6.2.iii. Certain elements of the when the curtains are drawn, counted international linkages including the Mafia have shifted to narcotics, drugs out in all calculations: it does not exist in foreign intelligence agencies.” and weapon smuggling and established India for all practical purposes. All the narco-terrorism networks, especially in policy initiatives and development Then this pathological report the states of Jammu & Kashmir, actions are taken by the top half of the provides some glaring examples of Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The population, for their own benefit; and all degeneration of the political elite, cost of contesting elections has thrown the moves are driven by the group governance system, economic and the politicians into lap of these elements interests of the major players: the financial spheres, preventive and and led to a grave compromise by politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen, detective systems, and the Indian officials of preventive/detective professionals, and the judiciary. There electoral process as the following: systems. The virus has spread to is an unspoken conspiracy that India almost all the centres in the country; belongs to the ruling class, with the “In this context the IDB has given the coastal and border states have middle classes being the beneficiaries the following examples: 6.2.i. In certain been particularly affected.” of the leftovers. And the poorest one- states like Bihar, Haryana and U.P., third left behind. This is the post- these gangs enjoy the patronage of local “6.2.iv. The Bombay bomb blast Independence Dharma of India.” (Ibid: level politicians, cutting across party case and the communal riots in Surat Preface) Subramanian argues further lines and the protection of governmental and Ahmedabad have demonstrated that “If an explanation must be found for functionaries. Some political leaders how the Indian underworld has been the present rot, it can be argued that the become leaders of these gangs/Armed exploited by the Pak ISI and latter’s success and efficiency of the British Senas and, over the years, get network in UAE (United Arab system of administration was in the themselves elected to local bodies, state Emirate) to cause sabotage, subversion context of a colonial state and a subject assemblies, and the national parliament. and communal tensions in various parts people, outside the democratic Resultantly, such elements have of the country. The investigation into the framework. Our society had its acquired considerable political clout Bombay blast cases has revealed the primordial loyalties to the family, caste, seriously jeopardizing the smooth extensive linkages of the underworld in clan or faith and furthermore, the ground functioning of the administration and the the various governmental agencies, reality was that of a deeply hierarchical safety of life and property of common political circles, business sector and the society with skewed distribution of man, causing a sense of despair and film world.” wealth and privileges. This was an alienation among the people.” inheritance from many centuries. The c. Indian Political Class after the kinds of checks and balances and “6.2.ii. The big smuggling Vohra Committee Report: It is accountability needed to anchor a Syndicates, having international relevant to check if there was any change modern administration within a linkages, have spread into and infected in the state of affairs during the years democratic framework were just not in the various economic and financial after this report? We have a reflective place after independence. So, in this activities, including Havala transactions, assessment after 10 years of the coming view, the developments in the fifty-five JANATA, September 3, 2017 11 years since Independence are simply d. Nepotism and dynastic Party of India (Marxist) (25%), Janata an inevitable unfolding of an inherent democracy: Nepotism (‘Parivarwad’ Dal(United) (20%) and Bharatiya structural weakness. But such analysis in Hindi) in Indian party system and Janata party (19%). On the other hand can become an endless and arid zone of political processes is a growing there were two parties without a single debate, secondary to the sheer concern of political sociologists. It is hereditary M.P.s – All India Anna immediacy of the quiet drama that is also termed as ‘Family politics’ Dravid Munetra Kazhgan (0 out of 9 being executed in India.”(2004: (French, 2011) or ‘democratic M.P.s) and Telugu Desam Party (0 out Preface) dynasties’ (Chandra, 2016). It has of M.P.s). been another grave issue in the political Two decades after the Vohra culture of the second cycle of Indian In regional terms, family politics Committee Report (1993) and a democratic nation-building since 1977. appeared to be strongest in the north decade after the Subramanian It has been expanding in the 1990s as Indian states from Jammu and reflections (2004), the situation has a major phenomenon causing grave Kashmir and Punjab to Haryana, become more disappointing according crisis in the deepening of democracy Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and to the study of Association for through the multi-party system. Like Bihar. The tendency to turn politics Democratic Reforms (ADR). It has the menace of criminalization of into a family business was being found that there were 158 or 30 per politics, nepotism or dynastic emulated at state level, with cent of total Lok Sabha members democracy has contributed towards legislatures nominating children and elected in 2009 with criminal charges growth of ‘neo-feudal’ layer which has spouses. It was found that there was pending against them. At least 77 new the potential of neutralizing the concentration of ‘hyper-hereditary’ M.P.s, or 15 per cent, had serious dividends of expanding of social base M.P.s in four states– Uttar Pradesh, criminal charges like murder, and opening of new spaces for the, so Andhra, Punjab and Haryana. kidnapping and loot. In economic far, under-represented in the domains terms, 300, or 58 per cent reported to of democratic governance. It may be relevant to ask if the be multi-millionaires (‘Crorepati’). Indian parliament is increasingly There were 57 women members (11 According to an analysis of the changing from Lok Sabha to ‘Vansh per cent) in the Lok Sabha of 2009– members of the fifteenth Lok Sabha Sabha’ – from peoples’ house to house 2014. In the elections of 2014, the (2009-2014) (Patrick French: 2011), of dynasties. Is this the expected result number of M.P.s with criminal charges 28.6 per cent of M.P.s had a hereditary of the efforts of Indian Constituent increased to 185, or 34 per cent, connection. Every M.P. under thirty Assembly which was led by Nehru, including 112, or 21 per cent, with years of age had inherited a seat through Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Kripalani, serious criminal charges. There were 2 ‘family connection’. It was Sarojini Naidu, Ambedkar, and with charge of crime against women, disappointing that nearly 70 per cent Maulana Azad, among others, to 10 with murder charges, and 16 with of women were with hereditary link. At make it sure that heredity and dynasty charges of involvement in acts of the same time there were exceptions were knocked aside as a criterion for communal disharmony. The number of of effective leaders like , rule? (French: 2011, 91-123) multi-millionaire members Jayalalitha and Mamta Banerjee who (‘Crorepati’) has increased to 443 or were self-made women leaders. In e.‘Casteism’ after decades of 82 per cent while the number of party terms, the Rashtriya Lok Dal democratization: If caste and religion women members remained 62, or 11 ranked first with 5 out of 5 M.P.s with were considered as two major hurdles per cent. In terms of the educational hereditary links. The second was before the leaders of the Indian national qualifications, 126 M.P.s (23%) Nationalist Congress Party with 7 out movement for independence, these two reported to have education up to of 9 hereditary M.P.s. The Biju Janata social institutions were found to be two Standard 10+2 or less and 495 (75%) Dal was the third with 6 out of 14, the major puzzles in the discourse of had studied till Graduation or above. Indian National Congress fourth with democratic nation-building. As the The age profile of 2014–19 Lok 78 out of 208. There were a number Indian Constitution provided a three Sabha included 207 (37%) members of regional parties with in-between layered frame for the democratic re- between 25–50 years, 298 (55%) ranking from 33 per cent to 19 per cent construction of the Indian polity in the members between 50 and 70 years like Bahujan Samaj Party (33%), post-colonial era, there was significance and 41 ( 8%) members above 70 Dravida Munetra Kazhgam (33%), of the local, including the dominant years of age.(2014) Samajwadi Party (27%), Communist castes, in conjunction with the 12 JANATA, September 3, 2017 provincial and the national levels of to induct the local and marginal as argues that citizenship-building has power configurations, institutions and partners in governance. Unlike their been a product of history and the elites. The substantialization of caste tragic European counterparts during the Constitution. It was promoted by contributed by the Census of India period of the transition to industrial spread of science, technology, business, between 1881 and 1831 was furthered society, these vulnerable social groups enterprises and voluntary action. But through constitutionally sanctioned and local level of politics acquired a new the Indian democracy has survived not corporate identities like the Other lease of life.”(2001, 106) by adhering strictly to the ideal of a Backward Classes and the Scheduled constitutional democracy but by moving Castes. There was a wave of social Susan Bayly (1999) has remarked away from it towards a more populist change since independence due to that, “Despite the fact that the ideas form. He argues that such a setting has ‘enhanced’ togetherness of a) new about the power and reality of caste simultaneously weakened and education, b) new associations, and c) pollution and untouchability are so strengthened the caste system in the new occupations which had already widely shared in Indian society, ‘caste post-Independence decades (See: originated since the last decades of the society’ should not be seen as static, Table 2). How? There has been 19th century. It was different from the unchanging and harmonious. Quite the togetherness of two patterns of trajectories of the Western democratic contrary: without subscribing to a representation of India as a society – nation-states. According to Subrat simplistic idea of India as a domain of 1. India as a society of castes and Mitra, “The contrast of the Indian case universal high-caste oppression and communities, and 2.A nation of citizens. with stable Western democracies could ‘Dalit resistance’, one can see that in (2012: Ch. 6) not be more striking. In the West, the the India of 1990s a significant local, the minority, and the poor were proportion of regional and pan-Indian Performance of Indians as nation- violently cleansed prior to the economic and social conflict has come builders and democratic citizens introduction of modern, democratic to be bound up with claims of caste- institutions (Moore 1966; Tilly 1975; based solidarity and moral But how has been the performance Gilmour 1992).India at independence mandate.(Ibid: 340-41) of the Indians from the perspective of faced a different and difficult scenario. establishing a representative democracy The constitutional guarantee of the right Recognizing the role of open and and building a post-colonial nation? to participation, the judiciary and other secular bodies in Indian nation-building What is the proportion of representation watchdog institutions protecting like the universities, legal and medical and participation at the levels of local, citizens’ rights, and competitive politics professions, new civic bodies like the provincial and national processes and enjoined upon the national leadership Indian National Congress, Beteille institutions of democracy? How far it is

Table 2 –Changes in the Caste System since Independence

Weakening of Castes Strengthening of Castes

Purity and Pollution Caste identity consciousness

Food and water exchange Democratic politics

Agriculture and ritual cycles Reservations system

Link between caste and occupations Caste associations

Educational barriers Social capital

Individual mobility Socio-cultural traditions

Rules of marriage Social justice JANATA, September 3, 2017 13 growing as a consociational and how Fig. 6). ebb of European empire after the end much of it appears to be a majoritarian of the Second World War…..Rather democracy? (See: Fig. 6) What are the First, the perspective of Khilanani more expansively, the period of characteristics of India as a post-colonial who has summarized the overall Indian history since 1947 might be nation after half a century of process of evolution of the seen as the adventure of a political constitutional reconstructions and democratic Indian nation-state, with idea: democracy. From this consequential reforms to promote triple a comparative view, in the following perspective, the history of justice based unity and fraternity among words: “(T)he history of independent independent India appears as the the citizens? (See: Table 3) It will be India can be seen, most narrowly but third moment in the great democratic helpful to have a look at some of the also most sharply, as the history of a experiment launched at the end of the most divergent evaluative over-views state: one of the first, largest and eighteenth century by the American representing different conclusions (See: poorest of the many created by the and French revolutions.”(2003, 3-4) Fig. 7 –Dimensions of democracy Representative Democracy

Majoritarian Consociational Democracy Democracy Democracy

Participatory Democracy

Interestingly, Rajni Kothari (2004), justice. There is an emerging hiatus, it Is it such a deep seated systemic the proponent of dominant party seems to me, between the two types crisis? Or we must look, more carefully, democracy (‘the Congress system’) of changes – changes in replacing one at the changing role of the Indian state approach, appears quite disenchanted government by another and changes in the Indian political economy to make as he provides details of his specific desired by large masses of people as sense of the challenges and doubts and disappointments as the well as thinking intellectuals – in opportunities. According to Lloyd following: “I particularly think that we respect of achieving fundamental social Rudolph and Susan Rudolph, “After may be reaching the limits of justice and political transformation. 1989 both the planned economy and representative democracy and its This emerging hiatus is sought to be the centralized state have gradually capacity to promote social change. filled by two opposite pursuits. One is given way to a regulatory state more Elections are no doubt still an of the Mandal and post-Mandal type suited to coalition governments in a instrument of effecting changes in meant to empower the marginalized multiparty system, to economic government but the changes that are strata. The other is the Mandir type, decentralization, and to more taking place are increasingly losing any shifting attention from secular re- independent and competitive federal relevance for fundamental social fashioning to communal and religious states. Judicial activism and an change, whether it is restructuring of revamping, of late further reinforced by independent president and Election the social base of the polity or the militarized and chauvinistic appeals.” Commission have filled the space ushering in the of regimes of social (Ibid: 46-47) partially vacated by a less ambitious, 14 JANATA, September 3, 2017 less capable, and more constrained This violence is provoking a reaction. Let us summarize this discussion with parliamentary executive. Our analysis The trend of growing violence, help of Francine Frankel’s evaluation of India’s emergent constitutional alienation and marginalization are sheet about India’s performance. Her design reveals how a relatively making the present path unsustainable ‘Introduction’ (2000) to ‘Transforming centralized, interventionist, and tutelary in the long run. Hence, there is a India’ – a remarkable inter-disciplinary state is being replaced by a relatively need for alternative(s). (Kumar: 2013, collection of evaluative essays by a regulatory state willing to rely on, 737) group of 15 international experts but not surrender to, a market economy marking half a century of the Indian and self-reliant (and sometimes It may be also useful to refer to the project of democratization – gives a self-destructive) civil society.” ‘conclusions’ of AchinVanaik about different version but similar conclusions, (2001: 162) changes in the class configurations including concurrence with one of the sustaining democracy in India, “It is key postulates of this study that in these A number of scholars have gone impossible to avoid concluding that the several decades India has become a further as they point out to the growing rich peasantry has imposed (and will ‘democracy of caste groups’. Of togetherness of increase in institutional continue to impose) a decisive stamp course, it is not the same as saying that erosions causing violence and decline on Indian bourgeois democracy. It has there has been a dominant caste in democratic nation-building (Misra: had a vested interest in sustaining a democracy since 1970s. To quote 2013; Kumar: 2013; Sundar, 2017). system of elections and of voting Frankel, “Democratic institutions and They find two problems at this juncture. procedures at various levels, and practices, adapted to the Indian Firstly, violence, direct or indirect, is in strengthening a democratic-functionalist historical and social context, have had the air. The growth process is itself system of power sharing. It was a transforming effect. They have based on violence of various kinds. responsible for institutionalizing undermined the legitimacy of the Politicians and businessman have Congress electoral support up to the hierarchical social structure, and increasingly cornered resources (land, mid-sixties, and subsequently for destroyed the historical capability of the water, and so on) using violence against helping to de-institutionalize it. It resorts upper castes to enforce unequal status people and nature – destroying the increasingly to extra-parliamentary and power relations as the basis of environment, displacing people, mass agitations even as its influence in stability in the society. Rather, creating greater inequality and state assemblies, state governments and democratization has unleashed an damaging the idea of a nation. Systems regional parties grows. It fights the upsurge of participation from among the have become unresponsive to the industrial bourgeoisie for a greater share poor and the illiterate of the lower social people and their plight, so that they are of centrally allocated resources but has strata, and a ‘democracy of caste also forced to respond with aggression no fundamental opposition to the groups’, which has dramatically leading to a vicious cycle of escalating extension of industry. Indeed, it seeks increased their representation in elected violence. Secondly, the right of the to benefit from the growing integration institutions of governance. Similarly, marginals to develop at their own pace of town and country, industry and reservations in educational institutions is denied, marketization by itself is agriculture and to enter the expanding and the civil services for Dalits and the proving to be inadequate to force small-scale industrial sector, whether Other Backward Classes have people to give up their customary rights agro-based or not. Along with their provided more opportunities for social to their resources for paltry sum of petty-bourgeois allies, the rich farmers mobility among the top layers of the money. economic conditions are being oppose the mores of the urban middle disadvantaged. Democracy has not, created so that they give them up class and extol the virtues of farming however, accomplished an overall through coercion; this is jeopardizing life, though they are certainly immune increase of equality in social and their future. With rampant corruption, to the consumerist culture that economic life. Rather, after five decades the weight of the official machinery – dominates much of urban middle-class of competitive politics, caste and political, bureaucratic and judicial – has life. This rural block accuses the centre communal conflicts have intensified in been brought to bear on the people to and state governments of being biased a struggle to control the scarce let go off their hold over their resources. in favour of urban India but seeks resources of the state. Most of all, the This is supplemented through private places for its non-farming members second democratic upsurge, pressures and strong arm tactics, which in the state bureaucracies, where concentrated in the traditional northern the official machinery connives to its influence has grown steadily.” heartland of the ancient Sanskritic overlook (as in POSCO and Singur). (1990: 80) culture, threatens to finally end the JANATA, September 3, 2017 15 domination of the upper castes and reforms. Apprehension that political or region. Constitutionally, there are upper classes in the bureaucracy, as well stability will indefinitely remain elusive four asymmetric groups of citizens as in parliamentary institutions of because of shifting tactical calculations whose presence is uneven in different government, once their impregnable by rival groups in local arenas has raised states due to historical reasons. Socio- strongholds. Meanwhile, the rapidly the question of whether the economically, none of them is a growing urban middle classes, as the parliamentary system has run its course monolith. Each one of them has major beneficiaries of the economic in India.”(Ibid: 20-21) presence of cleavages of caste, class, reforms, seek protection from the and gender among other factors. corruption and political disorder that In other words, there is need to The process of internal differentiation threaten the opportunities for further recognize the constitutional is making them subject to inter- gains. Democratization has fragmented metamorphosis of the Indian social sectionalities of caste-class-gender- political parties along state, sub- formation through democratization in faith-interest groups which need to be regional, caste and religious lines, these seven decades. Today, more recognized for nation-building crafting unstable coalition governments, than ever before, India and the citizens through democratic values, institutions paralyzed from within, without the of India cannot be understood by any and processes.(See: Fig. 7; and capacity to carry out unfinished single lens – be it caste, class, religion, Table - 3)

Table 3 – Social Re-construction of Indian Nation

RELIGION Scheduled Scheduled Other Backward Others (%) Castes (%) Tribes (%) Classes (%)

Hindu 22.2 9.1 42.8 26

Muslim 0.8 0.5 39.2 59.5

Christian 9 32.8 24.8 33.3

Sikh 30.7 0.9 22.4 46.1

Jain 0 2.6 3.0 94.3

Buddhists 89.5 7.4 0.4 2.7

Zorastrians 0 15.9 13.7 70.4

The Others 2.6 82.5 6.2 8.7

TOTAL 19.5 8.7 41.1 30.8

Source: Sachar Report (2006: 7) (Concluded)

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Vol. 72 No. 33 Another Effort to Revive Bigotism September 10, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Why Should the Children be With a clutch of followers, Rashtriya they perceive. The BJP, guided by the Penalised for Delinquent Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief RSS is trying to create the same Teachers ? Mohan Bhagwat was about to storm atmosphere. The equivocal stand by the Sandeep Pandey in Kolkata when West Bengal Chief government on pluralism has only Minister Mamta Banerjee cancelled the helped the Hindutva elements. use of hall which the RSS had hired to Prime Minister Narendra Modi BRICS and India at Xiamen address a meeting. He is quite right D. K. Giri when he criticized the cancellation as could have done something positive to undemocratic. But the record of RSS clear the vitiated atmosphere. But his in polluting the Hindu-Muslim equation party does not appear to do so because is so long that the precaution is quite in it’s getting dividends in keeping the The Laws We Make – order. True, Mamta Banerjee looks society polarized. No outsider could The Loss We Suffer dictatorial. But her act can be interfere because the then chief minister J. L. Jawahar rationalized. Still I wish that she had of Uttar Pradesh, , did allowed another voice, however, little to follow the Supreme Court’s critical to be raised. judgment, which said that the status quo should be maintained. International Trafficking for Other steps like including Muslims Sexual Exploitation in Other Backward Classes (OBC) By ‘Hinduising’ a secular society, the Bharat Dogra and giving stipend to selected Mullahs integrity of the country is in danger. and Moulvis do not go well with the Religion can never integrate a nation as democratic India we are trying to build. the example of Bangladesh cutting itself Appealing to the sentiments of a asunder from Pakistan shows. The Editor : particular community is obviously meant imposition of Urdu forced the same G. G. Parikh to get their vote. This is worse than Islamic East Pakistan to become Managing Editor : Guddi what RSS does. independent, sovereign republic of Bangladesh. D-15, Ganesh Prasad, With a small temple, which came up India has stayed as one country Naushir Bharucha Marg, overnight on the site where the Babri Masjid stood once, the chapter had because the various cultural entities Mumbai - 400 007. been closed for the time being at least. have not been disturbed. True, the Email : [email protected] But that does not seem to satisfy the Hindus are 80 per cent of the Website:www.janataweekly.org Muslims, nor is it in their interest, as population. But the minority, the 2 JANATA, September 10, 2017

Muslims, have not been threatened realize that the core of Hinduism is a Not long ago, the liberal Atal Behari except by a lunatic fringe. sense of accommodation and spirit of Vajpayee tried his best to terminate the tolerance, not the division of the relationship between the RSS and the If the RSS is really interested in society. Jan Sangh. He, however, succeeded Hindutva, it should be agitating for the only on paper. He could not dilute the rights of dalits who, despite The spread of the BJP is a point of loyalty of the old members. L.K. discrimination have remained in the fold concern because it ignores the Advani too was the one who had of Hinduism. True, some have sought aspirations of Muslims. Modi’s slogan founded the BJP. He thought that the freedom through conversions to other of development has gone down well old Jan Sangh members were not religions. But they have only adversely because it gives the hope of reducing, trusted any longer in the Janata Party. affected the Muslim and Christian if not ousting, poverty. He has done He was successful in building the party societies. The converts from among the well not to deviate from that path. because the Gandhian Jayaprakash dalits face more or less the same Unfortunately, his regular contacts with Narayan had given credibility to the Jan discrimination in the religious society the RSS and that of his Sangh members when he brought them they join. Man Friday Amit Shah, effaces even into the Janata fold. Obviously, he did the wishful thinking that Modi would not succeed in his mission. But the The RSS chief, claiming to be build the society without any prejudice situation today is worse. The Congress championing the cause of Hindus, did or bias. is no more relevant and there is no other not react to the recent burning of a dalit opposition in the horizon. because his goat strayed into the land Things would have been different if of an upper caste member. Now that the demand by some liberal BJP men Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Modi has caught the imagination of the to severe all connections with the RSS can stop the BJP onslaught if he brings country, he should help the dalits and had been implemented. This possibility all the non-BJP parties on one platform ask the upper castes to give up was on the anvil when the Gandhian to fight against the BJP. Even this discrimination against the dalits. Jayaprakash Narayan was able to combination would be late if it is not convince the top Jan Sangh leaders to brought into being immediately. The soft I have not seen even a mild dissolve the outfit and join the Janata Hindutava which has spread in the criticism by Modi or his ardent Party. However, the old Jan Sangh country will thicken and push the idea followers, who claim that they would members stayed constantly in touch of India, secular and democratic. in the build a future India which will know with the RSS and this negated the very background. This is a harrowing of no discrepancy. At least the burning purpose. prospect. of dalits, if not the daily prejudice, should have been covered by the widely-watched Doordarshan Janata Subscription network. But it seems that the government itself doesn’t want to raise the pitch on this issue because it is Annual Rs. : 260/- dominated by the upper castes. Even otherwise, there seems to be an Three Years : 750/- unwritten law which dictates that such stories should not be printed. Surely, Demand Draft / Cheque this does not constitute the freedom of the press. on Consequently, the institutions in the Mumbai Bank in favour of country are languishing. Had the media, an important institution, been free from pressure, the RSS would not have JANATA TRUST dared to challenge the basic structure D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, of the constitution, which includes Mumbai 400 007 secularism. The RSS chief should JANATA, September 10, 2017 3 Why Should the Children be Penalised for Delinquent Teachers?

