DAILY VOCAB DIGESTIVE (30th-JUNE-2021) .11.2018 DISCORD: ON BJP’S BRAND OF IDENTITY POLITICS The BJP’s kind of identity politics is difficult to sustain over the longer term A combination of welfarism, communalism and smart though daring alliances helped the BJP win a second consecutive term in Assam. The party and its allies, the (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 of the 126 seats in the State. A 10-party alliance, or Mahajot, around the -AIUDF axis turned out to be no match for the BJP. A of Assamese nationalists, the (AJP) and , could win only one seat. The Congress and AIUDF have accused it of helping the BJP. The BJP performed well in Upper Assam, and the Barak Valley, though marginally weaker than its 2016 performance. With its newfound ally UPPL, the BJP outperformed the Mahajot, which had the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) as a constituent in the Bodo region. The AIUDF-Congress alliance swept Lower Assam, but overall, they ended up with a net loss by joining hands. The BJP campaign focused on the imaginary prospect of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal becoming the CM, mobilising two variants of backlash — from the Assamese nationalists and Hindu nationalists. The alliance question posed a dilemma for both parties. They had to choose between the disadvantages of not having a partnership and having one. The AIUDF has now blamed the underperformance of the Congress in Upper Assam as the reason for their defeat; the irony is that the Congress faced the brunt there for its tie-up with the AIUDF. The winners have their own curse. Communal polarisation in the State fanned by the acrimonious debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act has been further reinforced in the outcome. All eight Muslim candidates of the BJP, including a sitting MLA, lost. Of the 29 Congress MLAs, 16 are Muslims. The BJP has dismantled its minority cell in response to the outcome. The key strategist of the BJP, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who curated the party’s agenda, spearheaded its welfare schemes, and managed its alliance, has a rightful claim for the CM’s post. He is certainly more popular than the incumbent CM, Sarbananda Sonowal, in the 60-strong BJP legislature party. The BJP has managed to assemble the support from Assamese nationalists, and Hindu nationalists in a deft balancing act on the CAA, but that ambiguity is difficult to sustain. The party has also promised to revise the National Register of Citizens and exclude more ‘illegal’ residents from it. Assam is a border State, and it has numerous fault lines within its society. The BJP single-mindedly focused on the religious divide that earned it rich dividends. But a political order that excludes a third of the population in a systematic manner is no order at all. The BJP’s victory is built on a deeply divisive and combustive agenda. Before it turns into a whirlwind of strife and chaos, the party must act with political wisdom and douse the fire it has lit.

 discord (noun) – strife, conflict, friction,  welfarism (noun) – the principles/policies of a hostility, disagreement, lack of agreement, welfare state. lack of harmony.  communalism (noun) – adherence/obedience  identity (noun) – a social category, a set of to one’s own ethnic group (against the persons marked by a label and distinguished principle/practice of living together in wider by rules deciding membership and (alleged) society). characteristic features or attributes;  daring (adjective) – brave, bold, audacious. individuality, character, originality.  alliance (noun) – association, union,  identity politics (plural noun) – it is also partnership. called as identitarian politics, refers to  consecutive (adjective) – successive, political positions based on the interests and continuous. perspectives of social groups with which  ally (noun) – partner, supporting (political) people identify. Identity politics is when party (with common interests). people of a particular race, ethnicity, gender,  Mahajot (noun) – Bengali word meaning or religion form alliances and organize “Grand Alliance”. politically to defend their group’s interests.  turn out (phrasal verb) – happen, develop,  sustain (verb) – continue, carry on, keep up. end (in a specific way).

1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRPF Square, Bhubaneswar-750015 1 Ph. : 8093556677, 9040456677, Web :www.vanik.org, E-mail : [email protected]

