The Crippled Dictator and other views
By Philip Mudartha
Bellevision Media Network
04 Jul 2024:
The Crippled Dictator:
In the 18th Lok Sabha, the opposition is strongest in our political history, with the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) securing a record 234 seats.
The BJP has a strength of 240, 32 short of the majority mark of 272. TDP and JDU together hold 28 seats and along with BJP’s other allies, NDA has formed the government. It’s no longer the Modi 3.0 government.
Social media is celebrating it with a wave of sarcasm, cartoons, and caricatures targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The internet is flooded with mockery, with Modi being derisively referred to as "Apang Tanashah" (crippled dictator). People are rejoicing at Smriti Irani’s defeat in Amethi, which she wrested in 2019 from Rahul Gandhi, in the hands of a low-profile Congress functionary.
The widespread online ridicule underscores a significant shift in public sentiment and adds to the mounting pressure on the BJP.
The Rise of the Opposition Leaders:
The opposition’s resurgence is attributed to the formidable coalition of leaders from diverse political backgrounds.
1. Rahul Gandhi: He has reshaped his image from being mocked as ’Pappu’ into that of a serious politician. His two campaigns, Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, have resonated deeply with the public, highlighting core issues like inflation, unemployment, wealth and incomes inequality, and farmers’ challenges. His focus on the plight of Dalits, Tribals, and the Youth has further solidified his stance as a champion of social justice.
2. Akhilesh Yadav: Samajwadi Party (SP) has won 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh (UP), solidifying his position as a significant regional force. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the opposition’s strategy and strengthening their base in the politically vital state of UP.
3. Mamata Banerjee: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 29 seats in West Bengal (WB), boosting her morale and reinforcing her status as a key player in the opposition. Her combative style and mass appeal will be instrumental in mobilizing support against the BJP.
4. Uddhav Thackeray: The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s commendable performance in Maharashtra has brought him into the forefront. His alliance with the NCP (Sharad Pawar), which also increased its seat count, highlights the growing strength of regional parties in challenging the BJP’s dominance.
5. Supriya Sule: Her influence within the opposition has increased, due to NCP’s (Sharad Pawar) electoral performance and signalling a collaborative and united front against the NDA.
God’s image is for adoration and not for display; thus thundered PM Modi in the 18th Lok Sabha responding to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi’s holding up a poster of Lord Shiva. LoP had earlier delivered his speech in response to the President’s Address to the joint session of the Parliament where-in he alleged that BJP-RSS are not Hindu because they advocate and practice violence whereas true Hinduism is about truth, love and non-violence. Lord Shiva says “fear not, scare not”.
Netizens were quick to contrast Modi-speak with Modi-acts Take a look.
Modi’s is a spectacle in the display of religious piety to “appease his vote bank”.
On LS Speaker Om Birla:
Once the LS speaker is elected, he/she should rise above the party politics. He/she is the final arbiter in debates involving viewpoints of ruling dispensation and the opposition.
If you have watched the recent LS proceedings where LoP or other MPs of INDIA block speak and Modi or MPs of BJP speak, you will immediately notice that Om Birla as the speaker has failed to be the neutral umpire. Take a look:
He is all smiles when Modi or BJP MPs speak.
He can only frown when LoP or MPs of INDIA block speak. Shame, Mr. Om Birla!