Sandeep Pandey

Section 16 of the Right to Education elementary stage and they offer The no detention policy was Act, 2009, says that ‘no child admitted extremely high quality education. introduced so that children who find it in a school shall be held back in any Among the well known schools, those difficult to move beyond the elementary class or expelled from school till the being run by J. Krishnamurti level have a smooth sailing till class VIII completion of elementary education.’ Foundation are wonderful examples. and more students are able to finish their Further section 30(1) says ‘no child There is a school ‘Study Hall’ in high school, intermediate or higher shall be required to pass any Board Lucknow which doesn’t subject its education. Withdrawal of no detention examination till completion of students to examination till class VII. policy will offset the gains made in elementary education.’ This school doesn’t advertise itself. retaining the children in school and Which means this school is not in the providing them an opportunity to finish However, the central government business of commercialisation of school. Direct impact of this change moved an amendment Bill no. 166 on education. The quality of such schools would be swelling the ranks of child 11 August, 2017 in Parliament with the is extremely good because the people labour. aim of withdrawing the provision of ‘no who run them truly believe that detention policy.’ The government education is meant for all round If clearing examinations at classes V intends to reintroduce examinations in development of child and should be a and VIII stage will determine who’ll classes V and VIII which the students joyful process. If the child is subjected move to upper classes then let us will be required to clear if they wish to to a system of punishment and reward, ponder who is most likely to fail. The seek promotion to the next class. the child is likely to grow with children of poor, mostly belonging to constricted mentality. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes The main argument being given for and Minorities category, whose parents withdrawal of no detention policy is If the child is continuously told to do are less likely to be well educated or that children have stopped learning and well in examinations, then the child will may not have the wherewithal to their capabilities have really suffered. develop a competitive mindset. Only a provide additional coaching to their However, the question which needs select few can excel is any competition. children will lose the race to the children to be asked is whether the children If the others develop this feeling that of well to do families. Girls, who are stopped learning because of any fault they’re not competent enough and can expected to share household chores or of theirs or because the teachers have never excel then they’ll start using unfair in some cases may be handling the stopped teaching? The child is in any means. This is the beginning of complete responsibility of running a case ignorant, which is the prime corruption in our life. Our education household, with probably an extra reason for her to be in the classroom. system teaches us corruption. Cheating burden to take care of a younger If she doesn’t learn in spite of in examination is the first corruption in sibling, are also likely to fall behind attending school then whose fault life for most people. academically. As the girls grow up and should it be? We cannot expect a small move into higher classes, the distance child to study on her own. She will According to 2014-15 data of of secondary or higher-secondary need either parents’ or teachers’ Ministry of Human Resources school is likely to increase from their assistance. If the parents are illiterate Development, 4.34% children dropped homes, the parents are in any case not then this responsibility falls more out of school at the primary level and inclined to send them to school. This is squarely on teachers’ shoulders. If the 17.86% at the secondary level. If we the reason that far greater number of child is not learning then it is because assume that almost as many children children drop out at the secondary level the teacher is not fulfilling her never see the inside of a school because than at the primary level. Among the responsibility fully. they’re involved in child labour or children dropping out at secondary begging, almost half the children in India level, most would be girls. There are examples of schools are not in school beyond the class VIII where there is no examination till the stage. (Continued on Page 14) 4 JANATA, September 10, 2017 BRICS and India at Xiamen

D. K. Giri

Indian media is euphoric that India international forums, but does not USD. A Contingent Reserve came out with flying colours in the 9th adhere to its promises. Beijing is known Arrangement a financial mechanism, that BRICS meeting at Xiamen, held last for duplicitous behaviour. Some China- protects members against fluctuations Monday and Tuesday. This is the watchers also warn against being in their currencies, is in place. This is second diplomatic success following carried away by Chinese bonhomie. similar to ‘stabex’ stabilisation of foreign the peaceful disengagement at Doklam Chinese do not really mean it. Critics exchange, set up by European after 74 days of military stand-off would remind us of Hindi-Chini bhai Commission in its Lome Convention. between India and China. At Xiamen, bhai (brothers) days that preceded the In the beginning of the last year, an Asian for the first time, BRICS leadership India-China wars in 1960s. Such Infrastructure Investment Bank was set resolved to fight terrorism together and apprehensions may come true, or may up. mentioned Pakistan based terrorist not. Times have changed. There is groups - Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish- greater transparency and accountability The other objective of BRICS was e-Mohammad. This was a clear now in international politics both in to help improve global governance, and departure from Chinese intransigence words and actions. reform of the global financial on eschewing any mention of Pakistan architecture, the voting pattern in IMF as terror hub. At Goa, in the last BRICS was launched in 2006, and World Bank etc. Thanks to BRICS meeting, in October, terrorism largely at China’s behest to create an BRICS, the current president of WTO was not discussed at all on China’s alternative centre of power, both in is a Brazilian. BRICS countries objection. The Chinese president, after political and economic terms. Both represent 40 percent of world meetings of BRICS leaders and the China and Russia were wary of population. International political bilateral meeting with Narendra Modi countering America’s growing power in experts suggest that BRICS is better said, “We should put our relations on the world. Beijing and Moscow sought than G-20 which is too unwieldy. So the right track, and China will seek to create a multipolar world to promote far so good. But, as SAARC is stalled guidance from Panchseel, the five multilateralism. BRICS was meant to by the rivalry between India and principles agreed between the two be a hedge against American Pakistan, BRICS viability was being countries for peaceful co-existence”. domination of world politics. Brazil and threatened by the tension between That is a profound and promising South Africa joined with their Beijing and New Delhi. Kerry Brown statement for co-operation inasmuch as respective calculations. India was wary of Kings College London, a Professor relations between India and China had of American calling the shots in Asia of Chinese Studies said, BRICS is plummeted quite low in the recent past. without a countervailing force. India promising, but it requires stronger Our foreign secretary also said, the found in China a big economy, in search partnership for a brighter future. The talks between two heads of states were of markets. As an immediate neighbour, Chinese negotiators perhaps heard him, forward-looking not backward it was in the interest of India to stay as and at Xiamen, they put their stamp on looking”. However, although India a friend and partner in BRICS with a stronger partnership with India. appears to be the gainer in this meeting; China. India seeks to have a multipolar it was a successful summit concluded Asia. It needs to engage China in There are a few discernible drivers to the satisfaction of both India and BRICS. for the Chinese diplomacy to China. accommodate India’s biggest concern BRICS has progressed well since its over Pakistan sponsored terrorism. How did it come about? What were launch. A new Development Bank to India made China to realize that they the drivers for reconciliation, and support development in BRICS have a role in global governance, as the promise of partnership between New countries has been set up at Shanghai. space is vacated by USA. Under Delhi and Beijing? The naysayers and On seven infrastructure project 1.5 Donald Trump, USA is retreating to the prophets of doom would argue that billion USD has been invested. The protectionism, China has the China makes the right sounds in second package is of 2.5 to 3 billion opportunity to lead the gloablisation JANATA, September 10, 2017 5 process. Second, China’s new ally backed by America and Israel. It would that will require deft diplomacy. Will the Russia seems to have prevailed on not like to alienate India completely. On much-acclaimed BRICS language on China to take a stand on terrorism, and Indian part, it is apparently competing terrorist groups like JeT and JeM not overprotect Pakistan, which is on with China, and by 2032, it may translate into actionable points as a international radar for hosting terrorist overtake Chinese population, if not show of good faith? Though Pakistan groups. China could do so at the risk anything else, and try to reap the has not been named, it has already of heavy loss of credibility. Beijing is demographic dividend as the biggest blamed the BRICS declaration on these under cloud as China is the only country population of the world. India has no groups. Can be there be bigger for supporting North Korea, which cause to foster antagonism with China. evidence of Pakistan’s support for the continues to conduct nuclear tests. It is trying to catch up with Chinese terrorist groups operating from its soil? Third, China began to reckon India’s economy while tackling the issues that Will China support the declaration of growing clout in international politics, its vibrant but often chaotic democracy JeM chief Massod Azhar as a global its diplomatic ability to garner support throws up. terrorist, a move at the UNSC, China and make friends. Chinese realized that has been blocking so far. their military push and shrill media There were many other issues rhetoric will not work anymore. Sun discussed by diplomats of all the five The other two big concerns of India Tzu’s Art of War - tiring out the countries like the voting share in IMF are: the China Pakistan Economic opponent, subdue the enemy without and WB, BRICS energy research Corridor (CPEC) and the ambitious fighting. Fourth, China’s strength in the platform, SMEs, joint information One Belt One Road (OBOR) project world lies in its USD 12 trillion network etc. The BRICS countries of China. The CPEC passes through economy, built by international trade. committed to an open and inclusive the contentious parts of Kashmir. Even It is neither their diplomacy nor military. multilateral trading system. They Sri Lanka has supported India’s They did not want to jeopardize their affirmed that multilateralism should not concern that, “it passes though the heart economy through bad diplomacy. be derailed by bilateral problems of India’s interests”. In a recent report, China is in business with India in almost between the member countries with an Economic and Social commission of every sector, solar energy to smart implicit reference to India-China Asia Pacific (ESCAP), the UN’s cities, construction to turbines, toys to disputes, like they have issues like Tibet, Regional Development arm had warned technology. Huawei alone has 22000 South China Sea and Dalai Lama, that CPEC running through POK could employees in Bengaluru. The Chinese borders etc. There was a unanimous create tension with India and lead to mobile phone is advertised by the world concern over the nuclear build-up by further political instability in the region. popular Indian cricket team. China North Korea and the consequent Will China backtrack on this? It has could not risk all of those huge business escalation in the Korean Peninsula. already invested $50 billion in this opportunities. Fifth, the Congress of the BRICS heeded the Chinese line of corridor. China is connecting Pakistan Communist Party of China, which settling the issues with North Korea cities in a surveillance system. Thus, meets once in five years, is scheduled through dialogue not the use of force. Pakistan becoming a Chinese colony to meet in October 2017. Xi Jinping and a surveillance base is a threat to who has been bestowed the ‘Core What overshadowed the summit India. Leader’ status by the party, an honour was the build-up of tensions between given to towering leaders like Mao Beijing and New Delhi. For now, the Finally, an authoritarian state like Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang air is clear, clouds of enmity have China, intolerant of dissent, Zemin, is most likely to be re-elected. passed. Post-Xiamen, let the two expansionist in its approach despite That would secure his position till 2022. countries work to maintain peace and having a large territory, scoffing at The party would not like their leader to stability in border areas, and in other international law cannot improve global fumble at BRICS meeting in their own areas, work together in mutual benefit governance; commented our former country, which has been driven largely and progress. The mandarins in South foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal. So it by Chinese. Xi Jinping was conscious Block can claim credit for back-to- may be. But for India, containing and of the loss of image if BRICS was back wins in Doklam and Xiamen. But, engaging China is in India’s interest. stalled at Xiamen. Sixth, China is their wins do not defeat China. The We lag far behind China in economy. concerned about the new axis built onus is on New Delhi to continue to It supports its foreign policy with its around its territory, comprising Japan, engage China in a win-win approach. Taiwan, South Korea, and India fully No doubt, this is going to be a tall order (Continued on Page 14) 6 JANATA, September 10, 2017 The Laws We Make – The Loss We Suffer

J. L. Jawahar

Nobody disputes that India is a showing his order of preference. There are some basic points for democratic republic. But its credentials Naturally the decision is made based consideration at this stage. By allocating are not of full satisfaction. Rule of law on the number of first preference votes the members to support a prescribed is basic for democracy. But we make the contestant gets. The vote required contestant, the provisions of laws that are inconsistent with to win is determined in advance based constitution are avoided successfully. democracy. We have no respect for law. on a formula. Naturally all the required The freedom of members to choose the We want law to support whatever we contestants cannot get elected on first contestants to whom they want to vote want to do. If it comes in the way it is vote. Then the second preference is nullified and that right is given to the immediately changed to suit the votes are to be taken into heads of parties. Peculiar arguments are purpose so that what we do becomes consideration to be added to the next made to justify the same. It is stated legal and following it will make us person. Thus there is a complicated that the individual members are democrats. This is illustrated by process to determine the winners by susceptible to various temptations thus analysing what has happened recently single transferable vote. In practice, the affecting the “Purity of the election”. in the Gujarat Assembly. members of the Legislative Assembly That danger is avoided by putting the are not given that freedom to elect the right in the hands of party heads. The According to the constitution, the members according to their Assembly members are given the right Council of States (Rajya Sabha) preference. It is all dictated by the to elect representatives to the Council consists of 238 members who are political parties. As the votes required of States as they happen to be elected elected by the legislative assemblies of to win are estimated in advance, the by the people. But now they are made states and by Union Territories. Twelve required number of members of the to vote according to the dictates of the more members are nominated by the party are allotted to each of the party. The heads pf parties are not President. Each state is allocated a contestants so that there is no chance elected by the public. They are lords prescribed number of representatives of losing the election. In the case of of internal organization which is nothing to be selected by the Assembly. As a Gujarat Assembly, BJP happens to be but a group formed to catch power ‘by matter of routine, Gujarat had to elect the biggest party with 121 members. hook or crook’. Thus the right of three members this year and there were The votes required to win are elected members is placed in the hands four contestants. Art 80(4) states that estimated to be 45. Thus the party has of unelected persons. Naturally the “The representatives of each State in allotted 45 members to each of the attention shifts from individual members the Council of States shall be elected two contestants. It leaves 31 members to the parties. If it is the genuine intention by the elected members of the more and the party is tempted to make to avoid horse trading, it is now taking Legislative Assembly of the State in use of the excess members to get the shape of group trading. The bribe accordance with the system of another nominee of the party elected goes to the party instead of to the proportional representation by means by taking support from other member. The quantum increases. How of a single transferable vote.” Single parties‘by hook or crook’. does it help ‘purity of election’? transferable vote is prescribed when Immediately there was a furore that the more than one person is to be elected. party is trying to buy the votes of other All this is made in the name of Acts It means that the voter shall have to parties and it is unethical and illegal. In and Rules made thereunder. What are select the candidates by showing his the present atmosphere prevailing, the Acts? order of preference. (They can also nobody expects a party to support say that none of them is worth being another party except by demanding a The constitution was adopted with elected.) That is, he has to vote for the quid pro quo, which is called bribe. effect from January 26, 1950. Logically, prescribed number of persons to be There is no consideration for the the purpose of forming the Constituent selected. As three members are to be character of the contestant or his Assembly was fulfilled and it should elected, the voter has to mark the stature. It is the party that sets the have been dissolved. The first general ballot paper with three members criteria. elections were held in 1952 under the JANATA, September 10, 2017 7 constitution to form the Parliament the provisions of sub-section (1) shall shall not apply to such officer, clerk, which, by definition, consists of the Lok be punishable with imprisonment for a agent or other person who performs any Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President. term which may extend to three months such duty at an election to fill a seat or But there would be no rules and or fine or with both. seats in the Council of States.” regulations to conduct the election.To fill that gap the Provisional Parliament It is clear from the above provisions It is obvious that these amendments was given the right to pass the that the candidate for election to the are made to facilitate something, which Representation of Peoples Act in 1951. Council of States shall be a resident of is not in line with the principles The Constituent Assembly was the state. It is also obvious that much enunciated originally in the Act. The metamorphosed into the Provisional attention is paid to maintain secrecy of principles are diluted. Naturally it is Parliament and given the right to amend the vote. Under Sn.94 the word outrageous to conscientious citizens. the constitution to introduce Schedule ‘witness’ is used for the elector. That is The veteran journalist Kuldip Nayyar IX and to pass the Representation of even when the elector is called to be a raised objection that it violates the basic the Peoples Act under Art. 379 of the witness in any court, he shall not be structure of the constitution and affects constitution which was deleted required to reveal his preference in the fundamental right of the voter under subsequently as its purpose was over. voting. Under Sn.128(1) other officers Sn.19. But the courts were not willing involved in the election process are to uphold any principles. They stated When the Representation of Peoples allowed to tell what they know if that secrecy of vote is not a fundamental Act was passed in 1951 it contained prescribed under any law, for example right of the voter. It is a right given by the following provisions for constitution the Evidence Act. There can be no the constitution and it can be overridden of the Council of States: objection for any of the provisions and by any Act passed by the Parliament. it would have certainly promoted a It sounds as if people do not have any Section 3.A person shall not be healthy way of conducting elections. other rights except the fundamental qualified to be chosen as a But to follow the law, even when it is rights as mentioned in the constitution. representative of any State or Union ethical and reasonable, is not in our Of course even the fundamental rights Territory in the Council of States unless DNA. This Act was amended in 2003 are diluted as and when found in the he is an elector for a parliamentary by making the following changes: way. In fact secrecy of vote was found constituency in that State or Union necessary to keep the election pure and Territory; Under Sn.3 the restriction regarding privileged – free and fair, so to say. If it domicile was removed so that a person is asked to be revealed to any person, Section 59. At every election when living anywhere in India will be eligible the voter could be subjected to various a poll is taken votes shall be given by to be elected by any state as its pressures. In fact that is what the ballot in such a manner as may be representative to the Council of States. amendment wanted to achieve. Instead, prescribed and no votes shall be they have taken the interference of received by proxy; Under Sn.59 it was “provided that voting to a higher level opening doors the votes at any election to fill a seat or to group trading as stated earlier. It was Section 94.No witness or other seats in the Council of States shall be stated that the right to vote on election person shall be required to state for given by open ballot”. There is no more of representatives to Council of States whom he has voted at an election: secrecy about the vote. It is open. The is not a basic right of a member of difference could be as between a Legislative Assembly. They vote in an Section 128(1) Every officer, clerk, closed marriage and an open marriage. ex-officio capacity only and so it need agent or other person who performs any not be protected. Support was derived duty in connection with the recording Under Sn.94 it was “provided that from the report of Ethics Committee of and counting of votes at any election this section shall not apply to such Parliament in 1998 wherein it was shall not (except for some purpose witness or other person when he has suggested that cross voting is a menace authorised by or under any law) voted by open ballot.” It is the natural that has to be curbed and breaking communicate to any person any consequence when the open ballot is secrecy of vote is the only way for it. It information calculated to violate such prescribed. is a strange argument in view of so secrecy; many other provisions available to curb Under Sn.128(1) it was “provided bribing and an ineffective means is (2) Any person who contravenes that the provisions of this sub-section selected by breaking certain golden 8 JANATA, September 10, 2017 principles. It is only avoiding a also some parties having members less (f) quit the polling station constitutional responsibility to secure than required to elect a representative. the privacy of the member by destroying What will happen to them? Obviously, (3) Every elector shall vote without a right of the voter. It is like telling the the constitution did not contemplate undue delay; women not to come out of the house interference by political parties in the as there is danger of being raped. election of representatives to the (4) No elector shall be allowed to Council of States or in any other activity enter voting compartment when After all, what is meant by cross of elected members in the Parliament.It another elector is inside it voting? What is it that the voter can is a prerogative of individual members. cross to commit an offense in the But now, controlling powers are given It can be seen that every precaution process of voting? Crossing occurs to the parties and corruption elevated is taken to ensure that the voting is only when there is a line drawn. Those to higher levels. secret and known only to the elector. limits are drawn by giving constitutional But strangely, it was suggested that the recognition to the political parties. While The aberration is not yet over. voting shall be shown to the presiding recognizing the parties certain Under section 59 of the Act it is officer ‘if required’. There is no overriding rights were given to them provided that the votes shall be given indication as to what could be the damaging the very fabric of democracy. by ballot in such a manner as may be circumstances under which the Vote is considered a secret because it prescribed. But it is not stated as to who presiding officer can ask for showing is the sine qua non for purity of shall make prescription. The Election the marked ballot paper. His main election. Now that secrecy itself is being Commission made the Rules. Under purpose is to ensure that the members alleged as the cause of disturbing the Rule 39A maintenance of secrecy of cast their vote freely without any purity of election. Strange are the ways voting by electors within polling station external influence. of politics! It is not clear how the and voting procedure was prescribed. election can be called ‘free and fair’ It states: (1)Every elector to whoma Later on, another sub-rule 39AA unless the voter is free to choose his ballot paper has been issued under Rule was added to change the entire candidate. But in this case the argument 38A or any other provisionof these scenario. is reversed. The cart is put before the Rules, shall maintain secrecy of voting horse! If the members do not have the within the polling station and for that Rule 39AA. Information regarding right under the constitution, how can it purpose observe the voting procedure casting of votes: be given to the parties? It is said that in hereinafter laid down; a general election people are free to (1) Notwithstanding anything choose any candidate of any party. But (2) The elector, on receiving the contained in Rule 39A, the presiding once they exercise that right the elected ballot paper, shall forthwith officer shall, between the period when candidate comes as a representative of the elector, being a member of a a political party and so it is legitimate (a) proceed to one of the voting political party, records his vote on the to give the right to the party to control compartments; ballot paper and before such elector the votes of members. A devastating inserts the ballot paper inside the ballot argument! The party is controlled by (b) record his vote in accordance box, allow the authorized agent of the persons not elected by the people. The with sub-rule (2) of rule 37A with political party to verify as to whom such so-called high command of the party is the article supplied for the elector has cast his vote; not elected even by the members of the purpose; Provided that if the elector refuses party. But the rights of members to show his marked ballot paper to the elected by the people are put in the (c) fold the ballot paper so as to authorized agent of his political party, hands of the parties. What does it talk conceal his vote; the ballot paper issued to him shall be of our democracy? In such a case taken back by the presiding officer or where is the need for ballots by (d) if required show to the presiding a polling officer under the direction of members? The votes can be counted officer the distinguishing mark on the presiding officer and the ballot paper based on the number of members the ballot paper; so taken shall then be further dealt with belonging to each party and the election (e) insert the folded paper into the in the manner specified in sub-rule 6 to completed. But as shown earlier, there ballot box and 8 of Rule 39A as if such ballot paper will be some members remaining and JANATA, September 10, 2017 9 has been taken back under sub-rule 5 provision is made to entitle the agent to arrangements within the polling office. of Rule 39A. nullify the vote. There is no provision That is, they do not want to tamper with for the parties to issue whips to their the rules again to prevent members from (2) Every political party whose members in this case. But the result is showing the marked ballot to any other member, as an elector, casts a vote at as if there is a whip. In the case of person than the agent of their own party. the polling station shall, for the purpose elections for President and Vice- They plan to make it physically of sub-rule (1) appoint in Form 22-A President there is no provision for impossible to do that. Perhaps they may two authorized agents; parties to issue whips. As if to extend make some arrangements in the polling that sanctity to the election of booth so that the member of any party (3) An authorized agent appointed representatives to Council of States, the shall not have access to any other under sub-rule (2) shall be present whip is not prescribed. But the loss is person after marking the ballot. The throughout the polling hours at the made good by making rules. path may be marked to lead directly to polling station and the other shall relieve the agent sitting in a sofa on the way to him when he goes out of the polling What happened in Gujarat is ballot box. Strange are the ways of station and vice versa. something that is not contemplated conducting elections in a democracy! under the rules made in such detail. The It can be seen how regimented the rule only states that the marked ballot Law is expected to be valid for a voting process has become under the of a member shall be shown to the long time to enable rule of law. But we revised rules. It is not explained why official agent of that party before placing have scant regard for it. We are eager the presiding officer is entitled to have it in the ballot box. It did not say that it to change laws to serve immediate a look into the marked ballot paper of shall not be shown to any other person. purpose unmindful of long term a voter. Such power is not given to any Perhaps they felt it not necessary as the consequences. This is the result. presiding officer of any other election. ballot is basically accepted to be a Under the new rule 39AA every political secret. Showing it to the party agent is It is not clear why the Election party is expected to appoint two provided as an exception to that basic Commission felt it necessary to give so persons as agents to be present at the principle. It implies that it shall not be much of importance to the political polling station throughout the period of shown to any other person. But the parties in this case. Clearly, the rules polling. Care is taken to ensure that one exactly opposite happened in Gujarat. have corrupted the process of selecting agent is always present by prescribing Two members of Congress party representatives to the Council of States two persons to be appointed so that showed their marked ballot to the agent by the respective Legislative they can have break. This agent is given of another party – to the BJP agent. Assemblies. All this in the name of the right to verify to whom the member That created a problem. The Congress securing ‘purity of elections’. It is stated has voted. If the member refuses to party naturally insisted that the votes that Abdullah the Great gambled his show the ballot paper to the agent, it shall not be counted. BJP on the other kingdom for a woman and lost both. can be taken back by the polling officer hand demanded that they shall be We made Acts, amendments and rules and confiscated to be dealt with counted as they were in favour of them. to secure ‘purity of elections’ at the cost separately. That is, the vote can be Ultimately the Election Commission of ‘secrecy of vote’. We lost both invalidated against the will of the held that the votes are not valid as they finally. As we sow, so we reap. member. All this to happen after the were shown to the agent of opposite member marks his preference on the party. What would have happened if ballot. Care is taken to prescribe every the members showed their ballots to the detail in the process as if it is the most agent of their own party? The agent Janata important step of election procedure. could only note it and take action on It is not stated whether the agents also those members later. But the votes must be from the members of the remain valid as there is no authority is available at political party or even outsiders can be given to the agent of a party to withhold appointed. In such case muscle power ballots that are not in their favour. can also be introduced into the process. The rule does not say what the party In order to prevent such a situation www.lohiatoday.com shall do with the recalcitrant member. hereafter, the Commission is reported Whether deliberate or inadvertent, no to be thinking of making some physical 10 JANATA, September 10, 2017