DAILY VOCAB DIGESTIVE (30th-JUNE-2021)  front (noun) – political group, party, faction,  strategist.11.2018 (noun) – someone skilled in grouping. planning action/policy (especially in  nationalist (noun/adjective) – relating to politics/war). nationalism.  curate (verb) – select, organize, choose  newfound (adjective) – recently established. something (carefully & thoroughly).  outperform (verb) – excel, be better than, be  spearhead (verb) – lead, head (a superior to, defeat, outstrip, outmatch. movement/protest); be in the forefront of.  constituent (noun) – member; integral  welfare (noun) – a government program that part/unit. provides (financial) assistance to individuals  sweep (verb) – to win comprehensively (in a and families in need; social security, public contest). assistance.  end up (phrasal verb) – come/appear, find  incumbent (adjective) – present, current, oneself (to a particular course of action in the exciting (holder or occupant of an office). end).  deft (adjective) – skillful, experienced,  join hands (phrase) – work together with. proficient, efficient, impressive.  campaign (noun) – canvassing,  ambiguity (noun) – doubtfulness, obscurity, electioneering, an act of soliciting (asking uncertainty. for/requesting) votes; an organized effort  National Register of Citizens (NRC) (noun) – that seeks to influence the decision-making It is a register that includes demographic progress within a specific group. information about all those individuals who  imaginary (adjective) – unreal, assumed, qualify as citizens of as per the supposed. Citizenship Act, 1955.  prospect (noun) – probability, possibility,  fault line (noun) – a divisive issue; a chance; thought, idea. difference of opinion.  mobilise (verb) – bring (resources) into use  single-mindedly (adverb) – determinedly, for a particular purpose/cause. resolutely, stubbornly, unyieldingly, inflexibly.  variant (noun) – form, version, variation.  divide (noun) – division, separation, split,  backlash (noun) – a strong negative reaction; difference. adverse response, counteraction.  dividend (noun) – benefit, advantage, gain.  pose (verb) – constitute, present, create,  systematic (adjective) – methodical, cause (a problem or danger or risk). structured, organized, well ordered, planned.  dilemma (noun) – quandary, predicament,  build on (phrasal verb) – develop, enhance, difficulty. expand on.  irony (noun) – paradox, incongruity,  divisive (adjective) – alienating/isolating, peculiarity; contradiction, a strange/funny disharmonious, discordant. situation where things are happening the  combustive (adjective) – fiery, ignitable, other way around (than expected). flammable.  the brunt (noun) – strain, stress, pressure.  whirlwind (noun) – a busy, tumultuous  tie-up (noun) – allaince, association, (uncontrolled) activity or process. relationship.  strife (noun) – conflict, friction, discord,  curse (noun) – affliction, burden, bane, disagreement. misfortune.  chaos (noun) – disorder, disarray, turmoil,  polarisation (noun) – separation of two disorganization, disruption. contrasting groups (based on different  wisdom (noun) – understanding, sense, opinions/beliefs). common sense, insight, foresight, judgement,  fan (verb) – intensify, increase, exacerbate. circumspection.  acrimonious (adjective) – angry, bitter, harsh,  douse (verb) – extinguish, put out, quench, hostile, hate-filled, ill-natured. dampen down (a fire).  reinforce (verb) – strengthen, fortify, bolster  lit past and past participle of light (verb) – up, underpin. ignite, kindle, spark off, set on fire, set fire to.  dismantle (verb) – remove, demolish, take down, destroy (something). ********************************************************************************

1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRPF Square, Bhubaneswar-750015 2 Ph. : 8093556677, 9040456677, Web :www.vanik.org, E-mail : [email protected]

DAILY VOCAB DIGESTIVE (30th-JUNE-2021) .11.2018 A DIFFICULT UNION: ON ALL INDIA NR CONGRESS-BJP ALLIANCE IN PUDUCHERRY As Chief Minister of Puducherry, Rangasamy will find it difficult to keep ally BJP at bay A change of guard in Puducherry, where governance and development took a backseat from mid-2016 due to continuing friction between the elected government and Raj Nivas, ushers in hope for its people. The electorate’s frustration with the erstwhile Congress government was amply reflected with just two of its 14 candidates getting elected, as opposed to 15 last time. At the same time, All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder N. Rangasamy, who on Friday took oath as Chief Minister for the fourth time, has his task cut out, administratively and politically. For the first time he will be heading a coalition government with the BJP, whose cabinet composition is in the making. The people are looking forward to quality governance and public service delivery in the midst of the COVID-19 second wave. It would be safe to infer that the electorate had backed the AINRC-BJP alliance in anticipation that the cordiality between the Territorial administration and the Centre would yield dividends. Their expectations are legitimate as no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched to them the promise of making Puducherry the BEST (Business hub, Education hub, Spiritual hub and Tourism hub). But such acronyms are easier to coin than implement. There needs to be cohesive action from the allies to translate them into action. That said, on the ground there are indications that more than the battered and fatigued Opposition, Mr. Rangasamy is likely to face challenges from his openly ambitious ally. The BJP has tasted political blood in the Union Territory that is for most parts geographically contiguous and linguistically aligned with Tamil Nadu, which the national party has set its sights on next. It is seeking its pound of flesh by demanding that its nominee be made the Deputy Chief Minister. Mr. Rangasamy’s reservations in accommodating this demand are pronounced. The tiny territory has never had such a political post. The early disagreement between the allies has led to a delay in the swearing- in of the Cabinet. But it may not be easy for him to fend off the BJP. He would be conscious that the fragmented numbers thrown up in the election results leave the field open for manipulations to tilt the scales against him. In the 30-member House, the AINRC has 10 legislators, the BJP 6, DMK 6 and Congress 2. Independents account for 6 and indications are that three of them could lean towards the BJP. It will also not be long before the BJP appoints three nominated legislators who, thanks to a Supreme Court judgment, will have voting rights. Therefore, it would be a tightrope walk for the Chief Minister. Nonetheless, for the welfare of Puducherry, it would be best if the allies march on by focusing on governance without prioritising narrow, short-term political interests.