Voices of Protest the Lionhearted, won’t be Silenced by Gunshots

H. S. Shiva Prakash

The murder of GauriLankesh, the newspapers and media houses till her crunch that she had to start looking for journalist and social activist, has sent father’s death. But by taking on her government advertisements for the shockwaves across Bengaluru and the father’s mantle, Gauri took the difficult special issue of her weekly. Unidentified country. The murder of rationalist path.To keep alive her father’s heritage gunshots have put an end to all that. scholar MM Kalburgi two years ago she started her own weekly, has not yet been unraveled, and already ‘GauriLankeshPatrike’. Till then only an There is demand everywhere that another similar murder has taken place English journalist, she now became a justice should soon be done. It’s the job in the same state of Karnataka. Both powerful communicator in . But of the police to name, shame and punish these victims of unidentified bullets were the circulation of the weekly had shrunk. the murderers. This particular event is upholders of secularism and It was no more a financially viable option. frightening enough, but the overall egalitarianism – and crusaders against It was only her single-minded context is much more alarming. This cant convention and superstition. commitment that kept it going. Her murder is one in a chain of political journalism became a weapon to defend murders dotting India drenching our I had spoken with Kalburgia couple the cause of progressives, minorities and mother earth with more blood. What of days before he was killed. Both of us the underdogs. She was fierce and can we do to set that right? Let there be were students of pre-modern Kannada fearless in her attacks. She was also crusades for forgiveness, tolerance and culture and literature and had known active on social media. She was stoutly compassion. each other for decades. Gauri was the defended by her friends and brutally daughter of one of my teachers, also a attacked by her foes. great Kannada writer and journalist, Lankesh. Her father inspired many Whereas her father often invoked the writers and thinkers of my generation. Gandhian or Lohiaite common pursuit and was deeply critical of communists, Gauri was a symbol of socialist, Gauri’s journalism took an open Leftist secularist and humanist values that she turn. This drew a lot of bitterness from inherited from her father. When he her ideological antagonists.She was a passed away in 2000, she perhaps had lone fighter in her life and profession. no particular reason to take up the mantle She lived alone in financial straits. I learn and keep alive the unique weekly from my close friends that her health ‘LankeshPatrike’ which had played a was feeble. But she was lionhearted major influence in directing the culture when it came to her fights. During the and politics of Karnataka for over two recent troubles in JNU, she stood firmly decades. It had survived only because behind the Left groups. She declared of its popularity among readers. Always on social media that Kanhaiya Kumar uncompromising in its principles, the was her son. She fully supported the weekly survived without any private or demand by Lingayats for recognition as public funding. It was not at the mercy an independent religion, which elicited of any party, group, caste or class. the ire of Hindutva groups. This was also a cause that was close to Kalburgi’s Born in 1962, Gauri got her heart.Lankesh rejected any kind of undergraduate education in Bengaluru patronage throughout his journalistic and then went onto a post-graduation in career. In spite of all hardships, Gauri journalism and mass communication in followed the same example. However Delhi. She worked for several she was going through such a big money JANATA, September 10, 2017 11 Death of a Journalist

Nandana Reddy

We live in treacherous times. The as a result of her incarceration in the Karnataka has been subjected to insidious stench of fear and violence regime of Mrs Gandhi). It is ironic that turbulent politics for the past two threatens to permeate the very core of his daughter, a crusader for democracy, decades. Be it the BJP or the Congress, our being. We are browbeaten into should die by the gun. After her father’s the focus has been on the politics of silence, our citizenship redefined and death in 2000, Gauri became the editor language, religion and caste. For the constitutional rights blurred. Never has of , a popular Kannada BJP this is a political tool for India faced such a threat to her tabloid founded by her father, while her destabilisation and creating fear and democracy.And yet, some continue to brother Indrajit became the paper’s uncertainty. The Congress, not seeing speak out. Gauri Lankesh, journalist proprietor, managing editor and the writing on the wall, plays the same and activist, was one who voiced her publisher. However, in 2005, the game, but badly. opinions boldly and vociferously, no siblings had a falling out due to holds barred. Gunned down on the ideological differences. Indrajit accused Kalburgi was murdered two years doorstep as she returned home from Gauri of leftist leanings and Gauri ago and the culprits have not been work on the evening of September 5, started her own publication, Gauri found. Bengaluru is increasingly she is the latest free voice to be silenced. Lankesh Patrike. becoming a very unsafe place for In 2015, rationalist M M Kalburgi and women. The youth of Udupi and CPI leader were shot Among her many crusades, Gauri Mangalore are subject to the RSS’s dead in similar fashion. And in 2013, called for a meaningful dialogue moral policing. And the Congress is anti-superstition activist Narendra between the government and more concerned about building steel Dabholkar. All these cowardly killings Naxalites, facilitating the surrender of flyovers and financing the next election, were in non-BJP ruled states. Maoists who wanted to give up their leaving citizens a choice between the weapons and join the mainstream. She frying pan and the fire. Lankesh opposed the communal endorsed the demand for a separate totalitarian politics of the BJP and its religious tag for the Lingayat A vocal critic of both the ruling twisted interpretation of Hinduism. She community, the followers of Basavanna, Congress, and right-wing forces stood against the caste system, who rejected the caste system and including the BJP, Gauri condemned inequality, and gender discrimination. scorned temple and idol worship, both. Giving numerous examples of She was feisty, blunt and forthright and fought against discrimination on the attacks against Muslims and Dalits, diplomacy was not on her agenda. She basis of gender and birth and abhorred she said she was worried for the was sharp and critical of injustice and superstitions. They used Kannada future of the state. “We have no made as many friends as she made instead and essentially discarded dearth of Yogi Adityanaths in enemies. everything discriminatory about the Karnataka,” she said. Hindu religion and rebelled against it. Her father, P Lankesh, poet, Her support earned her the wrath of Soon after Gauri was gunned down, playwright and journalist, was known the Veerashaivas. protests erupted outside her residence to be left leaning and had close ties with in Bengaluru and accusations were socialist thinkers U R Ananthamurthy, In 2008, she alleged that BJP MPs, hurled against the state government for Gopal Gowda and SVenkatram. His Prahlad Joshi and UmeshDhusi, were failing to protect Kalburgi and Gauri. play Kranthi Banthu Kranthi (The involved in criminal dealings based on Her brother demanded a CBI probe Revolution is Coming), that forecast the what she said was “inside” information. and the home minister, Ramalinga state of Emergency and made strong Though several other media had Reddy, was heckled, shifting the focus arguments against the use of violence published the same allegations, in from the communal and right-wing as a political tool, was made into a film November 2016 she was convicted in agenda of the BJP to the ham-fisted by my parents, Pattabhirama Reddy a defamation case, and sentenced to incompetent governance of the and Snehalata Reddy (my mother died six months in jail and a fine. Congress. Almost immediately, right- 12 JANATA, September 10, 2017 wing social media was rife with last if we do not take a firm like the BJP, backed by the venomous tweets. stand to defend our Constitution RSS, are manipulating our and democratic rights. No narrative by changing the Gauri is not the first to be political party today seems to have vocabulary. May Gauri’s death not silenced. She will not be the this on their agenda and some be in vain.

Murder of Constitutional Rights

National Alliance of People’s by many bounds the legacy of her father It is nothing but an absolute failure Movements is deeply shocked and P. Lankesh, an eminent journalist and a of Indian Government that rationalists shattered at the cowardly and cold- well known writer and literary critique. and human rights defenders are being blooded murder of well-known murdered, one after the other, by journalist, editor and fearless firebrand Gauri openly and publicly fascist forces with complete impunity. activist, Gauri Lankesh who, time and questioned and challenged politicians, As reported by the Committee to again, locked horns with divisive, bureaucrats, judiciary, chauvinists and Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 27 communal and casteist forces, in stood by the oppressed. Her last post Indian journalists were murdered due particular the right-wing Hindutva on social media on the inhuman denial to their fearless independent writings brigade. We have enough reason to of refuge to the persecuted Rohingyas between 1992 and July 2016, but the believe that her political assassination by Indian Government speaks of her state governments failed to secure is a direct consequence of her publicly concern and compassion for the conviction in even one of them ! This expressed progressive positions as well oppressed humanity. We salute the is a compete shame for India where as the lack of conviction of the conviction and courageous life of journalists, rationalists, fearless and murderers responsible for the Gauri and commit to joins hands critical voices are important for a calculated political killings of M M with all progressive forces across positive and progressive change in Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and the country to bring justice to her, society. In her own words, Gauri , even after her values and intensify our Lankesh said ”Along with that, my months and years! It is precisely this struggle against the silencing of criticism of Hindutva politics and tacit and active support by the current democratic and dissenting voices. the caste system ... makes my critics regime in India that is further brand me as a Hindu hater. But I emboldening the right wing Hindutva The spate of killings, threats, ban on consider it my constitutional duty to forces to commit more brazen crimes, food and personal choices, books, continue – in my own little way – the against progressive and people’s movies, artistic works and fast struggle of Basavanna and [social voices. spreading atmosphere of hatred against reformer] Dr [Bhimrao Ramji] rational, scientific and constitutional Ambedkar towards establishing an Gauri was widely known and loved temper with tacit support from popular egalitarian society.” There is ample across Karnataka and the country for governments to keep their vote banks evidence, therefore, suggesting that her relentless writings, talks and intact is shameful in a modern this is a political assassination since campaigns in solidarity with the democracy. We are constantly being Gauri’s views have not found favour oppressed – be it dalits, adivasis, pushed in the dark ages, where rational with the Hindutva hardliners and women, students, minorities etc. As and critical thinking is being silenced, goondas ! one of the fiercest contemporary critics mythologies are being promoted as of divisive politics, she worked hard to science and scientific knowledge and NAPM unequivocally condemns counter the growth of Hindutva politics temperament is derided. It is with this the heinous gunning down of that created an atmosphere of fear and tendency to wipe out a secular and Gauri Lankesh and deeply mourns intolerance. Alongside, she also socialist outlook in the country that text the irreplaceable loss of an out continued to write on and engage with books are being ‘re-written’ and new spoken human rights activist and a various social and developmental issues dominant Hindutva narrative is being voice of conscience, communal and constantly raised her voice against promoted all in the name of cultural and harmony and sanity. We demand the injustices. She extended and expanded national pride. following: JANATA, September 10, 2017 13

1. Govenment of Karnataka Lankesh alive by questioning injustices Raju, Meera Sanghamitra, Prafulla must immediately institute an even when it is committed by the Samantara, Lingraj Azad, Binayak independent, high level and time bound powerful people in power. Sen and Kavita Srivastava, Sandeep judicial inquiry, with a Special Pandey, Maj Gen S.G. Vombatkere Investigation Team to nab all those guilty –Medha Patkar, , (Retd), Gabriele Dietrich, Penn of committing and conspiring this grave Nikhil Dey, Shankar Singh, Urimay Iyakkam, Kaladas crime. The unlawful and terror-infusing P. Chennaiah, Ramakrishnam Dahariya, Bilal Khan and others role of groups such as the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, VHP, Bajarang dal, Srirama Sene, Sanathana Samsthe and Murder of Democracy all other affiliates of RSS must also be inquired into by this Judicial All India Forum for Right To conducted on 5-6 August 2017 in Commission and strictest action must Education is shocked and deeply . be taken, as per law. saddened by the cold-blooded murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Known for her fearless and 2. Taking cognizance of Lankesh at her Bangalore residence. outspoken attitude, Gauri Lankesh was the common pattern in the murders of the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Dhabolkar, Pansare, Kalaburagi and Gauri Lankesh was shot dead in her kannada fortnightly newspaper and has Gauri Lankesh and assassinations home in northern Bengaluru on the night authored several books. She was a carried out by a organised terror group/ of 5th September. Unidentified men staunch critic of right wing Hindutva s which evidently holds an ideology fired at least five shots at her before politics and wrote extensively about it. opposed to secular, democratic and escaping by motorbike. The newspaper exposed corrupt constitutional forces, Govt. of India politicians and called out the communal must constitute a Joint Parliamentary Gauri Lankesh was a fierce journalist agenda and bigotry of hindutva brigade Committee to take stock of such and the most vocal critic of communal on several occasions. It provided groups and their political benefactors, forces in Karnataka and in India. She space for progressive voices in the responsible for such actions and serious was committed till her last breath in her rapidly diminishing democratic space in erosion of constitutional values, struggle against communalism and media. freedoms, rights and spaces and supported progressive forces in recommend action against all those maintaining communal harmony in This is the second murder in conspiring to tear the secular fabric of Karnataka. She was one of the Karnataka and fourth in India where a India as well as assassinate voice of founding members of Karnataka Komu public intellectual has been killed in reason and constitutional justice. Souharda Vedike (KKSV), an broad daylight. The cold blooded organisation dedicated to maintaining murder bears similarity with the killings 3. The murderers of M M communal harmony in Karnataka. She of Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and worked vociferously to bring together pansare and Dr. M.M. Kalburgi. There Narendra Dabholkar must also be people with similar ideology on a seems to be a pattern and a network identified and convicted at the earliest. common platform in the fight against the operating behind these murders. The class, caste and religious fundamentalist earlier murders remain unsolved. Even as were are aroused by the forces. outpour of outrage across the country, In view of the seriousness of the we call upon media fraternity, people’s She was closely associated with All crime, AIFRTE along with all other organizations and all progressive and India Forum for Right To Education progressive-democratic voices concerned citizens to stand up and fight and has always been supportive of demands that, this cowardly act and rise up to the student struggles against fascism, defence of rights, freedom and the privatisation of education, 1. A judicially monitored probe for constitutional values which are under communalisation and caste and gender the murder of Gauri Lankesh is attack today from right wing fascist based discrimination. She had conducted. forces in a consistent manner. We hope supported immensely and also all like-minded persons and groups participated in the All India Convention 2. This shall be declared as an act would to keep the spirit of Gauri of Student Struggles (AICSS) of terror. 14 JANATA, September 10, 2017

3. Joint parliamentary committee Interestingly, immediately after Japan will give jitters to China. In must be formed to recommend action BRICS, India has got into joint international politics, there are no against the groups operating behind the military exercise with Japan, much to permanent friends or foes, what assassinations of rationalists and the chagrin of China. It is no secret counts is one’s national interest. It thinkers. that China sees Japan as a competitor seems New Delhi is learning this in military power in Asia. India joining dictum by heart. You can kill a person but you cannot kill the ideas! We all are Gauri Assault on individuals seeking a empathy. Empathy helps us understand Lankesh!!! rational and scientific way of thinking is people who don’t think like us and feel not new. Even today there exit people like us. A rational human being endowed –AIFRTE Presidium who disbelieve the theory of evolution with empathy has a far greater chance and that humans are causing global of drawing most out of hidden gems of (Continued from Page 3) warming. life than those who succumb to the Failing a student is also likely to manipulations of those who want us to hurt her self-confidence. Even if the Belief in god is perhaps as old as blindly follow superstitions and child succeeds in second attempt it history of thought. Each individual irrational ideas. would be matter of shame for her that should choose what they believe in. her earlier colleagues would have However I am against institutionalised In the wake of the murder of moved a class ahead. Such children and systematic propagation of GauriLankesh in India, let us all commit are most vulnerable to drop out of superstition and through it the to fighting superstition instead of school. exploitation of human vulnerabilities. It throwing accusations at the political is the responsibility of educated human parties we oppose. Ideally the children who are weak beings to bring rational and logical way should get more attention of teacher and of thinking to solving unsolved Those who seek to capitalise on the teacher should help them to catch mysteries of life and also to prepare people’s superstitious, irrational up with the remaining class. If the people to have patience with those vulnerabilities will be defeated if we fight teacher takes interest there is no reason unsolved mysteries (such as how cancer the war against superstitions in the why a child should not do well. For this can be cured) until we are able to find minds of vulnerable masses. teachers will have to keep a continuous an answer. It is better to live with watch over children, which was the unsolved mysteries of life than to –UdayDandavate basic idea behind Continuous and entertain superstitious ideas that claim Comprehensive Evaluation. to have an answer to every question and solution to every problem. The RTE 2009 was supposed to create a conducive atmosphere for Those who have a financial stake in education of children from socio- people’s vulnerability to irrational and economic weaker background. superstitious thinking will always feel However, the withdrawal of no threatened by rationalists. They will detention policy will be a blow to the always resort to violence to silence the spirit of the Act. voice of reason. The best defense against such assault is assertion of (Continued from Page 5) reason and not countering irrational huge economic might. This has been ideas with irrational counter attacks. India’s deficit in its foreign policy Evidence based restrained discourse is based on principles of peace and the only way to open people to a progress for all. India has an edge rational way of life. Price: Rs. 20/- over China in its political perspectives and structures, which it should use in I do not also believe that everything Janata Trust its diplomacy although a progressive can be explained through rational D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, politics no substitute for poorer thinking. For example, to understand Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. economy. human behavior one must develop JANATA, September 10, 2017 15 International Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation

Bharat Dogra

International trafficking of women If a single such centre could thousands of foreign women and and children for sexual exploitation has trap such a large number, one can children are illegally brought into emerged as a very serious problem in imagine the full scale of this Japan every year, and forcibly made many parts of the world causing exploitation! to engage in the sex industry by immense distress to millions of women pimps. The profit generated by this and children and their family members Another paper written in the forced labour is about 33 billion in recent years. context of Japan provides an idea of dollars.…It can be estimated that the enormity of this problem and the about 500,000 to one million women In a research paper Prof Donna M distress associated with this. This have been brought to Japan as sex Hughes has written about the trends paper has been written by Seiya slaves. Living under miserable in Eastern Europe after the break-up Morita for the Anti-Pornography and conditions, many foreign women of the Soviet Union and its ally states Prostitution Research Group.He committed suicide or were murdered and related economic and political writes, “ As Japan became an in Japan.” changes there in the 1990s, affluent society through the high- “Budapest is a destination and transit speed economic growth in the 1960s Such data indicate the massive city for women trafficked from and 1970s the main victims of human extent of the problem as well as the Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Romania trafficking in Japan became the enormous distress associated with it. and Yugoslavia.… Budapest is now women and children of the Third Surely much more efforts are needed the biggest centre for pornography World, especially South-east Asia. to check these trends and the causes production in Europe, eclipsing rivals Some researchers estimate that behind these trends. such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Most Western European producers of sex videos use Eastern European Footprints of A Crusader actors whenever possible.” Madhu Dandavate (The Life Story of Mrunal Gore) Prof Hughes also informs us that By pimps and traffickers have been using the web to advertise the availability by of women and children for use in B. Vivekanandan making pornography. She also provides an idea of the extent of this Rohini Gawankar exploitation by providing more information about a single such center of making pornographic materials. Price: Rs. 20/- This centre located in Latvia was Published by called the Logo Centre which produced pornography and also used Kamalakar Subhedar, minors for this. This centre had several Secretary, Samata Shikshan Sanstha, web-sites with pornography, Janata Trust Pareira Wadi, Mohili Village, information about minors and D-15, Ganesh Prasad, photographs of their so-called models Sakinaka, Ghatkopar(W), in various sex acts. This singlecentre Mumbai 400072. Naushir Bharucha Marg, trapped as many as 2000 women, Mobile: 9820092255 Grant Road (W), children and men in making Contribution: Rs.300+ Mumbai 400 007. pornography and prostitution. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, September 10, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2017 Published on Sunday, September 10, 2017 & Posted on Wedenesday September 13, 2017 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 34 Is India Run by Dynasty? September 17, 2017 Kuldip Nayar

Yogi Should First Get Congress Vice President Rahul South, from Calcutta and Children Admitted Gandhi is wrong when he says that all S.K. Patil from Bombay were stalwarts Sandeep Pandey of India runs on dynasties. Ruling means in their own right but were willing to wielding power at the centre. Only accept Shastri because he did not push Jawaharlal Nehru’s family has had the himself to give them the feeling as if they opportunity to do so. Nehru ruled for were not equal. India’s Foreign Policy: Less Continuity and More Change! 17 years, his daughter Indira Gandhi D. K. Giri for 18 years and Rajiv Gandhi, son of I was working as Political Indira Gandhi for 5 years. Thus, the Correspondence of Indian Express. dynasty has been in power at the centre I wrote at that time that: “In the hush for 40 years, more than half of the period of a summer night in 1963, five men Visions of Secularism: since independence in August 1947. groped their way to a sequestered Triple Talaq Judgment bungalow overlooking an expansive Irfan Engineer Nehru saw to it that his daughter valley in the temple town of Tirupati would rule, if not soon after his rule but down South. One was ungainly and in due course. When I was working as heavy, another portly, the third brisk Information Officer to Lal Bahadur and breezy, the fourth, slight in stature, Constitutionalism, Social Justice Shastri then the Home Minister, I would and the fifth looked like a muscular and Black Money tell him to get ready, particularly, when wrestler. All of them came from B. Sudershan Reddy Nehru had a stroke. Shastri told me different directions to defy detection, that unke man me to unki saputri he and they succeeded in doing so. There (His daughter in his mind), adding that was hardly anybody in the streets. it would not be easy. He would not Most people had gone to bed to get Editor : challenge PanditJi and go back to sufficient sleep before responding to G. G. Parikh Allahabad. But would the pre-dawn call of the temple”. Managing Editor : Guddi not accept Indira Gandhi. After Shastri’s death, power reverted back to the dynasty. D-15, Ganesh Prasad, This happened when Nehru died. Naushir Bharucha Marg, K.Kamraj, the then Congress Rahul Gandhi, is, however, correct President, was a staunch follower of when he criticizes Prime Minister Mumbai - 400 007. Nehru. He wanted, who he had Narendra Modi for creating an Email : [email protected] discovered, was one key that opened ‘atmosphere of intolerance’. As many Website:www.janataweekly.org many locks. Sanjiva Reddy from the as 17 crores Muslims in the country do 2 JANATA, September 17, 2017 not figure anywhere. They have also It is a pity that the Congress has which once Nehru did. But today the withdrawn from the public gaze. It is become irrelevant. Otherwise, it BJP is even trying to change the name as if they have accepted themselves the could have provided secular platform of Nehru from the Nehru Memorial status of being number-2 citizen in their to the country. Rahul Gandhi would Centre. Some scholars are trying to own country. increasingly realize that his party stop the effort but the matter has been would have to work at the grassroots left to the prime minister office (PMO). On the other hand, the Hindus on once again and try to change the the whole have not forgiven them for temperament of the people. India partition. Even today, when there is fought for a democratic and secular They should remember that Nehru tension between India and Pakistan, the country both Mahatma Gandhi and was one of the stalwarts who sacrificed Muslims are seen with the eye of Jawaharlal Nehru reminded the everything to oust the British. He went mistrust. Even otherwise they are left people of their heritage which had to jail many a time but this did not in to fend for themselves in the localities both Hindus and Muslims as it’s any way lessen his determination for the which are slums. Employment-wise, inherent. In fact, it is surprising that country’s independence. Rahul Gandhi, they can be counted on fingers. Very Nehru’s name is sought to be effaced. his great grandson, should tear a leaf few make in competitive exams. The Liberal BJP leader, AtalBehari from his book and put up the fight, not Sachar’s committee has brought out Vajpayee was an ardent follower of for the perpetuation of the dynasty but how their plight is worse than that of Nehru. for the protection of country’s ethos: dalits. democracy and secularism. People of Once when Vajpayee was Prime India would again make Congress The Hindus have to retrieve them Minister, I, then Member of Parliament relevant. The important thing is the from the pool of poverty. But they are met him in his room, he very proudly heritage: United, Secular and left to wallow in the abyss of told me that he occupied the same chair Democratic. helplessness. Partition on the basis of religion has drawn a line whereby the Muslims in India have suffered the most and still they are for the religious Another Horrific Act of Capitalist- prejudice. Even mixed colonies are Communal Nexus disappearing and Muslims feel safe among their own community people The Socialist Party strongly condemns the murder of GauriLankesh, when the living condition is activist and editor of ‘GauriLankeshPatrike’. The party calls upon the impossible. state and the central governments to arrest and sentence the killers of GauriLankesh at the earliest. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule, the gulf between the two The Socialist Party believes that the killing of intellectuals, writers, is increasing. RSS men are seeing to it journalists and political activists is being committed one after the other that no Muslim holds a key position in due to the capitalist-communal nexus operating within the country’s the public sector. I recall that a Muslim politics. That could be the only reason why the governmental system engineer who dropped me at the does not make serious efforts to even identify the killers. Srinagar airport complained that he had gone to Bangalore in search of a job The party considers that the suicides of lakhs of farmers and the mob- but was rejected straightaway when his lynching of the citizens of minority community too is a result of this credentials were known. capitalist-communal nexus, whose main players are the BJP and the Congress. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, envisaged In the party’s view, the increasing communal fanaticism in the country that the both countries, one with Hindu can be curbed only when neo-liberal fanaticism is rejected. Only then majority and the other with Muslim can there be an end to day-to-day killings and suicides. majority would conduct affairs in such – Abhijit Vaidya a way that religion does not come in the way of state affairs. JANATA, September 17, 2017 3 Yogi Should First Get Children Admitted

Sandeep Pandey

There is a high profile event being which has directed the U.P. the government schools which are not organised by famous media house government to make it compulsory for being run well should be handed over India Today at the City Montessori everybody receiving salary from the to the private groups. It is not difficult School in Lucknow to present government to send their children to to imagine that privatisation of sanitation awards in which the Chief government schools. The previous education is a sure way of damaging Minister of Uttar Pradesh, two deputy Akhilesh Yadav government didn’t the quality of government schools and CMs, Vidhan Sabha Speaker and implement it and neither has the Yogi making good education out of reach State Minister for Law and Justice, Adityanath government given any of the poor child. The process of Mayor of Varanasi and film personality indication that it is serious about privatisation is in general anti-poor. The ShilpaShetty are participating. implementing it. Yogi has only made a basic premise of privatisation is to statement once supporting the spirit carry out activity with the sole motive City Montessori School has been of the judgement. But he’ll join hands of earning profit. When schools will defying the order of District Magistrate with the lobby of private schools so be run for profit making, as is already of Lucknow for admission of children soon in his chief ministership was not happening, how are the poor children from disadvantaged groups and expected. He was expected to not expected to have access to them? The weaker sections for free education give any importance to private schools. section 12(1)(c) of RTE Act had from classes I to VIII to its various opened a window of opportunity for branches under section 12(1)(c) of the The Bhartiya Janata Party underprivileged children upto 25% of Right to Education Act 2009. 13 government, like its predecessors, too class strength in private schools for Valmiki children were admitted in its has become a patron of the private free education. But the manner in which Indira Nagar branch in 2015-16 education mafia. May be it is politically Jagdish Gandhi and other owners of because of a Supreme Court’s expedient for parties to protect the private schools are out to scuttle this direction. But the school has not interests of the capitalists. provision of the Act it doesn’t appear admitted a single child on its own after that underprivileged children will gain that even though orders of admission Jagdish Gandhi is the most gross much from this. of 18, 55 and 296 children for the symbol of commercialisation of academic years 2015-16, 2016-17 education and questions will be raised A local businessman and BJP and 2017-18, respectively, are about any government which hobnobs leader in Lucknow Sudhir Halwasiya pending. with him. AkhileshYadav government has also denied admissions under awarded him with YashBharti award. RTE Act in his school Navyug CM’s visit to CMS will provide After Jagdish Gandhi opposed the Radiance. When a BJP leader is also legitimacy to a school which doesn’t admissions of children under section openly violating the Act it can be honour the orders of his government 12(1)(c) of RTE Act in his school in imagined what the state of affairs of or administration and flouts the 2015, the AkhileshYadav government its implementation would be. The national law openly. Yogi has made a also awarded his wife Bharti Gandhi parents whose children have been pronouncement earlier that he’ll with Rani LaxmiBai bravery award. issued orders for admission under improve the quality of government Was the bravery of the Gandhis in section 12(1)(c) of the Act are schools to such an extent that people opposing the admissions of running from pillar to post but their will not have any need to get their underprivileged children? Now the dream of getting their children children admitted to private schools. Yogi government also seems to have educated in good schools has been He has also said that everybody come under the influence of Jagdish grounded. Some are approaching the should get their children educated in Gandhi. Court but it is not within everyone’s government schools. It is noteworthy means to take that course. that there is a 2015 High Court order The BJP is a pro-capitalist party of Justice Sudhir Agarwal in U.P. anyway. Narendra Modi has said that (Continued on Page 9) 4 JANATA, September 17, 2017 India’s Foreign Policy: Less Continuity and More Change!

D. K. Giri

It was believed for long that the the benchmark for India’s foreign policy. Singh’s government’s approach. foundation of India’s foreign policy was This was a period of high idealism. The SashiTharoor Minister of State for laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime second phase overlaps with tenures of External Affairs in Manmohan Singh’s Minister of India. He left a deep and LalBahadurShastri, and Indira Gandhi. government, says that the “hallmark of lasting impact on the foreign policy of This phase was marked by security our government was the concrete independent India. The core principles concerns and dependence on Soviet decision of India’s foreign policy to link of foreign policy enunciated by him Union especially after 1971 war with India’s economic transformation and continue to serve as the guiding Pakistan over Bangladesh. The third is growth of India with its foreign policy principles of all subsequent of 1990s when trade and economy approach and objectives.” In fact, that governments and Prime Ministers after replaced security as the overriding is part of the story. They have to him. Of course, changes in the policy foreign policy interest. In an informal acknowledge that India has given up were introduced from time to time in conversation with the author, the Indian on Nehruvian approach and corrected keeping with the changes in Ambassador to France confirmed in late the historic mistakes of that period. international politics. But the core 1990s that all the Indian Missions were ShashiTharoor, before joining Congress remained unchanged. That is how the asked to scout for trade and investment had correctly assessed Nehru’s ‘cliché’ “India’s foreign policy: opportunities unlike in the past when approach to our foreign policy as a continuity and change”, gained defence deals were a priority. The “moral commentary on world affairs.” currency. Professor Bimal Prasad fourth is the current phase ‘a new phase Be that as it was, it is in order that we formerly at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India’s foreign policy, “a period of recall those landmark events and as Dean of School of International pragmatism”. examine how they were undone. Studies, then our Ambassador to Nepal promoted this approach in a seminal On a deeper analysis, however, one First, Nehru’s emphasis on moralism book under the same name. But, would find that there were only two in foreign policy in lieu of pragmatism evidently, since the last three years with distinct phases in India’s foreign policy, to save our national interest;for NarendraModi of BharatiyaJanata one under the Congress regime, another instance, he considered the European Party as the Prime Minister our foreign under Narendra Modi, although countries and United States as policy has undergone radical changes, intervening governments of Morarji capitalists-imperialists, and tilted a clear departure from Nehruvian Desai (1977-80) and I.K. Gujaral towards Soviet Union, borrowing a lot approach. In fact, if Nehru’s (1997-98) and of ideas from the latter. Thus Nehru was architecture of our foreign policy could (1998-2004) had some small shifts in called a crypto communist. He be called Nehru doctrine, it has new our foreign policy in favour of the dismissed the formation of European been replaced by what is termed as neighbours, namely Pakistan. The Community in 1957, a ‘capitalist club’ Modi doctrine. Visibly, there is less Janata government of Morarji Desai is and so we did not have EEC/EU policy continuity and lot more change in our also known for espousing “genuine non- for long although around 60 percent of foreign policy. As someone perceptively alignment”. trade deficit was with EU countries. commented on India’s foreign policy, Modi has deepened our contact with “Modi has broken the mould without India’s foreign policy, rather her EU countries and initiated new ones. rocking the boat.” national interest suffered from four Second, our policy of non-alignment cardinal faults under Nehru. was unviable, and not in our interest. Foreign Policy experts like NarendraModi has begun to correct For greater gains, countries surrender SumitGanguly, in his book “India’s those fault lines, and that defines the voluntarily part of their sovereignty. Foreign Policy – Past, Present and radical new phase of India’s foreign Take the case of EU countries, Future” (2015, OUP), divides India’s policy. Congress foreign apologists Germany’s defence policy, Japan’s and foreign policy into 4 phases. The first is would contend that Modi’s foreign Korea’s defence ties with US. As a the Nehruvian era (1947-64), which set policy is continuation of Manmohan result, all these countries, Germany, JANATA, September 17, 2017 5

Japan, Korea have emerged reciprocal concessions. China came to stop aiding terrorists operating in economically powerful. In fact, our close to our borders and began to Kashmir, before dialogues could begin. non-alignment approach had to be breathe down our neck. The present But, is there an agenda for dialogue? compromised in 1956, when Soviet government has stood up to our Pakistan wants Kashmir; does not want Union invaded Hungary, and there was fractious neighbours China and any dialogue until their demand is met. an Anglo-French attack on Suez Canal Pakistan, by drawing close to the India does not want to part with an inch at the same time. Nehru was critical of United States. It is our proximity with of Kashmir. New Delhi says we can France and UK but kept quiet on US that China and Pakistan are holding talk anything under the sun, but no Soviet action as he was dependent on off. We do need friends in world partition of Kashmir from India, no USSR for their veto on Kashmir. Modi politics, although there is no permanent way. With such rigid positions, how has given up non-alignment by friend or foe. We have made such can there be any dialogue. Yes, there beginning to build strategic alliances. friends now, US, Japan, Germany, can be a dialogue, provided that we are India as a poor country had paid heavily Israel and others. Such alliances are the creative, flexible and willing to learn to defend itself on its own, despite our bulwark against any invasion or trouble- from others. friendship treaty with USSR in 1971. making in the country. That is the The treaty was in violation of principle departure from moralistic non-aligned Let me venture to suggest that of non-alignment, and drained us off as third worldism of the past. Kashmir and Northern Ireland is we were compelled to buy armaments somewhat similar. Yet, in Northern from USSR. One more historical blunder needs Ireland, peace prevails now. How was to be noted. In 1955, India was offered it done? The peace accord was Thirdly, Nehru’s approach to a United Nations Security Council seat achieved during the tenure of Tony Kashmir; our Kashmir policy has by the United States, how even, to the Blair as the Prime Minister. In his defined many of our foreign policy surprise of many, Nehru declined the autobiography, from his experience, he objectives. When Indian Army was seat and suggested the seat be reserved lists ten core principles of conflict beating back the tribal invaders of for China instead, as at the time China resolution; one, at the heart of any Kashmir backed by Pakistani Army, was ruled by ChaingKaiShek, the conflict resolution must be a Nehru ordered the Army to halt, as he dictator. Having lost this great framework based on agreed principles; wanted to take the matter to the United opportunity to be a part of UN Security two, to proceed to resolution, the thing Nation. He did this against the advice Council we are now lobbying hard to needs to be gripped and focused on of the Army commander who wanted get a seat in a Security Council. continually, in exhaustively, relentlessly; to a few days to clear the entire Kashmir Similarly, in 1957, Bhabha suggested three, in conflict resolution, small things including what is now called PoK off that India was ready for a nuclear can be big things; four, one has to be the invaders. Without heeding the explosion. Nehru refused. If we had creative; five, the conflict won’t be advice, Nehru took it to UN.The rest done so, we would have long resolved by the parties, it left to is all before us. Successive governments precedent Pakistan and even China in themselves. If it were possible for have tried to fudge the issue and evade joining the nuclear group. China made them to resolve it on their own, they it with some veto support from USSR. its bomb only in 1961. Thereafter, the would have done it. They need help; But, the present government sees the world powers decided to ban further Six, we must realize that, for both problem differently. The Kashmir issue nuclearisation along those to retain who sides, resolving a conflict must be a has to be settled through international already had. India would have been journey, a process; Seven, the path to military support that works as a there without any difficulty. Now we peace is disrupted by those who deterrent; so no one would meddle in have the difficulty for entering into the believe that the conflict must continue; Kashmir. NSG – Nuclear Supply Group etc. Eight, leaders matter, the quality of leadership is a sine qua non; Nine, the Fourthly, Nehru’s policy on Tibet; it Kashmir is a test case for the new external circumstances, must militate in was the British sagacity that they made government as it has been for the favour of not against; Ten never give a buffer between India and China in previous ones since Nehrus’. As said up. Tibet, an independent country. Nehru before in this article Kashmir defines got carried away with Chinese or deflates our foreign policy quite a Finally, who are the parties to this overtures, so called Hindi Chini bhai- lot. India insists on dialogue with dialogue or negotiation, India and bhai, and gave away Tibet without any Pakistan on Kashmir, expects Pakistan Pakistan? Not really. As India and 6 JANATA, September 17, 2017 Pakistan have irreconcilable a priori Visions of Secularism: position on the affiliation of Kashmir. India says it is an integral part of India, Triple Talaq Judgment Pakistan says it should come to them. So, for India, the parties are New Delhi Irfan Engineer and Kashmir separatists and militants. Once India, closes the space for dissent and revolt, Pakistan will have no role. Secularism is once again being It was not within the realm of Let us begin the process. debated after the 5-member discretion of judiciary to set aside a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme matter of faith and religion, held CJI and On balance, Modi’s foreign policy Court of India set aside by majority of Nazeer J. They stated in their judgment, seems more confrontational than 3:2 Judgment in Writ Petition (C) No. “It is not difficult to comprehend, collaborative especially with our 118 of 2016 (Shayara Bano vs. Union what kind of challenges would be neighbours. Confrontation affects all of India & others), talaq-e-biddat or raised by rationalists, assailing parties negatively although some instant triple talaq in one sitting resorted practices of different faiths on temporary benefits may accrue so, on to by some Muslim men. The Judgment diverse grounds, based on all kinds the lines of dynamics between ‘war is welcome in so far as it relieves Muslim of enlightened sensibilities. We have and peace’, suggested by Leo women from the misery or potential to be guarded, lest we find our Tolstoy, confrontation must precede misery of instant triple talaq in one conscience traversing into every conciliation and collaboration in sitting. However, this is only a partial nook and corner of religious mutual benefit. Second, foreign policy amelioration of their misery. Patriarchal practices, and ‘personal law’.” The is both promotion of national interest, interpretation Qur’an’s message, Honourable Justices further held, and reflection of domestic situation. different Sunni fiqhs (Islamic schools of “....while examining issues falling in We are struggling, even after seven jurisprudence) – Hanafi, Hanbali, the realm of religious practices or decades of independence, to address Maliki, Shafi, and Shia fiqhs ‘personal law’, it is not for a court chronic and massive poverty, (collectively called as Muslim personal to make a choice of something which illiteracy, poor-infrastructure, lack of law) will continue to rein even when they it considers as forward looking or large-scale livelihoods, and so on. are in violation of fundamental rights non-fundamentalist. It is not for a India’s position in Human mentioned in Part III of the Indian court to determine whether religious Development Index is much lower. Constitution on fundamental rights of practices were prudent or This has to change if we expect to citizens. progressive or regressive. Religion play a bigger role in international and ‘personal law’ must be perceived, politics. Hans J. Morgethau, the There were some common grounds as it is accepted, by the followers of author of real politik had remarked in three separate Judgments given in the the faith. And not, how another India could not pursue its laudable Shayara Bano case – none of the three would like it to be (-including self- objectives in its foreign policy due to Judgments contested the ground that proclaimed rationalists, of the same its persistent, wide-spread poverty. “personal laws”, not being a law passed faith). Article 25 obliges all China lacks political skills as it is by the state, cannot be subjected to test Constitutional Courts to protect single-party authoritarian state, but of violation of fundamental rights of ‘personal laws’ and not to find fault uses its economic might in its conduct citizens. The Chief Justice of India and therewith. Interference in matters of of foreign policy. Third, India has Justice S. Abdul Nazeer in their joint ‘personal law’ is clearly beyond moved closer to US, and its allies, Judgment held that personal laws or judicial examination. The judiciary but it should retain the confidence of laws that govern family relations viz. must therefore, always exercise its long-time friends like Russia and marriage, divorce, maintenance, absolute restraint, no matter how Iran. Time and again, these countries custody of children, intestate compelling and attractive the have stood by India. True, new allies succession, adoption of children, opportunity to do societal good may lend new support and strength, but it guardianship, etc., as they are not laws seem.” (Shayara Bano vs. Union of is equally important to nurture long- passed by the state, could not be India, 2017, p. 267, para 196). To time friends, or at least, not subjected to judicial scrutiny as to follow personal law then, is part of antagonise them. This is what will test whether they violate fundamental rights freedom to profess, practice and the mettle in India’s foreign policy. of the citizens. propagate religion, unless it falls foul of JANATA, September 17, 2017 7 reasonable restrictions mentioned in mentioned above, are rules of decision than other members of a community. Article 25 of the Constitution, viz. which pertain to marriage, divorce, etc. There would be hierarchy within each public order, morality and health. Unless codified (and to the extent community based on gender and other codified) by the legislature, they are birth based social status. The cultural Rohinton F. Nariman and Uday U. based on religious scriptures, customs, gatekeepers defend these hierarchies as Lalit JJ in their joint Judgment did not traditions and usages of communities. God made. India would then look more contest the premise viz., that personal Custodians of religious scriptures and like confederation of communities rather laws are beyond the pale of judicial customs of all communities have been than nation of equal citizens. scrutiny. They held that the practice of patriarchal and feudal elite. They often talaq-e-biddat was recognized and enforce them using fear of God and at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted enforced by Section 2 of ‘The Muslim times use coercive force which may to make our political democracy a Personal Law (Shariat) Application include threat of exclusion from social democracy as well. Social Act, 1937’, a Colonial legislation. community controlled institutions, social democracy is a way of life which Talaq-e-biddat was therefore ‘law in boycott and even physical force. recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity force’ within the meaning of Article 13 Personal laws often privilege a section as the principles of life. He warned us, (1) of the Constitution and liable to be (feudal and patriarchal elite) and “On the 26th of January 1950, we struck down if talaq-e-biddat fell foul disadvantage the rest in various are going to enter into a life of of the Part III of the Constitution of degrees. Women and children have contradictions. In politics we will India on fundamental rights. The always been disadvantaged by the have equality and in social and Constitutional Courts therefore had prevalent understanding of religious economic life we will have inequality. power to set it aside on the ground that scriptures mediated through patriarchal In politics we will be recognizing the it was arbitrary. Justice Kurian Joseph culture. The custodians of personal laws principle of one man one vote and in his Judgment agreed with the premise – we can call them cultural one vote one value. In our social and propounded by the CJI and Justice S. entrepreneurs or gate keepers of economic life, we shall, by reason of Abdul Nazeer, viz. that talaq-e-biddat culture, customs and traditions – are our social and economic structure, could not be termed as ‘law in force’ necessarily conservative, may be with continue to deny the principle of one being a customary law and traditional a few exceptions. Much necessary man one value. How long shall we practice. Impugned practice of instant changes in customs and traditions come continue to live this life of talaq therefore was part of personal law about when individuals within contradictions? How long shall we and was amenable to judicial scrutiny communities challenge the practices and continue to deny equality in our for violation of fundamental rights. traditions in face of ostracization and social and economic life? If we However, Kurian J. disagreed with the coercive harassment. continue to deny it for long, we will CJI and Nazeer J. on the issue that do so only by putting our political talaq-e-biddat was against the tenets Freedom to profess, practice and democracy in peril. We must remove of Holy and that being so, it was propagate religion accrues to all this contradiction at the earliest ultra vires the S. 2 of the Shariat Act, persons. All persons are equally entitled possible moment or else those who 1937 and did not enjoy Constitutional to that freedom. However, if personal suffer from inequality will blow up protection. Talaq-e-biddat was laws are accorded unbridled the structure of political democracy therefore liable to be set aside. Constitutional protection by Art. 25, the which is Assembly has to laboriously cultural gate keepers will enjoy higher built up.” (Dr. Ambedkar, 1949) Unrestrained freedom of personal degree of freedom as they can impose laws their understanding of religion and Despite setting aside the practice of personal law on others. The elite cultural instant triple talaq in one sitting by 3:2 It could therefore be said that the gatekeepers often draw lines to verdict, there is a cause of worry. learned Judges of the Constitutional construct separate communal walls. Personal laws have been placed on a Bench gave a 3:0, if not 5:0, verdict These custodians of community would pedestal of freedom of religion. There that personal laws of all communities judge right behaviour from wrong for is not even a whisper of gender equality would reign unrestrained and enjoyed their entire community. Can we then in the entire judgment. R. F. Nariman the protection of Article 25[1] of the say all persons equally enjoy freedom and U. U. Lalit JJ. invoke Art. 14 in Constitution which guarantees right to of religion? The elite would enjoy more support, however, on the issue of freedom of religion. Personal laws, as rights to profess and practice religion arbitrary nature of talaq-e-biddat. 8 JANATA, September 17, 2017

AIMPLB reaction practice and 6) providing for welfare leaves gullible followers to the mercy and reforms. The last two restrictions of the self-appointed church – The All India Muslim Personal Law would require legislative intervention. In institutions propounding and enforcing Board (AIMPLB) in its initial reaction our humble understanding, when the various fiqhs and the AIMPLB. Islam reminded us that the Court had upheld judiciary is mandated to protect the does not oblige believer to follow any their submissions viz. personal laws are freedom of religion, the language of Art. school of jurisprudence, just be guided part of freedom of religion and cannot 25 is clear – it is subject to the other onto the straight path (sirat ul be interfered with. AIMPLB felt that provisions of Part III, including Articles mustaqim) by her own understanding their position had been vindicated. The 14, 15 and 16 right to equality, and be responsible only to Allah. There Ulemas of various schools of recognized for all persons including is enough space in Islam for enlightened jurisprudence would still be sitting over gender equality. understanding evolution of law in the lives of Muslim women enforcing accordance with changing times and the their writ. Though talaq-e-biddat has However, so far as personal laws are process is called ijtihad. The Ulemas been set aside, Muslim women could concerned, The Shayara Bano of various fiqhs closed the gates still be divorced by talaq-e-ahsan (two Judgment seems to have passed the of ijtihad and merely follow their pronunciations with a gap of three buck on to the executive and legislature respective fiqhs. They extol the virtue months) and talaq-e-hasan to make it compliant with the of taqlid, i.e. merely submitting and (pronouncing talaq once every month fundamental rights. Given the political following without application of mind three times when his wife in not agenda of uniform civil code of the to their fiqhs. menstruating). The instant talaq would present regime, minorities fear that the be replaced by a procedure to be legislature may impose a family law that While the Shayara Bano Judgment followed over a period of three months. is entirely alien to their way of life and is welcome in so far as it sets aside the While no marriage can be forced upon with the intention to “integrate them into practice of talaq-e-biddat, the either partner, and it is not prudent to a Hinduized nation”. The learned protection accorded to Muslim continue a marriage when there is an former Attorney General – Mukul Personal Law on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, divorced Rohatgi submitted before the Court that freedom of religion is worrisome. The women should not be left in a situation if they set aside the practice, the Central Judgment has left minority citizens to of destitution to fend for herself. To Government was ready to bring in either the mercy of cultural gatekeepers AIMPLB, the practice of talaq-e- legislation. This fear of imposition of an propagating taqlidor to a Parliament biddat (something they agreed was bad alien code keeps the flock of minority wherein the Hindu supremacists are in in theology, though good in law) has together. They fear any change, majority – between the devil and the been sacrificed but the Muslim personal howsoever desirable and good for the deep sea. law has been saved. community. Three Ld. Judges of the Secularism The Shayara Bano Judgment seems Constitutional Bench accord protection to imply that the Judiciary is obliged to to personal laws on the basis of Article The Shayara Bano Judgment has uphold religious freedom of religio- 13 (1), which provides that drawn red lines for the judiciary. cultural gatekeepers in their only laws in force before the Personal law having been declared enforcement of personal laws. The commencement of the Constitution can integral part of freedom of religion, they Judiciary would refrain from protecting be declared void in so far as they are would not be amenable to judicial fundamental rights of members of the inconsistent with the Constitution. The scrutiny for violation of fundamental community vis-a-vis the religio-cultural CJI, Nazeer and Kurian JJ. held that rights. Ironically, under Article 25, right gatekeepers. The Judiciary would Muslim personal law is not a ‘law’ to freedom of religion is not absolute. encourage church within Islam even within the meaning of the term, and It has been subjected to 6 reasonable though the religion does not permit one. therefore cannot be tested on the restrictions. 1) public order; 2) morality, There is no agent between God and ground of inconsistency with the 3) health, 4) other provisions of Part believer. Believer can seek help to Constitution, including the fundamental III of the Constitution (fundamental understand the guidance of Quran but rights. rights), 5) regulation or restriction on she is solely responsible and responsible economic, financial, political or secular only to God, not the religio-cultural Nariman and Lalit JJ. opined that activity associated with religious gatekeepers. Shayara Bano Judgment personal laws operate under the Shariat JANATA, September 17, 2017 9

Act, 1937 and therefore is a law as of the citizens, it should be held to be (a) regulating or restricting any defined in Article 13 (3). Article 13 (3) void. In Shayara Bano Judgment we economic, financial, political or other (a) includes within the meaning of law have achieved only partial victory. We secular activity which may be even customs and usages having force have to carry on the struggle till these associated with religious practice; of law within the territory of India. religio-cultural gatekeepers are Muslim personal law is not only completely marginalized or they too are (b) providing for social welfare and customs and usages having force of law in consonance with Constitutional reform or the throwing open of Hindu within the territory of India, the customs objectives. religious institutions of a public and usages are also mandated under character to all classes and sections of the Shariat Act, 1937. On both counts Hindus. under Article 13 Muslim personal law [1] Article 25: Freedom of is “law” as defined under Art. 13 and conscience and free profession, Explanation I.- The wearing and therefore to the extend it is inconsistent practice and propagation of religion carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to with the fundamental rights under Part be included in the profession of the Sikh (1) Subject to public order, morality III of the Constitution, it is liable to be religion. and health and to the other provisions declared void and inoperative. of this Part, all persons are equally Explanation II.- In sub clause Operation of Muslim Personal law entitled to freedom of conscience and (b) of clause reference to Hindus impacts 172 million Indians in important the right freely to profess, practise and shall be construed as including a area of marriage, divorce, maintenance, propagate religion reference to persons professing the custody of children, testate and Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, (2) Nothing in this article shall affect intestate succession, guardianship, and the reference to Hindu religious the operation of any existing law or adoption of children, etc. Can we leave institutions shall be construed prevent the State from making any law– this vast and important area of life to accordingly. the whims of cultural gatekeepers and (Continued from Page 3) exclude it from important rights as equality, justice, right to life and liberty? People like Jagdish Gandhi who simple reason for this. BJP needs more were running their schools like money to contest elections than other Religion may not be subjected the fiefdoms are averse to any government parties. challenges raised by rationalists or interference in their school in the form enlightened sensibilities; religion and of 25% of their admissions being ‘personal law’ my be perceived, as it is thrown open to public. In a way this accepted, by the followers of the faith is 25% nationalisation of private and not, how another would like it to schools which private schools are be as opined by the CJI and Nazeer J. resisting. It is upto the government to However, should the cultural take a stand on whether it’ll allow gatekeepers be allowed unrestrained private schools to have their way or freedom in the name of personal law will enforce compliance of the national and force a section of citizens, Act by securing admissions for particularly women of the community, underprivileged children who too now to live as slaves or second class citizens have a right to the same education as and the judiciary feel helpless to come the children of rich receive. to their rescue? In UP corrupt politics has made an We are not against Muslim Personal alliance with education mafia. People Law or any other personal law for that who were under the impression that Price: Rs. 20/- matter. They all have their strengths and corruption will decrease if not be are good for their followers. We firmly completely eliminated under the BJP Janata Trust stand for diversity. However, so far as rule should at least be disillusioned D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir any provision of a personal law is now. In reality corruption under BJP Bharucha Marg, inconsistent with the fundamental rights regime has increased. There is a Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. 10 JANATA, September 17, 2017 Articles 370 and 35A

Pannalal Surana

A few citizens, who during the after ascertaining the “wishes of the the subjects included in the Union transition period of partition, had people”. List. It cannot pass laws on migrated to J&K from some parts of subjects included in the State List West Pakistan,have recently formed an 5. India accepted IA instantly and and can do so for items in NGO by name “We the people”. It has rushed its jawans to resist the concurrent List only with the filed a writ petition in the Supreme advancing Pak invaders. There was consent of the State/s. So no fault Court of India challenging the validity no time to engage in legal niceties. can be found with Art. 370 on the of Article 35A.Their contention is that ground that much more has been besides being partial to the permanent 6. The UNO had passed a resolution given to the State of J&K only. residents of J&K,it being a saying that referendum would be constitutional amendment was not held only after Pakistan withdrew 10. Constitution of J&K was finally included in the Constitution by following all its forces from all the territory adopted in November. 1954 and due procedure laid in Art. 368. of J&K. thereafter, that Constituent Assembly was dissolved. The Before going into the legal aspects, 7. Pakistan did not comply.So people of J&K said that exclusive it is necessary to bear in mind a few referendum could not be taken till rights of the permanent residents relevant facts: today. in matters of purchasing land in the State, contesting election to its 1. At the time of partition, former 8. India had already started VidhanSabha, appointment to princely states were advised to Constitution making. J&K said that State bureaucracy and obtaining merge with either Pakistan or as it has not finally merged with scholarship, which have been India.But Maharaja Hari Singh, India and so, instead of enshrined in the State laws then ruler of J&K did not do so till participating in that Constitution- adopted as early as 1927 and 24th October,1947 when Pakistani making, it would have its own 1932 could be transgressed by men invaded that state. Constitution.India could not say Indian Parliament because it has ‘no’. exclusive power under Articl 35 to 2. The maharaja had an army of only enact laws included in the Union 1100 while the invaders were more 9. India adopted its Constitution on List and Citiznship is part of the than 5000. Realising that he would 26 November, 1949 and its Union List. With a view to not be able to defend the state, implementation was ushered in on safeguard those rights of the he asked for military help from 26 January 1950. Constitution permanent residents of &K and India. making of J&K was lingering on. upon asking by the Government of So, with the consent of the State J&K The President of India 3. Government of India said that they of J&K, Article 370 was inserted promulgated The Constitution would be able to do so only if that in the Constitution of India which (Application to the State of state merges with it.Otherw5se it says that article 1 of its J&K)Order 1954 which says that would be charged that it had Constitution, which states that Article 35 A would be treated as invaded foreign territory. Bharat is the name of the Indian being part of the Constitution of Union would be treated as part of India since 1950.The President is 4. The maharaja signed Instrument of the Constitution of J&K, and empowered by the Article 392 to th Accession on 25 night specifically further that the laws passed by its rectify legal and procedural mentioning that it is restricted to Parliament would be applicable to lacunae. So Article 35A was only three subjects ,viz, Defence, J&K only after approved by the embodiedwhich contains Foreign Affairs and VidhanSabha of the J&K.It may be theprovision thatVidhanSabha Communications. It further stated mentioned here that that the ofJ&K would be able to enact laws that final decision would be taken Parliament can pass laws only on JANATA, September 17, 2017 11

about according status of Secondly, inclusion of Article 35 Let us uphold superb value of Justice permanent resident to those who A in the Constitution is to be accepted and let it guide allour governance. have migrated from that part of as rectification of procedural lacuna J&K which is occupied by in the transitional period when Every Indian citizen should Pakistan. Constituent Assembly of J&K was extend friendly hand to our being dissolved. Art. 392 has been brethren in J&K which have That is the bone of contention raised included in our Constitution with a suffered so much. by the NGO “We the people”. view to overcome lacunas which could not be prevented at those Let us not do anything that would Perusing all the facts narrated above, tumultuous times. It is futile to say that strengthen hands of those who would it becomes clear that- Art. 35A should be treated as like to alienate those people from Constitutional amendment. mainstream India. 1.Rights of permanent residents of J&K about purchasing land in that State figured in Art. 370 and 35A not Senior Economists about Demonetization for the first time,but were enacted by the erstwhile Ruler of the State. There Bharat Dogra was apprehension in those days that monied people from Europe and/or Pronab Sen, Former Chairman, time. He has stated, “ I expect the pain Punjab may purchase lands of the National Statistical Commission, has to last at least another year. Perhaps poor peasants of J&K.So, with a said that demonetization was an much longer. In 2017-18 , I do not view to safeguard means of economic disaster and its worst impact expect the growth rate of GDP , even livelihood of the poor peasants of the on economic growth is likely to be as measured by corporate data, to be State, laws of 1927 and 1932 were revealed later when new data comes in. above 6.5 per cent. With non-corporate adopted by the then Ruler after due data, it will probably be sub-6 per cent, consultation with the then British Responding to questions by India may be significantly lower.” Government at Delhi. Today magazine (September 18) Sen said , “ the main adverse effects of In a very significant observation Dr. 2.The NGO argues that the demonetization have been on the non- Sen has stated “ What it provision of Article 35A transgresses corporate sector , and the present GDP (demonetization) has done is to increase their fundamental right to equality estimates reflect only the performance the formalization of economy, not by before law under Article 14 of the of the corporates, and the non- increasing the formal sector but by Constitution. corporate estimates will only be reducing the informal.” incorporated once the informal sector Here, it is relevant to look at the survey data becomes available. In so Summing up Dr. Sen says about the Preamble of the Constitution which far as the corporate sector is impact of demonetization, “A political has accorded first place to Justice concerned, demonetization has had a masterstroke and an economic above Equality .Its import must be relatively small effect arising from the disaster.” Elsewhere in the response he fully grasped. Equality is not to be demand side.” says that at best demonetization can be viewed from arithmetical angle but to called an economic misadventure and be appreciated as in consonance On the other hand the impact on the at worst a disaster. with Justice.It is obvious that no informal sector has been much more average peasant of any part of India severe. Dr. Sen continues, “ The big In another article written for the outside J&K is going to purchase casuality is the informal sector , which Hindu (September 8), Pronab Sen land in that State. Climate differences includes agriculture and a large part of has said that as most of those having are so vast. Only a few rich persons construction. Since these sectors are the loads of black money hold most of it may like to purchase land in J&K with main generators of jobs and livelihoods, not in cash but in real estate, gold, a view to put up 5-star hotel there. Is these are also casualties.” stock market and in tax havens or it proper to allow them to deprive other places abroad and the share of poor peasants of J&K of their means Pronab Sen has added that the after black cash in total black money is of livelihood? effects are likely to linger on for some only 6 per cent ,demonetization policy 12 JANATA, September 17, 2017 was at variance with the main stated costs of printing, replacing old currency have been on the most vulnerable—the objective of dealing a big blow to with new currency, cost of lower GDP sick needing to go to hospitals, workers black money. The outcomes of of two or three quarters. A one with minimal savings who could not get demonetization in terms of both the percentage point lower growth means their daily wages, artisans who faced originally stated aims of reducing a loss of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore of national sharp declines in demand since their black money and reducing fake income and more than a million jobs goods were not daily essentials…If the currency notes are, according to Dr. not created.” lack of demand for particular products Sen “abysmal”. causes some industries to shut down Prof. Rohini Somanathan of Delhi and if these people can’t find The Hindu of the same date has also School of Economics told India Today opportunities elsewhere their pain will carried the comments on this issue of , “The greatest immediate suffering may last indefinitely long.” Prof. Arun Kumar, a leading expert on black money who has stated in very clear terms that if extinguishing black money Peace is Every Step: from India to Pakistan was the intention of demonetization not even 0.01% of that has been achieved. Priyanka Pandey He has added that the government is highly embarrassed, and to cover it up, India and Pakistan turned 70 this year It usually takes Indians and it has changed the goalpost. but continue to be enemies since their Pakistanis step into a third country to partition in 1947. Much like a family get a chance to meet each other. This Further Prof. Arun Kumar has stated, feud, the two nations remain hostile and is when, more often than not, they “ The brunt of this move the conflict has escalated since the bitter become friends and see that they are (demonetization) has been borne by division at the time British rule was like each other sharing similar food, those who never had any black ending. The official story in each culture, and language. I have had friends money…The big failure of country projects the other as precisely from Pakistan who go out of their way, demonetization is that it was carried out that, “the other” and so an enemy. in small and big ways, therefore my without preparation and caused big There is no doubt there are serious perception about the other side has losses to the unorganized sector. This grievances and issues that the been very positive. But on a recent visit has not been factored into the recent governments and armies of the two to Pakistan, I experienced firsthand our data on growth rate, so the loss to the countries have with each other. But the sameness and more important, the economy would be in lakhs of crores of negative views that are perpetuated desire for peace that so many there rupees.” make the conflict much worse. spoke about, which I guess is a universal quality of the human heart. Dr. Ajit Ranade, Chief Economic History textbooks project a Advisor, Aditya Birla Group , told India distorted view to children. The media I came across several people but I Today, “Demonetization has definitely feeds this by exaggerating and replaying did not see an enemy. They were dented growth. The rural, cash- any negative event involving the other people just like us. They spoke the intensive and informal economies have side over and over, and blaming the same language, wore similar clothes, borne the most adverse impact. In the “other” often without substantiated and looked like us. Lahore looked a informal economy, a lot of work had to basis. Efforts to reach out to the other lot like Delhi. Except for the road signs be stopped and some of the jobs are are treated with suspicion. Political in Urdu, I could have been in parts of lost forever. The falling prices of leaders on either side who make such Delhi. I did not get a feeling that I was agricultural products, especially attempts are denounced by hardliners in a foreign country. A taxi driver who perishables, greatly affected farm of their own side: hardliners who use took me around observed that the two income which will take a few quarters religion to divide and seize every chance countries try to scare each other by to recover.” to fuel hatred and revenge. False acquiring weapons and bombs. If they information and misperceptions create tried to be friends, he felt both would Dr. Ranade said further that the more conflict and make the official story save a huge amount of spending on informal sector has been the biggest line seem true in the eyes of ordinary defense which could instead be used casualty of demonetization. He has Indians and Pakistanis, just like in a to improve the lives of their people. He pointed out, “Costs that are upfront are family. was without a doubt that the people of JANATA, September 17, 2017 13 both countries would be better off if the I left Pakistan feeling there is hope Next time someone says “Pakistan two governments became allies. for peace. We as people hold the is like this” or “India is like that”, we power to shift the stories of our two should ask if we hold the right This view was echoed by others I countries. We can tell a different story; perception. We can pause and remind came across. One person shared one that is based on our experiences ourselves that once we lived side by enthusiastically that he was from and honors the reality of our people. side in the same country. I wonder Haryana state in India, his family The people in the two lands are not where we can be if we hold ourselves spoke Haryanvi, and they looked up each other’s enemies; the problems back from blaming an entire people or to India because India seemed to are because of the two governments religion for the conflict the two sides have greater equality for women. A and the militaries, as well as our are in. Every time there is a terrorist young woman shared the story of her perceptions. When someone speaks attack on the other side, its people grandmother who migrated from of the other country negatively, we do suffer just like we suffer when there is India at the time of partition and not have to validate that perception an attack in our country. The people although old by now, continued to without checking the facts. We do not on the other side are just like us. They reminisce about her hometown in have to participate in spreading a are also someone’s daughter, son, India. When the person at the hotel negative view of the other without mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, desk asked for an identity proof, I knowing more. We can correct, one or parent. They have the same hopes, gave my passport. It turned out he at a time, the misperceptions that fuel dreams and fears as us and they too had not seen an Indian passport strong feelings of resentment between want peace. They are our real partners before because he was new in the the two countries. for peace. job. He looked at it carefully, making a comparison to the green color of a Pakistani passport and then declared “we are one”. He recalled visits from Janata Subscription members of his mother’s side of the family who live in India. Annual Rs. : 260/- There were a couple of times when I was mistaken for a Pakistani because of my appearance and Three Years : 750/- language, which reaffirmed for me that we are indeed the same people. Demand Draft / Cheque Among those I met, I did not sense any hostility towards Indians. I on received a lot of warmth and Mumbai Bank in favour of friendship. A long time friend who is a practicing Muslim mentioned during a conversation that a true Muslim JANATA TRUST holds values of forgiveness and compassion, and not hatred and D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, revenge for others. If more Hindus Mumbai 400 007 and Muslims come to see that our religions have similar values at their core, forgiveness, compassion, and tolerance, then maybe there is a Janata chance for religion to unite and not divide us. Neither religion in its essence promotes or condones is available at violence and so any narrative that promotes division and hatred violates www.lohiatoday.com the religions 14 JANATA, September 17, 2017 Constitutionalism, Social Justice and Black Money