 alliance (noun) – association, union,  electorate (noun) – all the people who partnership. entitled to vote in an election.  ally (noun) – partner, supporting (political)  erstwhile (adjective) – old, previous, former, party (with common interests). then.  keep at bay (phrase) – prevent  amply (adverb) – sufficiently, satisfactorily, someone/something from coming nearer. (more than) enough.  change of guard (phrase) – It used to refer to  reflect (verb) – indicate, show, reveal, exhibit. a situation in which there is a (dramatic)  opposed to (adjective) – against. change in which new people are replacing  oath (noun) – vow, sworn statement, people (existing) in positions of importance. promise/pledge.  take a backseat (phrase) – take a less  have one’s work/task cut out (phrase) – be important role. faced with a tough task/work.  friction (noun) – discord, disharmony,  composition (noun) – formation, disunity, strife, conflict, disagreement, arrangement. dissension.  in the making (phrase) – coming, developing,  Raj Nivas (noun) – the official residence of burgeoning, up and coming. the Lieutenant Governor.  look forward (to) (phrasal verb) – anticipate,  usher in (verb) – herald, portend, mark the expect, hope for. start of, signal.  in the midst of (phrase) – in the middle of. 1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRPF Square, Bhubaneswar-750015 3 Ph. : 8093556677, 9040456677, Web :www.vanik.org, E-mail : [email protected]

DAILY VOCAB DIGESTIVE (30th-JUNE-2021)  infer (verb) – deduce, reason, conclude, come  reservation.11.2018 (noun) – hesitation, hesitancy, to the conclusion. reluctance, objection; scepticism, doubt,  back (verb) – support, endorse, uphold, qualm. champion.  accommodate (verb) – adjust, adapt, attune,  in anticipation (noun) – with the expectation get accustomed, come to accept. of something occurring.  pronounced (adjective) – noticeable, evident,  cordiality (noun) – affability, warmth, conspicuous, striking, obvious, recognizable. friendliness, friendship.  lead to (verb) – result in, cause, bring on, give  yield (verb) – produce, give, provide rise to. (results/benefits).  swearing-in (noun) – an official ceremony in  dividend (noun) – benefit, advantage, gain. which a person is taking the oath and  legitimate (adjective) – valid, reasonable, admitted into a new official job. reliable.  fend off (verb) – hold off, resist, block.  no less than (phrase) – used to highlight the  conscious (adjective) – aware, mindful, importance of a person/thing. sensible.  pitch (verb) – talk in support of something,  fragmented (adjective) – divided, splintered, voice/express one’s support for something. split, separated, disintegrated.  coin (verb) – create, think up, formulate (a  throw up (phrasal verb) – produce new word/phrase). something.  cohesive (adjective) – united, integrated,  leave open (phrase) – keep undecided. cooperated; adhering.  manipulation (noun) – controlling or  on the ground (phrase) – in a situation/place influencing someone/something cleverly; where things are happening really/practically. tactic, trick, plan, scheme, intrigue.  battered (adjective) – damaged, impaired,  tilt (verb) – change. spoiled.  tilt the scales/balance (phrase) – to change  fatigued (adjective) – tired, exhausted, worn the balance of a situation, so that one side is out, drained, overtaxed. gaining an advantage.  likely (adverb) – probably.  legislator (noun) – a member of a legislature  ambitious (adjective) – formidable, (parliament/legislative assembly); lawmaker, challenging, demanding. representative.  taste blood (verb) – to realize that you have  account for (phrasal verb) – constitute, achieved something small and you are comprise, form. encouraged to do/achieve something big.  thanks to (phrase) – as a result of, owing to,  geographically (adverb) – in terms of the due to, because of. region.  walk/balance on a tightrope (phrase) – to  contiguous (adjective) – adjacent, deal with a difficult situation in which a very neighbouring, adjoining, abutting, connecting, small error could have very bad outcomes. joining, bordering.  nonetheless (adverb) – notwithstanding,  linguistically (adverb) – in a method nevertheless, in spite of that/however. correlating with language.  welfare (noun) – a government program that  align (with) (verb) – join forces with, join up provides (financial) assistance to individuals with, form an alliance with, link up with, and families in need; social security, public combine with. assistance.  set one’s sights on (phrase) – aspire to, aim  march (on) (verb) – move forward, advance, for, strive for, hope for, work towards. progress.  seek (verb) – try, aim, attempt.  prioritise (verb) – make a point of, highlight,  one’s pound of flesh (phrase) – an act of call attention to (something as very insisting on getting what you are entitled to, important). although it may create problems for the  narrow (adjective) – narrow-minded, person it is demanded from. intolerant, illiberal, short-sighted, myopic,  nominee (noun) – candidate. inward-looking.  interest (noun) – advantage, benefit.

1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRPF Square, Bhubaneswar-750015 4 Ph. : 8093556677, 9040456677, Web :www.vanik.org, E-mail : [email protected]