B. Sudershan Reddy

....Let me start with what ought to support itself is sufficient to make any the State needs to be. As we look at be an unexceptional premise, but kind of action lawful and moral. While historical developments, we should not which unfortunately we seem to have we could all be spouting about expect that when an idea, especially lost along the way. That fealty to the Kenneth Arrow’s insight, that barring regarding liberty or justice, is first Constitutional values is required of all a referendum on each issue, no one formulated it would be visualized as the stakeholders and not just the can ever know whether a majority/ being universal in coverage. Who were Constitutional courts alone. While the plurality of the populace actually expected to be covered by the Courts are needed to resolve a genuine supported one amongst the many permissive structure of a liberty or dispute of law, or to find minimal action issues on which the individuals votes enjoy the benefit of the uplifting as being normatively needed by the get cast on, there is a far simpler and blanket of justice would depend on State when abdication of responsibility preliminary reason to be aghast: it who were thought of as lesser or towards a citizen or a group of citizens seems many of the powers that be greater, who was deemed to be is of such magnitude and of an have begun to assume that we are a worthy or unworthy, who was deemed egregious nature, the Constitution majoritarian democracy and not a to be an insider or an outsider and places an obligation on all the major constitutional democracy. who was deemed to be a freeman or players to ensure that constitutional a slave – these were all matters of values are adhered to. The collapse of the distinction intense contestation, and the scope of between the two, and incidence of coverage expanded over long spans This point needs to be made such transgressions in an increasing of time covering many centuries. explicit, because of late there seems number of arenas and assertions – However, a progressive idea to be a tendency to assume that as rights of the minorities, re-subjugation applicable to some necessarily raises long as a law, and the action by the of Dalits, safety of women, and high questions about its non-applicability in state that law mandates or gives rise arenas of executive and even legislative the case of others. The intrinsic nature to have not been examined by a action –point to the limits of of liberties and principles of justice is constitutional court and its vires or constitutionalism. Yet, that only further that they are often founded on a core constitutionality not ascertained the underlines the importance of morality that speaks to essential aspects other stakeholders have no constitutionalism to protect the citizens of humanity of all. The strength of a responsibility to assess the legality of from the vagaries and rapacity of the particular normative formulation would their actions on the touchstone of elites and the powers that dance not then depend on the robustness of its Constitutional values. I was aghast to the benefit of all the people, but to logic regarding the extent of its recently, when I heard on television the interests of the few. applicability. Extension of rights and one prominent politician telling the principles of justice to groups hitherto anchor of a TV channel that he does Modern constitutionalism is a excluded have occurred for multiple not want to hear about how the product of a long historical debate of reasons, including but not limited to: decision by his party could be contrary how to restrain collective power (1) diffusion and spread of ideas, along to the Constitutional provisions. At first vested in a small group of people – with their adaptation; (2) spread on the politician blustered on about the restraining them against the collectives account of dominant cultures, both at law not being contrary to the of people as a whole or against the international level and also at the Constitution, and when he realized that particular groups of them. The second level of individual nations, whether he was actually wrong he went on to facet of the debates, about vesting of involving colonialism or not; (3) claim that all of that does not matter collective power in rulers or adaptation of values and normative as the people will support their move. institutional arrangements, revolves structures as a part of modernization The claim implicitly was that popular around what the scope of the work of of state and society; (4) struggles, both

Edited excerpts from Justice Desai endowment lecture by Justice ( Retd ) Reddy of Supreme Court of India delivered on 2nd June, 2017 JANATA, September 17, 2017 15 peaceful and violent, for inclusion by substantive justice, do constitutions of externalities that destroy the political hitherto excluded groups, or by entire modern democracies envisage in the freedoms and liberties – including right populations seeking new rights or modern world? It would be useful to to life – of the many? And if all that measures of justice, etc. begin this analysis from a conception matters are the choices made by of the state as a “nightwatchman”, individuals – as those are to be Thus, one of the primordial modes providing defence and possibly considered to be the sole measure of of characterizing constitutionalism policing coupled with a legal system goodness, then if the poor and the would be the degree to which the to protect property and enforce ones who have lost form a collective State has been enabled and/or contracts. At the other end of the to topple the state controlled by elite, achieved extension of equal rights: (a) spectrum are collectivized communist why shouldn’t such an event also be to periodically vote in or vote out models, with alleged intra-party treated as a natural expression of governments, beginning with restricted democracy. 1 choice? For the youngsters here, I franchise to a model of universal adult would recommend the works G.A. franchise, along with a vertically and a The first model is often associated Cohen, particularly his “On the horizontally divided branches of with Friedrich Hayek2. It is unfortunate Currency of Egalitarian Justice, and government; (b) equality before the that more often than not, our Other Essays in Political Philosophy”, law and equal (and effective) homegrown neo-liberal elites chant and “Rescuing Justice and Equality”to protections of the law (including but Hayek’s name to propose a complete read and absorb the debates about not limited to protection from evisceration of any and all roles of the what ought to be the purpose of the economic forces, natural forces and State in the market. While Hayek’s State. foreseeing the potential risks and orientation was generally informed by protecting the populace from them) and a suspicion of any form of coercive The second model is akin to the benefits of armed forces – both civil regulation of markets by the State, he collectivized communist models in which and armed; (c) the nature and kinds recognized that in addition to the role groups of bureaucrats decide not just of freedoms conceived, their of a night watchman, the State would what gets produced but also how it gets distributions across groups within the be needed to regulate activities that produced, prescription of what is jurisdiction; (d) the nature of destroy nature (protection of acceptable culture and is not, and fundamental rights assured or environment), activities that will distribution not according to what one guaranteed, and coverage across the endanger health (as for instance “deserves” but according to what one entire populace and/or groups; and (e) spurious and unverified drugs, or needs (also to be determined by a nature and principles of justice that broadly speaking against fraud in bureaucrat). The obvious problems are conceived and extended to the markets and in favour of laws against associated with this would be about the populace, and distributed across deception) and efforts to provide a destruction of freedoms and liberties, groups. But any which way we security net against hunger and bad as individuals and being subjected to understand it, because of the relentless health (as minimal charity in societies the whims and caprice of those deciding pressure from populaces in each nation that have enough or can afford). The on behalf of the collective. Because vast for extension of values implicit in each obvious problems associated with this powers are vested in small numbers of of the organizing categories as listed model would be about what happens experts, and the coercive machinery of by me above, all of them or some when there are no substantive the State is in their hands, they could combinations of them, central improvements in the lives of those take wrong decisions (even if intentions normative theme of the debates in and already poor, and competing with were genuine). And this could happen, about constitutionalism, and its those with much. Could such a state even if we assume that they are progress, has been around the question of affair undergird a stable social and genuinely concerned about the welfare of equality - equality conceived as political structure? Why couldn’t the of the populace, because they do not both procedural and substantive., in elites capture governmental machinery, take into account all the information actuality and as an ontological in the name of greater liberties for available, and being used to centralized assumption and a normative themselves, eliminate any and all forms decision making process in which only imperative. of regulation and suppress even the small coteries are permitted they do not political freedoms of the poor? Who have any feedback loops of criticism What level and kind of equality, is to prevent the destruction of nature, and helpful critique. along with liberties and policies for and engendering of all sorts of (to be concluded) R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, September 17, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. 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Vol. 72 No. 35 A cruel joke on the poor of india September 24, 2017 Rajindar Sachar

Steps to Empower Women It is a tragedy of Indian politics that opposition parties has surprisingly not Kuldip Nayar the massive amount of Rs. 1.10 lakh been made clear excepting by Socialist crores being spent on Bullet Train project Party (India) whose President Dr. Prem Building India-Japan from Ahmadabad to Mumbai is hailed Singh has publically opposed it. I have axis in Asian politics by Modi government as a great not seen any other opposition party D. K. Giri achievement - still more tragic and utter condemning this bullet train project - lack of people’s politics is the reaction rather I find that Akhilesh Yadav of Rohingyas tread uncertain paths of other political parties. Thus Samejwadi Party has welcomed the Mrinal K. Biswas Malikarjun Kharge, the Congress leader idea of a bullet Train but is of the view in parliament has hastened to clarify that that it should run between Delhi and the Congress is not against the project Kolkata passing through Uttar Pradesh Yusuf Meherally but wants to draw the attention of the and Bihar, containing the maximum Freedom Fighter Par Excellence G. S. Bhargava public to the motive of the inauguration number of unemployed and poor. Is it on the eve of Gujarat poll - and it is a not ironic that though extreme poverty political use of national project. To leave line in being highlighted yet there is no Violent politics of Sangh Parivar no one in doubt that the Congress is condemning the aristocratic Bullet Train Sandeep Pandey even more keen on bullet train concept concept - rather the grievance is that in the whole of India, he has openly Modi has favoured Gujarat, rather than Constitutionalism, Social Justice welcomed the project and has U.P. and Bihar and Black Money emphasized that it was first conceived B. Sudershan Reddy in 2005 and later in 2013 when It was reported in the press that the Congress was in power and that it was opposition parties were to meet at the Congress which had ordered viability Jaipur on 14th of September, 2017 for Editor : survey by Japanese government and that third edition of ‘Sanjhi Virasat’, shared G. G. Parikh Congress is happy that Japanese culture, campaign to oppose the NDA Managing Editor : Guddi government has kept the schedule. Thus government’s effort to “Create Social Congress objection is not against this Disharmony”. Akhilesh Yadav was one D-15, Ganesh Prasad, project, rather it welcomes it (project of those who was to attend the meet, Naushir Bharucha Marg, which I consider as disastrously wasteful apart from other leaders of CPM, Mumbai - 400 007. and amounts to mocking the poor in TMC, Rashtriya Lok Dal. One has not India.) heard of this group opposing the Email : [email protected] concept of Bullet Train - does that mean Website:www.janataweekly.org The position of some other that opposition does not find the whole 2 JANATA, September 24, 2017 concept of Bullet Train an assault on Steps to Empower Women the dignity of the poor. Has the opposition the same priority as billionaire’s favourite Modi. I am also Kuldip Nayar disappointed that powerful Railway unions and other trade unions have not For some reasons, mainly male words among members which, at times, opposed this mad venture. chauvinism, the Women Reservation Bill got physical ever since different The Bullet Train is also expected to has not been passed by parliament. It governments tossed around the bill pass through under sea. India has no was introduced in the Lok Sabha for passed for various reasons without experience in this technology at all. Is the first time in 1996 when the then success. our dependence on a foreign country Prime Minister, Deve Gowda, was in The bill, however, failed to get the for decades, (however friendly it may office. As in the past, the bill was approval of the house and was instead be at this time), a wise decision tested marked by high drama and hit referred to a joint parliamentary on grounds of security and defence. roadblocks in each of its outings in committee. The committee submitted its Should this money be not spent on Parliament before the historic measure report to the Lok Sabha soon after and improving our existing railway quality cleared the first legislative hurdle in in 1998, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who so as to exclude frequent rail accidents 2010. headed the first National Democratic which have taken place in the recent The bill called for reserving 33 Alliance government, reintroduced the past. percent of the seats in the Lok Sabha bill in the Lok Sabha. After M. If we go on with Bullet Train, it is and all state legislative assemblies for Thambidurai, then Law Minister, already having a very bad impact. It is women. As per the draft, the seats were introduced the bill in the House, a said that Maharashtra Chief Minister to be reserved for women on a rotation MP snatched it though of BJP was not inclined to allot basis and would be determined by from the Speaker and tore it into pieces. land unless he extracted promise that draw of lots in such a way that a seat Thereafter, the bill lapsed every time the there will also be a bullet train from would be reserved only once in three House was dissolved and was re- Mumbai to Nagpur (which is his home consecutive general elections. The draft introduced by the government of the town). On paper there is already a said reservation of seats for women day in 1999, in 2002 and 2003. programme of bullet train from Delhi would cease to exist 15 years after the Unfortunately, however, over the to Bombay, notwithstanding the commencement of the amendment Act. years a number of male parliamentarians protests by poor farmers whose lands In fact, the 108th Constitution have opposed the passing of the bill, will be acquired thus creating a social Amendment Bill, or what was popularly leaving it in its current state. Even though crisis in the country. known as the Women’s Reservation the Congress, the Left and the BJP were Farmers of Maharashtra have Bill, completed 21 years of being in heard openly pledging support for the already gone on protest at this wasteful existence last week on September 12. bill, it just couldn’t be passed in the Lok expense while they are groaning under In all these years, it managed to get only Sabha. No doubt, the Vajpayee loans repayment and which have not the assent of the Rajya Sabha, thus far. government was certainly dependent on been waived by the State government. In the last two decades the bill has seen other parties for survival in 1998 which much drama in both houses of many political observers often suggest Even from practical point of view parliament, clearly aimed at scuttling the was the reason for not being able to the concept of Bullet Train is deeply measure, with some members even assert itself. flawed, looked at from any angle. The attempting to physically attack the then fares in the Bullet Train are such that Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari However, after the 1999 mid-term any government having the welfare of to disrupt its tabling. polls, even though Vajpayee came back the people would not touch it with a to power, the mandate was for the pair of tongs. The fare could be around The battle for greater representation National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 2 times the existing A/c first class fare to women in the Lok Sabha and state which won 303 of the 544 Lok Sabha assemblies was routinely punctuated, seats. This time Vajpayee was pushed (Continued on Page 3) thanks to frayed tempers and war of into a situation where he had to keep JANATA, September 24, 2017 3 all the parties together. Yet, given the strength and can pass the bill. Prime affairs. But both defence and foreign support from the Congress and Left, Minister Narendra Modi is also affairs going to women is definitely a the bill would have sailed through the determined to get the legislation on his bold step taken by Prime Minister House had it been formally put to vote. table. But I would be surprised if the bill Modi. These are indications of a But that was not to be. becomes an act. Male parliamentarians positive thinking by Modi. in all the parties do not want to share Just before the Lok Sabha elections power with women. When they do not My only hope is that Modi would in 2004, Vajpayee blamed Congress treat them with dignity at home, they stay as determined as he is today to for stalling the bill and said that the BJP believe that women should not be have the bill passed in parliament. Some and its allies would pass the legislation empowered beyond a limit. people say that this is a measure only after getting a decisive mandate in 2004 to get the votes of women with the elections. In 2004, the UPA government True, Modi for the first time has made 2019 general elections beckoning. had included it in the Common a woman as the country’s Defence Whatever the reasons, the women Minimum Programme, which said: “The Minister. This is a huge departure from would be able to play an important role UPA government will take the lead to the past. Even an all-powerful Indira in the affairs of India if they are in introduce legislation for one-third Gandhi could look after only the foreign substantial number in the Lok Sabha. reservations for women in Vidhan Sabhas and in the Lok Sabha.” In (Continued from Page 2) 2005, BJP announced complete or almost the same as Air fare of over times the daily earning of the millions support for the bill. Rs. 3000 - 3500/-. Bullet train will in India. need 100 trips daily to be financially In 2008, the Manmohan Singh viable - a study by IIM Ahmadabad The concept of Bullet Train accepts government introduced the bill in the has come to the conclusion that this the vilest of inequality in our country. Rajya Sabha. Two years later on project would be in losses from day Thus the position in the India is that March 9, 2010, a huge political barrier one. richest 1% of Indians own more than was overcome when it was passed by 53% of India’s wealth. Further shameful the House in spite of high drama and Japan’s government and its rail inequality is reflected in the fact that 57 scuffles between members. The BJP, companies lobbied the US for years to billionaires in India control 70% of the Left and some other parties came sell its bullet train technology and found India’s wealth. together with the ruling Congress to help little success. pass it in the upper house. The position is India after 70 years To justify this Modi has given an of Independence is that about 48% of Seven years have passed since that example by saying that it will save the Indian urban population and in rural moment when top women leaders from passenger trouble of going to airport in areas 60% of population remains the three major parties—Sonia Gandhi, car, avoiding traffic and then waiting at without access to toilets. It needs to be Sushma Swaraj and Brinda Karat— the airport. The ironic cruelty of this emphasized that building toilets in rural gave a rare moment to media explanation has been missed by prime India was one of the major promises photographers by walking hand in Minister – poor in India do not own made by Prime Minister Modi. hand in impromptu celebration of that cars. In fact figures of car registration historic occasion. And yet, in 2017, it in India averaged 108690.89 cars from There is another more serious has still not seen the light of the day, 1991 untill 2017. objection to the massive expense on simply because the political will to help Bullet Train. Only 44% of rural make it a law has been lacking in the According to World Bank report, households have access to electricity. lower house. The UPA II government, India has 224 million living below the in spite of having 262 seats in the Lok international poverty line of around The project is expected to be Sabha, too couldn’t make it happen, Rs. 120 a day. Modi’s bullet train completed normally in 2025 or not citing the same excuse of being in a venture is a cruel joke on, and earlier than by December, 2023 in any coalition. ridicules, the poor of India because case. Modi, whose term expires by mid the fare of Ahmadabad – Mumbai 2019 has no legal or moral justification Fortunately, the BJP does not suffer (one way fare) will not be less then to bind the next governments which from that handicap. The party has the Rs. 3000, which works out at 25 could be (non-BJP). 4 JANATA, September 24, 2017 Building India-Japan axis in Asian politics

D. K. Giri

The 12th India-Japan bilateral is initiated or quality brought into the belligerent and bullish approach to summit held on 14 September 2017, system. Quality in one area will inspire border issues, and Pakistan’s between Narendra Modi and Japanese and engender quality upgradation unmaintainable claim on Kashmir by Prime Minister, Shizo Abe was viewed everywhere else. using cross-border terrorism. in the media as an occasion for introduction of the Bullet train in India. However, on the partnership, in There were also serious exchange Well, that is really a simplistic addition to the bullet train, the summit and uniformity of views on North- understanding of the evolving strategic reiterated the resolve of New Delhi and Korea’s nuclearisation which is a major partnership between the two countries. Tokyo in working on the multipolarity worry for Japan; cross border Let us recall that a decade ago, the and stable balances in the Asian region. terrorism, a continuing concern for western countries including those of It is no secret that the United States India, ASEAN’s centrality to the region, EU, and US were talking of “Chindia’s” under Trump is embarking on where both India and Japan have a competitive threat to their economies, isolationism, looking inward, thereby stake vis-à-vis China, North China Sea as the economies of China and India vacating the space in Asia and where China is making unlawful were growing fast. Similar acronyms elsewhere vis-à-vis security. The US territorial claims while surreptitiously are evolving here in Asia, the Japindia policies imply that other countries usurping under water space. Both (Japan plus India) is emerging rapidly should contribute to the world security leaders resolved to align India’s Act in response to Chinpak (China + or defend their own. This shift in US East policy and Japan’s Indo-Pacific Pakistan) on the economic corridor, foreign policy has prompted China to engagement. There was an outline and OBOR, one belt and one road, etc. feed its territorial appetite and fuel its drawn for building an Asia-Africa The significance of the relationship expansionist tendencies. It has found an growth corridor, which again will sprinting into a ‘special, strategic and obliging partner in Pakistan. China is counter China’s ambitious OBOR global’ partnership between New Delhi wary of India’s rise as rival power project. Japan pledged to support and Tokyo should not be lost on the centre in Asia, and Pakistan has its India’s national development observers and experts of India’s foreign unsatiated anti-India stance, mainly programmes. Japan, unquestionably, is policy as well as international politics. over Kashmir. Japan’s concern over the pre-eminent economic partner of In fact, the 12th annual summit, 4th China and India’s with Pakistan, bring India. between Modi and Abe was on this New Delhi and Tokyo together as they very theme of ‘global and strategic’ realize their combined strategic weight, In the summit, the atmosphere was partnership. economic might and military power can friendly and highly congenial. The contain China. The joint statement warmth of interaction and mutual trust What were the highlights and the issued after the summit stated, “the two and confidence observed around the outcomes of the summit? What is well leaders affirmed their commitment to visit of Japanese Prime Minister were known in the media is the project on their value-based partnership in remarkable. The intimacy between the high-speed (bullet) train from achieving a free, open and prosperous two countries has been evolving since Ahmadabad to Mumbai. Undoubtedly, Asia-Pacific region where sovereignty a decade, dating back to 2007 address this will lead to a quantum jump for and international laws are respected of Prime Minister Abe to the Indian India in skills and indigenous capacities and differences are resolved through Parliament titled “Confluence of Two at the highest level of manufacturing in dialogue and where all countries, large States”. engineering and locomotives. There are and small, enjoy freedoms of the global catty criticisms of the project which commons, development and trade.” Aligning their Asia strategies is allude to the poor conditions of existing This may sound as a usual diplomatic leading to a close alliance between the railway network compared to the high- statement, but reading between the two countries. In the UN General tech quality bullet trains. Such voices lines, it becomes obvious that “peaceful Assembly taking place this week, India, are heard whenever a new technology dialogue” is a counter to China’s Japan and USA are likely to take a JANATA, September 24, 2017 5 common position on North Korea. In Rohingyas tread uncertain paths fact, there was a trilateral meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the three countries on the fringe of UNGA. Mrinal K. Biswas Both Washington and Tokyo are seeking help from India in making UN The Buddhist-dominated Shariyar Alam in Kolkata on sanctions against North Korea ’s brutal drive to eliminate any September 18, 2017). effective. New Delhi has promised to trace of Rohingya Muslim militancy explore the proliferation linkages in consequent to vast exodus of this Indian government’s response to building up North Korea’s nuclear and community people to Bangladesh who Supreme Court hearing to a petition missile programme. The hand of are spilling over to India as well has not against deportation of 40,000 suspicion points to China and Pakistan. only threatened disruption of the Rohingyas highlights the “organized Both US and Japan are extremely wary country’s demographic structure in the influx of illegal immigrants from of the tin pot of North Korea who is east with increasing risk perception but Myanmar through agents and touts bent upon testing nuclear bombs and is also putting to test India’s concern …via Benapole-Haridaspur, Hilli, hurling them across Japan. The situation for the terrorized people who are Kolkata (all West Bengal), is dangerously critical as Donald Trump leaving their habitats. Some 400 000 Sonapura(Tripura) and Guwahati has threatened to wipe out North fleeing Rohingyas have taken shelter in (Assam).” Reports say that at least Korea unless the latter restrained from Bangladesh and are forced to stay in 14,000 such Rohingyas are living in throwing bombs at Japan and most trying conditions. Jammu while others are spread out in threatening the United States with its the other parts of the country with bombs. India is expected to give them India. smarting under international suspected additions to their strength all a hand in averting this impending concern for the displaced Rohingyas along. India is concerned about catastrophe. and conflicting emotions on them at Rohingya Muslims being radicalized home, have noted Myanmar army’s under militant Islamic world which have By most calculations, the strategic “carrying out their legitimate duty to successfully nurtured and made partnership between India and Japan restore order in response to the latest innumerable instances of terrorist will grow deeper irrespective of the escalation of violence ignited by acts attacks the world over cannot be nature of leadership in either country. of terrorism.” China competing for altogether overlooked. Undeniably, the political leadership is influence with the western powers in her an important variable in bilateral southern neighbour has backed Of course, there is a different attitude relations. New Delhi and Tokyo would Myanmar’s efforts to safeguard among a section of Indian public. The try to consolidate the partnership in “development and stability”. invariable opposition comes from mutual interest as well as their respective Understandably, the Muslim world has Mamata Banerjee, the maverick Chief national interests. India will like to decried the actions against the Minister of West Bengal whose concern cultivate Japan for investment in Rohingya Muslims who have over 1.1 for Muslim sentiments has come to the sustainable infrastructure. Second, million settlements in the northwestern fore once again while asserting for New Delhi will pursue Japan to access province of Myanmar. Bangladesh grants of refugee status to the fleeing civil nuclear technology from Japan to initially offering joint military operations Rohingya Muslims in our country. Her meet the energy appetite for India’s with Myanmar against any non-State State government has gone further by growing economy. Third, India would perpetrators of violence under “Arakan refusing to make a list of children and like to secure high-end defense Army” is seeking India’s help to cope others for deportation. The all-time technology from Japan. Fourth, Japan with the deluge of Rohingya refugees Indian liberals, careful to remain labeled is the most formidable ally in containing with the urge for an Indian initiative for as such with avowed sympathy for the China. Fifth, India needs Japan, like it Myanmar restraint on the issue. minorities, rule out any security threat needs Israel to get US on its side. On but state it is more important for India the part of Japan, India is the important Bangladesh, under exodus pressure, to stay put with her tradition of not partner for variety of reasons – one, states that Rohingya crisis is sending back refugees against their China, Japan’s arch rival is a major humanitarian as well a security issue. wishes, when they are threatened with (Continued on Page 11) (Bangladesh deputy foreign minister persecutions in their homelands. In that 6 JANATA, September 24, 2017

India faces the wrath of the UN high with Muslim identity refusing to be denigrating Gautam Buddha. After commissioner for human rights, Zeid integral part of mainstream Buddhist Myanmar’s independence the Ra’ad al-Hussein, for not giving right Myanmar population. The word Rohingyas, feeling encouraged by attention to Myanmar’s “brutal” raham (save us) was the cry for help over 100 recalcitrant ethnic groups’ security campaign resorted to in by the Arab sailors while their ships rebellion, raised their own violation of international law. The were about to capsize. Rohingya was Mujahidden separatist movement. situation seems a textbook example of believed to be a derivative word. The current Arakan Rohingya ethnic cleansing, he said. Salvation Army inherited that tradition Rakhine state or province came into with wider ramifications like its Human rights violations have no being through another phase of history. alleged links with both non-State doubt stirred the world’s moral Min Saw Mon as virtual ruler of Islamic terrorist groups and authorities as evident from statements Myanmar (1430-34) ceded some Paskistan’s ISI. Even some of the of Pope Francis, Dalai Lama, scores territory to a Bengal Sultan with whom Rohingyas were suspected to be of Nobel laureates and others who came kameins (menials). Rakhine (of involved with Bangladesh extremists appear disappointed with Aung San the kameins) state then actually became for creation of a greater Muslim land Suu Kyi who heads the Myanmar the land of the descendants of these comprising Bangladesh, Rakhine, civilian government with army kameins and earlier Arab intermixing parts of Assam and West Bengal. collaboration. She is to cope with the groups. They were never friendly to the overwhelmingly Buddhist majority in host country population and the hostility Even then Bangladesh allows entry her country which are genetically was mutual. of Rohingya people into its land on opposed to the Rohingya Muslims humanitarian grounds shedding its because of their “illegal” stay in their After the first Indo-Burnese war earlier stand of pushing them back country. For how many years? A serious the British annexed Arakan in 1826 while the current Myanmar army question here. and encouraged Bengali Muslim crackdown made these desperate immigrants to work there as farm people to cross the borders. But Bangladesh foreign ministry has workers. The Muslim population had Hasina government made it clear they protested Myanmar’s description of reached 5 per cent of Rakhine’s total would be refugees only without any Rohingya militants as “Bengal terrorists” in 1869 and then keeping up. (The settlement prospects. Current Indian and said none of its citizens have British made the whole of Burma - government leadership is already crossed the border to carry out such earlier name Myanmar - a British worried about continuous illegal activities. They are “actually Indian province in 1886 till it was immigrations across eastern borders Myanshiopsmar nationals.” separated in 1947 to ultimately and views Rohingya influx a security become independent in 1948). Bouts threat. What is unstated is the Indian From pages of history it is seen of illegal migration from newly formed fear that the demographic structure that Buddhism took roots in the State of (East )Pakistan in 1947 and will be upset if Rohingyas are allowed Arakans area in the beginning of the its emergence as Bangladesh in 1971 en masse entry with the possibility of last millennium and the Arab seafarers threw up Rohingya population to 1.23 their backers raising demand for their came there seven hundred years late. million. In spite of immigrants from permanent settlements in this country. Some Arabians stayed back after Bangladesh the Arab influence never surviving shipwrecks and created a fell and all the Rohingyas became What is of utmost concern for both distinct community by mixing with extremist salaphi followers. The the countries is that the Rohingyas are local aboriginals. Their language is Buddhists of course resented these rebellious in nature, prone to violence also of Arab origin though early- movements seeing the Rogingyas because of which they are stereotyping influence is traced getting dug in in Rakhine leaving the as a group of people bearing all negative by some linguists. Though there are Buddhists little leeway, features who cannot live in harmony some Buddhist population with a few with other segments of a society. Hence Hindu settlements in Rakhine The communal strife first flared up when persecuted the Rohingyas hear province, earlier known as Arakan, with the 1942 Arakan massacre when expressions of love and sympathy from the Muslim shelter seekers in that area the British army’s Rohingya recruits the wider world but their immediate outnumbered them in course of time. run terror in the camps of Buddhist neighbouring countries are circumspect They became known as Rohingyas Rakhine people with open cries before being liberal. JANATA, September 24, 2017 7 Yusuf Meherally-Freedom Fighter Par Excellence

G. S. Bhargava

Lord Byron said that he got up one slums were multiplying in the urban and properly trained, dedicated morning and found himself great. areas. themselves to the cause of the country, Though Meherally is too modest to put the revolution could be led to a forth any such claim, he too overnight Their family was traditionally pro- successful conclusion. This idea found shot into prominence. One single day, British and all the upper class fruition in the Bombay Provincial Youth February 8, 1928, put him on the prejudices were handed down from League which was inaugurated in pinnacle of popularity; his name was on generation to generation, as a part of February 1928. the lips of everybody; his reputation ancestral bequest. When Yusuf went to reached the four corners of the country. jail in 1930, several of his elders said it The Youth Conference opened a Not that there was spade work before was a disgrace to the family that one of new era in the country’s political history; it but, as in the case of Byron’s lyrical its members was a “law-breaker”. for the first time, youth was canalised genius, the recognition was so sudden for national action. About 1700 and complete. The first nine years of his life were delegates from all over the province spent in Calcutta, then the storm- attended the conference, which was On that day, he had not only dared centre of and anti- presided over by K. F. Nariman. to shout “Go back, Simon!” (a slogan Bengal-partition agitations. But only Meherally was the moving spirit behind of his own creation, which echoed in after Gandhiji arrived on the Indian the organisation. every nook and corner of India) to political scene and took the country the face of the all-mighty, British spell-bound, did he enter active The most important decision of the plenipotentiary, but had also defied politics. At the age of ten, Yusuf conference was to organise an effective the injuctions of his political superiors returned to Bombay, his birth place. boycott of the and who counselled inaction. His He then joined the St. Xavier’s High a detailed, though ambitious, impetuousness and dare-devilry, the School. While still in the high school, programme was chalked out for the extreme originality of his ideas, struck he studied the revolutionary same. Though this decision was in even Gandhiji, who complimented movements of the different countries consonance with the principle of the him. In a primitive world, he would and was impressed by the role youth Congress decision, yet in the matter of have become a legend, an Ajax defying had played in them. He read Mazzini procedure, it went a long way ahead. the lightning of despotism. Poets would and Garibaldi and closely followed And here lay the rub. have made of his heroics songs for a the Russian and Chinese (Sun-Yat- nation. The tale of his perils and sen’s) revolutions. The successful The Congress, the Muslim League, patriotism would have been the model boycott of the Milner Mission in the Hindu Mahasabha and the Liberal to inspire and inform children. and the birth and growth of the Party were all united on the principle Sinn Fein movement in Ireland, of boycott of the Commission. At that Born in late 1903, Meherally was interested him deeply. time, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu was the only twenty-four at the time of the Simon President of the Bombay Congress, Commission’s visit. His father, Jaffer In Gandhiji’s Non-cooperation Jinnah the President of the League, Meherally, was a prosperous Movement, he found a parallel to these Jayakar was in charge of the businessman and the children were liberation struggles, but its abrupt and Mahasabha and Setalvad was guiding brought up in the typical, aristocratic inconclusive end on grounds of alleged the destinies of the Liberals. These way. Fifty years earlier, his great excesses at Chauri Chaura, dismayed luminaries met and formed a joint grandfather, built India’s first textile mill and puzzled him. He shared the committee to conduct the boycott, in Bombay and laid the foundation stone depression which set in among the youth which, according to them, should for the country’s light industry. The after the calling-off of the movement. merely mean a public meeting where transition from feudal to capitalist He thought that if a group of young speeches would be delivered and economy was fairly set; factories and people, intellectually well-equipped resolutions passed. To the Youth 8 JANATA, September 24, 2017

League, with Meherally at its helm, this morning. After the lathi-charge, Yusuf Yusuf was refused enrolment as an seemed the most ineffectual way of was returning home, his bruised, advocate. boycott. The Government, with their bandaged hand in a sling when he was sycophants, had planned receptions to accosted on the way by a youthful His is the only case in the whole of Simon and his colleagues, and such passer-by. “Were you hurt in the India, where a qualified lawyer was inaction on the part of the public would morning’s lathicharge?” he asked. refused sanad by the High Court for lend colour to the got-up shows. “Yes”, Yusuf replied. “Our leader, political reasons. Meherally, was also badly injured. He February 3, 1928, dawned a decisive is in the hospital”, the stranger informed When acquainted of this, Jinnah was day in the history of Bombay. The Youth Yusuf. Suppressing his laughter, Yusuf very angry that disregarding his advice, Leaguers planned an ambitious retorted: “That is all exaggeration; he Meherally, participated in politics. expedition on boats to meet the was not so much hurt.” The man got “Young man, your life is ruined”, Commission on the sea itself, but it angry and cursed the of Yusuf. shouted Jinnah at him. “No, Mr. leaked out and the police took Later, in the evening’s public meeting, Jinnah a life is not so easily ruined”. precautions to scotch it. They also when he was revealed as Meherally Yusuf retorted with his characteristic wanted a hartal in the city but without himself, the confounded stranger came optimism. He actually welcomed the Congress sanction it would not to him and apologised. refusal because it supplied him with materialise. But undaunted, a band of an excuse for full-time political work. 400 resolute young men led by Yusuf, That year, Yusuf lost his father and The history of the two subsequent formed into a procession and marched as the eldest of the four children, he decades has vindicated Meherally! to the harbour, before day-break. It was had to take up the family responsibility. After all, there is an aspect of life another Charge of the Light Brigade His father originally wanted him to be which Mr. Jinnah and his like cannot except for the fact that the commander a barrister and arranged with Mr. appreciate. as well as the followers consciously Jinnah to take him as his apprentice. believed in what they were doing. There, But Yusuf’s ambition was from the During the 1930 Civil Disobedience they staged one of the most heroic and beginning to be a full-time political Movement, when processions and resolute demonstrations the country had worker. The sudden death of his father public meetings were disallowed, as ever witnessed. They were thrice lathi- created difficulties. As the head of the today, these volunteers did marvellous charged but did not budge an inch. family he had to start earning to work in keeping up the morale of the Meherally himself was cruelly maintain the old family standards. But people. manhandled by an over-zealous police he did not want to give up politics, sergeant. None of the Congress leaders, especially at that time and so brought During the Salt Satyagraha, Yusuf who later claimed kudos and voters for about a revolutionary change in the and his associates gave a terrible fight the incident, cared to attend it. The news domestic standards so that they could to the bureaucracy. The local Congress of the demonstration and the lathi- live within their means. higher-ups courted imprisonment and charge, exaggerated as usual, spread went to jail. The whole movement was like wild fire and shops and He had by that time qualified himself run by him. He also saw Gandhiji twice establishments observed spontaneous for the Bar. Relations and friends like during the Dandi March and got his hartal. Nariman were pressing him to apply for sanction for his plan of work. At that the advocate’s sanad. He was reluctant time, he published in his Vanguard, The bulk of the students were with but at last gave in. Here again, his anti- which was suppressed just after that, the Youth League and so naturally Simon demonstration came in the way. an interview with Gandhiji which abstained from classes Thus, a good At the instance of Nariman, Yusuf proved unique. part of the Youth League’s boycott launched prosecution against the police programme came to be implemented in sergeant who assaulted him on He was first arrested in 1930 and spite of the nonassociation of the February 3, 1928. The case lasted nine sentenced to four months’ Congress with it. months and the lower court fined the imprisonment. Again in 1932, he was sergeant. On appeal, the High Court charged with conspiracy and sentenced Meherally was the hero of the day. quashed the conviction and acquitted to two years. It was then, inside the ‘C’ The following incident speaks of the him. But, because he launched class of Nasik prison, that he popular esteem he had won that proceedings against a police officer, established close contacts with his JANATA, September 24, 2017 9

Socialist colleagues. He is one of the Who coined the iconic slogan “Quit India”, the rallying cry of a movement founder-members of the Congress for freedom launched this day 75 years ago? Contrary to popular belief, it Socialist Party. was not Mohandas Gandhi.

He was again arrested in connection Gandhi kick-started the Quit India movement on August 8, 1942, at the with the Individual Satyagraha in 1940, All India Congress Committee meeting in Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank Maidan. and was released the next year. That He also infused it with the spirit of his phrase “do or die”. Over the following year, he presided over the All India few months, freedom fighters across India responded with waves of civic Students’ Conference at Patna. Later, rebellion, despite the arrest of Gandhi and other leaders, and violent backlash during a tour of Punjab, he was again from the British authorities. arrrested on a charge of having defied a prohibitory order. In this connection, But the “Quit India” slogan is credited to another Congress leader, Yusuf he was in Lahore jail for nearly a year Meherally, who is said to have come up with the phrase at a meeting of where he wrote his satirical masterpiece Gandhi’s close associates in Mumbai some time before the launch of the My Trip to Pakistan. Politics and movement. At the time, 39-year-old Meherally was the mayor of Bombay – personalities of Punjab were dealt with the first socialist to be elected to the post. He would be imprisoned eight in such great detail that even long times during the freedom struggle. residents of the province had something to learn from it. In his book Gandhi and Bombay, K Gopalaswami describes how “Quit India” came to be adopted as the slogan that would dominate the last years While still in Lahore jail, he was of India’s independence movement: elected the Mayor of Bombay. His mayoralty again was unique not for “Shantikumar Morarji has recorded that Gandhi conferred with his got-up receptions and publicity stunts colleagues in Bombay on the best slogan for independence – when this was but for real constructive work and civic is not stated. One of them suggested ‘Get out’. Gandhi rejected it as being service. He was at that time the General impolite. Rajagopalachari mentioned ‘Retreat’ or ‘Withdraw’. That too did Secretary of the Congress Socialist not find favour. Yusuf Meherali presented Gandhi with a bow bearing the Party and accepted the mayoral office, inscription ‘Quit India’. Gandhi said in approval, ‘Amen’.” only on the express condition that he would be allowed to devote himself to According to his biographer MadhuDandavate, Meherally published a Party work as usual. He created a new booklet titled “Quit India” on the eve of the 1942 movement. It was sold out precedent by personally attending to in a matter of weeks. “He also popularised the slogan by getting over a citizen’s complaints on civic matters; thousand ‘Quit India’ badges printed before the All India Congress Committee he initiated the system of quick meeting began on August 7,” said despatch of files and put down official slackness with an iron hand. On the –Aarefa Johari in Scroll.in question of A.R.P. finances he literally made history. His predecessor in office, the hands of those who would remain arrested and detained. It was during with the support of the majority on the scene whoever might come. This this period, that he got the heart Congress party, sanctioned 24 lakhs led to the organisation of the People’s attack, which finally claimed his life. of Municipal money towards the Volunteer Brigade. Bombay is the only The authorities offered to give special Government A.R.P. scheme. But city in India where the Municipality facilities for treatment at St. George Meherally, as Mayor, refused to pay was allowed to run the A.R.P. Hospital, but he demanded that two even a pie. He met the Governor in this other ailing colleagues of his should connection and frankly told him that Just before August 8, 1942, also get the same facilities. They the people had no faith in the Meherally conducted a C.S.P. camp refused and he remained in prison. In Government and that they were afraid at Poona, where was discussed a 1943, when he was released, he was the British would withdraw from India comprehensive plan of revolt. But, already collapsing and the doctors also, as they did from Burma and somehow, the police got the whole gave up all hope. For seven days, he Malaya. So, he argued, the defence information in advance and wrecked was lying unconscious in the general organisation of the people should be in the plan. On August 9, 1942, he was (Continued on Page 11) 10 JANATA, September 24, 2017 Violent politics of Sangh Parivar

Sandeep Pandey

The Prime Minister’s birthday was Sangh, BJP, etc., members of the campaign - took the life of one Zafar celebrated by dedicating the Sardar larger Hindutva family have always Khan in Rajasthan in an incident Sarovar dam to the nation. There are used violence to promote themselves. related to open defecation when 244 villages and one town going to be The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi government employees beat him to submerged by this dam. The cost of the in 1948 is probably their most death. dam is nearing Rs. one lakh crores. Of gruesome and cowardly act which is this estimated Rs. 1,500 crores was still justified by some Sangh parivar It is quite logical that as Narendra embezzled in the process of members. The rath-yatra of Lal Modi’s stature has grown he’ll need rehabilitation. An enquiry commission Krishna Advani which culminated in bigger sacrifices with more devastating headed by Justice S.S. Jha was demolition of Babri mosque in 1992 impact to move ahead. Inauguration established to look into the corruption was responsible for the birth of the of Sardar Sarovar dam has made in rehabilitation. The government is not problem of terrorism in India. First 40,000 people landless and homeless ready to make the report public. serial bomb blasts took place in India in one stroke. The government of in 1993 in Mumbai. People have been Myanmar is expelling the Rohingya Because of closure of sluice gates convicted for this but not for the Muslims from their country because of of the dam, 40,000 families faced incident of demolition of Babri mosque political vendetta but what was the fault submergence at once. The Narmada which instigated the Mumbai bomb of 40,000 families, all legitimate citizens Water Disputes Tribunal had ordained blasts of 1993. Even though it was of India, when they were expelled in a that any family before being submerged Indira Gandhi who carried out the first similar manner from their homes? Do should be rehabilitated six months in nuclear tests in 1974, it was only in they not enjoy fundamental right to life advance. However, these 40,000 1998 tests carried out by Atal Behari enshrined in our Constitution? families are being made to evacuate like Vajpayee government that India rats by flooding their homes. This is declared possession of nuclear Sangh parivar is enamoured about akin to inflicting violence on people. weapon and initiated a nuclear arms the Indian culture in which the value of Hence the birthday of PM resulted in race with Pakistan. In any case sacrifice is held very highly. Who can violence against the people. because of BJP’s foreign policy India’s be a better symbol of this than Medha relationship with neighbouring Patkar? The BJP governments of M.P. On the other hand Medha Patkar countries has been adversely affected. and centre are indulging in humiliation and 37 other people affected by the The 2002 communal violence took of Medha Patkar by ignoring her. The dam were standing in Narmada water place in Gujarat when Narendra Modi moral force of Medha Patkar is bigger protesting the observance of PM’s was the Chief Minister in which over than most of the socalled leaders. To birthday. Earlier she was on fast with a thousand people were killed. This become a leader by winning election is others and was sent to jail on false will always remain a blot on his name. one thing and quite another to be charges of causing damage to After Narendra Modi took over as accepted by people as a leader because government property. Till the PM’s PM several incidents of public violence of her participation in people’s birthday not a single official of either against people suspected of being struggles. Whether it is the arrogance the Madhya Pradesh government or the involved in cow slaughter have killed of Narendra Modi or that of Shivraj central government has met Medha over twenty people including Singh Chauhan the Sangh parivar Patkar. This demonstrates Bhartiya Mohammed Akhlaq and Pehlu Khan. cannot escape the blot of submerging Janata Party’s lack of faith in Rationalists and intellectuals like 40,000 people forcibly. Once again it democracy and their tendency to curb Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, has been proved that violence is in the all dissent with brutal force. M.M. Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh seed of Sangh parivar ideology. have been targetted and murdered. This should not come as a surprise Even an innocuous looking The personality of Narendra Modi, because Rashtriya Swayamsewak programme of PM - clean India by misuse of the office of PM, has in JANATA, September 24, 2017 11 this one event emerged as arrogant, materialistic in which there is no scope helm of affairs who is very parochial self-centered, patriarchal, feudal, for human feelings. His lonely family life and insecure. He would like himself to insensitive person appearing like a dwarf is an example of this. It is unfortunate be juxtaposed alongside Mahatma before the 32 years long historic struggle that India which has a tradition of rich Gandhi, Sardar Patel or Vivekanand of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. His and towering intellectual and political but he is so short-sighted that he’ll take concept of development is purely leadership there is now a person at the the whole country down with him.

(Continued from Page 5) actor in international politics. Tokyo will would like to tap the market potential amphibian aircraft from Japan is still need New Delhi’s support to contain of India. under negotiation. Now, we have a China. Second, Japan needs to step in new Defence Minister, a political and defend its interest in the region in The only hurdle that can hamper greenhorn but supposed to be view of the decreasing engagement of the growth of partnership is the administratively competent. It will be US in the region. Third, Japan would “famed” Indian bureaucracy. India’s interesting to watch Japindia evolve engage in India following the growing defence officialdom is cumbersome. It into a solid axis in Asian politics, and US interest in India. Fourth, Japan fails to prioritize strategic decision bilaterally in trade, economy and needs India’s help in securing trade and making over processes and defence. The onus is more on New energy networks in critical maritime procedures. A prize deal on defence Delhi in view of its complacent and space. Fifth and the obvious, Japan equipments namely the US-2 less flexible foreign policy bureaucracy.

(Continued from Page 9) ward of the J. J. Hospital, this darling Among his acquaintance are world children and is the only one of its kind of Bombay’s thousands. In 1947, he renowned artists, sculptors, writers and in this country. left for America for treatment and politicians. He possesses a rare returned in November 1948, collection of art works and is Among his publications, the two considerably improved. This was his considered a top-rank art critic. His volumes of “Leaders of India” second visit to U.S. house is a warehouse of books and (biographical sketches of national magazines which he is never tired of leaders) have run into six editions. As a Earlier in 1938 he toured Europe, poring over. Even in sickness, books biographer, he is unsurpassed. Study America and Mexico. He attended are his companions. He claims that they of personalities and their impact on several international conferences, make him bear the bodily pain. The history has come to him naturally. Yusuf including the World Youth Congress Indian National Exhibition, a portrayal Meherally is no more. He has literally at New York and the World Cultural in drawings of our national struggle from given his lifeblood for the country’s cau Conference in Mexico. the 1857 revolt is one of his brain- (November, 1949)

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B. Sudershan Reddy

Moreover, the temptation to more egalitarian structure be society and imposed horrific hardships bureaucratize all decisions by inflexible established through a massive on the lowered castes, of rampant rules is an all too tempting factor for redistribution of resources. The illiteracy and ignorance, again largely the bureaucrat. For instance, it is violence implicit in the latter options did due to casteist restrictions on speculated that China could have not appeal to our founding fathers. And knowledge acquisition, and absolute industrialized in the 12th century itself, this was not just on account of some poverty rates were well over 75%. Of but the Chinese bureaucrats, comprised inherent incapacity for violence, as some communalism that divided us on of the upper caste/upper class elites, chest thumping nationalists seem to religious basis. From middle of 1800s decided that they knew everything that think today, but because history India faced a succession of famines – was all there to know, and prescribed seemed to support the idea that one more devastating than the other, one specific ideals beyond which there was violence for equality only ends up every 7-8 years. Some were large nothing to seek. And, if sought, the promoting one set of new elites in the enough to alter the demographic course seeker to be punished. And China place of the old. itself and none which killed fewer than declined to become a colony where a a few millions. Our per capita income vast majority of its people were made A glance at what India was emerging was, in inflation adjusted 1973 rupee to be addicted to the opium being sent out of, and the problems it confronted terms, Rs.7.20 per annum, while there by the British. For the students at the time of independence and the poverty ceiling was estimated at Rs 23 here, I would recommend that they also framing of the Constitution would per annum! Many from our elite read Frank Dikotter’s “The Tragedy of underline the necessity of the structure segments had willingly collaborated Liberation” that describes the horrific carved out by the Constitutional with the colonialists in denuding this consequences, in which five million pledges and mandate. For nearly fifty country, for the sake of continuance of civilians were driven to their deaths by years prior to Independence, India’s their domination. We were enslaved as Mao and his unilateral decision to drag GDP had grown at less than 1% per a nation by a foreign power, and we scores of millions of peasants away annum, and in no year in that period had also managed to enslave and/or from agriculture to cottage industry. It did it exceed 1%. In the decade deprive most of our populace to serve is such experiences in governance that immediately preceding 1947, India’s a few of us. have informed modern constitutionalism GDP grew at -3.5% per annum. India’s to always be wary of the one policy as economic surplus had been drained out The above is of course a rather being the solution for all evils. by the imperial forces, and an quick and a very rough image of what essentially feudal structure implied that India was reduced to, and what most For India, neither of these models in whatever little surplus was being Indians were subject to at the time of their purer form was deemed to be ideal generated was being enjoyed mostly by independence. Whenever I listen to or for us. At the time of independence, in the indolent few. We slipped from the read Panditji’s speech after he took our Constituent Assembly debates, and second largest economy, with a global oath as independent India’s first Prime in the early years of our Republic there product share of over 15% to less than Minister, and as the first sentence rolls was a significant debate amongst our 1% under the British rule. Our ancient through my mind, “Long years ago, we founding fathers. It was about whether crafts and village industries were in made a , and now the we would choose to adopt an shambles. A huge numbers of our time comes when we shall redeem our evolutionary path to social justice, in artisans and skilled labourers were pledge, not wholly or in full measure, which progressively we would eliminate transformed into rural labourers, but very substantially”, I am reminded conditions that kept us poor and living unskilled and producing opium.3 that our Constitution is a continuing in a socially unjust society. The other rededication to the task of liberating our option explored was the revolutionary Add to the above, our own problems people from the effects of not just the path, in which all property and wealth that have plagued our societies for colonial past, but also the traits in our would be taken over by the State or a centuries. Of casteism, that divided the culture that hierarchizes and deprives. JANATA, September 24, 2017 13

The words of Seamus Heaney, of justice was one of the finest expositions but give place to dictatorship in fact. If course written well after India’s in the annals of scholarship in this area. there is a landslide, the danger of the independence, and written in the He said: second possibility becoming actuality is context of dismantling of apartheid in much greater. South Africa, sums up the moral and “On the 26th of January 1950, India emotional foundations for a would be a democratic country in the If we wish to maintain democracy constitutional project of rebuilding a sense that India from that day would not merely in form, but also in fact, what nation of pluralities into a just nation have a government of the people, by must we do? The first thing in my state: the people and for the people. The same judgement we must do is to hold fast thought comes to my mind. What would to constitutional methods of “History says, Don’t hope happen to her democratic Constitution? achieving our social and economic On this side of the grave, Will she be able to maintain it or will objectives. It means we must abandon But then, once in a lifetime she lose it again. This is the second the bloody methods of revolution. It The longed-for tidal wave thought that comes to my mind and means that we must abandon the Of justice can rise up makes me as anxious as the first. method of civil disobedience, non- And hope and history rhyme.4" cooperation and satyagraha. When It is not that India did not know what there was no way left for constitutional In order to ensure that hope of justice is Democracy. There was a time when methods for achieving economic and is translated into reality, so that history India was studded with republics, and social objectives, there was a great deal begins recording the righting of wrongs even where there were monarchies, of justification for unconstitutional and instantiation of a just society, we they were either elected or limited. methods. But where constitutional also need to be ever conscious of the They were never absolute. It is not that methods are open, there can be no risk of core national purposes being India did not know Parliaments or justification for these unconstitutional side-tracked, and the nation-state’s Parliamentary Procedure. A study of the methods. These methods are nothing endeavours subverted for the benefit of Buddhist BhikshuSanghas discloses that but the Grammar of Anarchy and the the few. In this regard we necessarily not only there were Parliaments-for the sooner they are abandoned, the better need to pay heed to Dr. Ambedkar’s Sanghas were nothing but Parliaments for us. warning, at the ratification of the – but the Sanghas knew and observed Constitution, that though we have all the rules of Parliamentary Procedure The second thing we must do is instantiated a democracy based on known to modern times. They had rules to observe the caution which John notions of political equality, the regarding seating arrangements, rules Stuart Mill has given to all who are continuation of systemic, deep and regarding Motions, Resolutions, interested in the maintenance of widespread inequalities, and Quorum, Whip, Counting of Votes, democracy, namely, not “to lay their unconscionable deprivation and Voting by Ballot, Censure Motion, liberties at the feet of even a great oppression as a consequent result of Regularization, Res Judicata, etc. man, or to trust him with power graded inequalities in the social and Although these rules of Parliamentary which enable him to subvert their economic contexts, will likely destroy Procedure were applied by the Buddha institutions”. There is nothing wrong the foundations of democracy. His to the meetings of the Sanghas, he must in being grateful to great men who have prognosis was that the contradictions, have borrowed them from the rules of rendered life-long services to the if allowed to persist for long, will the Political Assemblies functioning in country. But there are limits to destroy the project of establishing, the country in his time. gratefulness. As has been well said by sustaining and nurturing a constitutional the Irish Patriot Daniel O’Connel, no democracy in which social justice in all This democratic system India lost. man can be grateful at the cost of his walks of life would be established. Will she lose it a second time? I do not honour, no woman can be grateful at know. But it is quite possible in a the cost of her chastity and no nation It pays to cite extensively from that country like India – where democracy can be grateful at the cost of its liberty. speech, because I believe Dr. from its long disuse must be regarded This caution is far more necessary Ambedkar’s understanding of the as something quite new – there is in the case of India than in the case tension between political economies danger of democracy giving place to of any other country. For in India, that guarantee only empty political dictatorship. It is quite possible for this Bhakti or what may be called the freedoms and the demands for social new born democracy to retain its form path of devotion or hero-worship, 14 JANATA, September 24, 2017 plays a part in its politics who live in abject poverty. On the So, how did we do? How did we unequalled in magnitude by the part 26th of January 1950, we are going to construct our tryst with destiny? it plays in the politics of any other enter into a life of contradictions. In country in the world. Bhakti in politics we will have equality and in As a political democracy, we have religion may be a road to the social and economic life we will have certainly thrived. So far. At the time of salvation of the soul. But in politics, inequality. In politics we will be framing the Constitution, many Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure recognizing the principle of one man one respected scholars from across the road to degradation and to eventual vote and one vote one value. In our Globe ridiculed the idea that democracy dictatorship. social and economic life, we shall, by could take root here. Especially, reason of our social and economic because of illiteracy and poverty, it was The third thing we must do is not structure, continue to deny the principle assumed that universal adult franchise to be content with mere political of one man one value. How long shall would be a failure. Yet, we must largely democracy. We must make our we continue to live this life of admit that it is the poor, and those who political democracy a social contradictions? How long shall we have little, particularly in the rural areas, democracy as well. Political continue to deny equality in our social who vote in large numbers. They are democracy cannot last unless there lies and economic life? If we continue to the true believers and saviours of at the base of it social democracy. deny it for long, we will do so only by democracy in India. Yet, very little gets What does social democracy mean? It putting our political democracy in peril. written about the fact that it is the poor means a way of life which recognizes We must remove this contradiction at voting in large numbers have repeatedly liberty, equality and fraternity as the the earliest possible moment or else voted out of power autocrats powers, principles of life. These principles of those who suffer from inequality will and corrupt and the inept regimes. liberty, equality and fraternity as the blow up the structure of political principles of life. These principles of democracy which this Assembly has so This was no mean accomplishment. liberty, equality and fraternity are not laboriously built up.” After all, having a say in the political to be treated as separate items in a process and about who gets to hold the trinity. They form a union of trinity in What the above meant, as India reins of the state is a key feature of being the sense that to divorce one from the emerged after centuries of colonial an equal citizen (at least at some level). other is to defeat the very purpose of oppression, was that the State It meant that they could exercise some democracy. Liberty cannot be divorced necessarily had to take a lead role in measure of control over what is deemed from equality, equality cannot be building a democratic polity and an to be the main purposes of the nation- divorced from liberty. Nor can liberty executive apparatus that would ensure state itself were, even if the realization and equality be divorced from fraternity. the rule of law, and also undertake the of those goals were to be in some Without equality, liberty would produce affirmative obligation of ensuring that at indeterminate distant future. Political the supremacy of the few over the many. least some measure of resources are freedom is itself a form of development, Equality without liberty would kill diverted for uplifting the people from or rather one element of development, individual initiative. Without fraternity, the vicious cycle of ignorance, poverty because it assures human beings an liberty would produce the supremacy and exploitation that they were stuck important measure/element of their of the few over the many. Equality in. They needed to be protected from human dignity. without liberty would kill individual potential plunderers and exploiters initiative. Without fraternity, liberty and within, and also invest in building up their However, when we come to equality could not become a natural capacities so that the masses could evaluating how well we did, as a people course of things. It would require a themselves be given the skills, resources and as a nation, in the social and constable to enforce them. We must and space to be able to use the economic sphere, we are immediately begin by acknowledging the fact that machinery of the state in protecting their confronted with significant there is complete absence of two things fundamental rights. And it needed to be underachievements. Writing a bit over in Indian Society. One of these is done urgently, and it is this urgency that a decade ago, AmartyaSen in his book equality. On the social plane, we have Dr. Ambedkar spoke so eloquently of the Argumentative India assessed it as in India a society based on the principle when he talked about the dangers of “measurable underachievement and not of graded inequality by which we have the democratic experiment failing if the necessarily one of immeasurable failure” a society in which there are some who situation of graded inequality in – a characteristically muted academic have immense wealth as against many economic and social spheres continued. criticism. However, a decade later, in JANATA, September 24, 2017 15

Uncertain Glory, a book he co-authored of lifting people out of poverty. We have turn would have depended on our with Jean Dreze his tone had changed made giant strides, it would seem, in investments in capital – both physical to one of urgency. We are an how we can keep redefining poverty and social (which includes human increasingly younger nation, and instead to ensure that figures seem better and resources as a subset) – and the systems of hoping to reap the windfall gains of better for us. On every front: education, we have to ensure that the amounts due the demographic dividend we seem to health and health care, who bears the to the State are actually received and be staring at the sand that drops ever consequences of externalities such as spent on legitimate constitutional so faster into the bottom half of the pollution, violence (random and purposes. Most reasonable people developmental hourglass. The question deliberately perpetrated)….. on every would agree that we have failed that ought to be uppermost in our minds parameter that could be an indicia of significantly in this regard. While some is: are we racing against time, and Human Development we seem to be part of the failure is on account of staring at a potential demographic sorely lagging behind. governmental wastage, leakages due to disaster? Because of non-investments corruption, and wrong policy choices into social and economic sector to Our health indices are awful. Even and program designs, a large part of the substantially reduce the horrific graded though the average life span has gone failure was on account of the State not inequality that Dr. Ambedkar speaks up, we are sorely lagging behind on receiving a significant portion of what is about. many key factors. We have the highest due to it as tax revenues, bulk of which number of stunted children in the entire is what is known in popular parlance as One does not have to reel off pages world. The impact of childhood “black money”. and pages of statistics to figure out that nutritional deprivations on our populace we haven’t done too well. While the is humongous, in terms of their overall There are many different estimates votaries of neo-liberal political economy health, their lifetime productivity, and about the size of the black economy gloat about the most significant yes even in terms of their cognitive and and the magnitude of black money. reduction in levels of poverty level, they intellectual abilities. Barring the Prof.Arun Kumar estimates the black essentially mean that the number of education that a few elite segments of economy in India to be around 62 people below the starvation level have the populace can afford, and most of percent of the GDP, which would, in come down significantly. That would be the lower middle class may be able to 2016-2017 prices amount to Rs 93 lakh true. However, from the perspective of afford only if they have staked all of crore (USD1.4 trillion approximately). social justice, would we think of a their assets and leave nothing for the How large is that? To get a perspective person who has just escaped starvation parents as they grow old, few can Prof.Arun Kumar points out that it is level poverty as not poor. Take one afford the world class primary much larger than the combined income parameter – would a person who is just education that is required to enable our generated by agriculture and industry. It above the absolute poverty line be in a children to truly revel in, explore and is much larger than the combined position to demand and protect his core acquire knowledge along with abilities spending of the central and all the state fundamental rights? For instance - not to discover or develop new governments put together. Prof.Arun to be assaulted by a policeman on the knowledge. Education has been Kumar also estimates that the country’s street? By what ethical standards could eloquently called the “cultural action for economy has been losing, on an average we possibly gloat about how much we freedom” – freedom from the shackles 5% growth from 1970s. He also have reduced poverty if most of the of illiteracy and ignorance, and estimates that if we hadn’t seen such populace cannot even begin to incapacity to think critically and grow leakages our economy would have been approach an authority, such as a court up to be reasoning and reasonable seven times larger than the Rs 150 lakh or for that matter even an elected citizens of the country and denizens of crore GDP/annum economywe have at politician for redressal, if an agent of the world. Yet very few of our children present. The loss to the Government’s the State chooses to grab a little from receive such an education. coffers, at the current rate of taxes is the meagre earnings of a street vendor? said to be to the tune of Rs 36 lakh Black Money crores/per annum, which means that The point I am making is that we after wiping out our fiscal deficit we ought not to be misled nor mislead One of the keys to achieving such would have had a surplus of Rs 30 lakh ourselves into thinking that we have objectives was to build appropriate state crores. Every year.5 made giant strides towards realizing capacity. For this the State needed constitutional goals by achieving goals sufficient financial resources, which in (To be concluded) R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, September 24, 2017 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2015-2017. 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