Modi’s I-Day speech indicates renewed attacks on Rahul and Cong!

He is trying to strengthen the old communal narrative on the Uniform Civil Code to counter Rahul’s agenda of social justice. He has termed the current civil code "communal.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day indicates a rare political denial. He denies the people’s mandate delivered in the last Lok Sabha election and the responsibility the constitution has bestowed upon him. The electoral verdict is clear that the BJP has lost the majority and the Congress, the main opposition party, has been allowed a significant say in running the country. The controversy over the seat of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the guest gallery at the Red Fort celebrations has received huge media attention. Still, most of the coverage misses the point that it not only reflects Prime Minister Modi’s aversion but also his ideological stance. It shows that he and his party are not ready to accept the arrangement people of India wish to be in place.

The media coverage also lacks clarity over the roots of his actions. They portray these actions as a reflection of Modi’s whims. They may be partially true if we look at the prime minister’s gesture. He never refers to his ministerial colleagues or his party leaders. He also does not talk about his ideological mentor—the RSS. It is another matter that he now refers to his own name less frequently than he used to take before the 2024 poll results. The determined crowd that would chant Modi Modi now and then is also missing. His energy level is also down. He raises the pitch of his voice to match his familiar mannerisms, but his face does not cooperate.

If we go beyond his whims, we can see a clear ideological pattern in his Independence Day speech. All that he has said about the Viksit Bharat in 2047, the history of the freedom struggle, and contemporary politics reflect the views of the RSS. They give us a clue of the RSS’ plans for the coming years.

He says, “Let us not forget that we as a nation have been facing tough situations even after several decades of freedom. This is because of our attitude of ‘chalta hai’ and accepting the status quo. We do not believe or participate in actuating the change.” Is he not referring to the Nehruvian model of governance? However, his generalisations hardly hold any water. Prime Minister Nehru had inherited a tattered economy and colonial machinery and built upon it a modern nation that now aspires to become a global leader in nuclear and space technology. Nehru’s stress on scientific temper has enabled us to create the biggest technological manpower in the world.

Does Modi’s assertion on ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ contain the substance that could match Nehru’s commitment to science and technology? A close examination of his plan reveals the nature of the Viksit Bharat 2047. It is nothing more than the collection of previous programs. The most striking difference between Nehru’s model and Viksit Bharat Sankalp is the latter's neglect of the idea of social equity and distributive justice. The model of Viksit Bharat Sankalp could be described as an economic development program without any commitment to social justice.

Here, Rahul Gandhi’s intervention becomes important. He has taken an unambiguous stand on the caste census. Prime Minister Modi is not ready to accept this demand and is trying to deflect the attention of the people away from it. He declares, “When I always talk about the concern of dynastic politics and casteism in the country, I believe they are causing significant harm to the democracy of Bharat. We need to free the country and politics from dynastic politics and casteism.” Modi’s associating dynasty with casteism is part of his strategy to counter the demand of the caste census. Can he succeed in it? The chances are very few.

His attack on dynastic politics and his so-called tirade against corruption give us the blueprint of his future political program. All his programs have been directed at suppressing the voice of dissent and annihilating opposition parties. His Independence Day speech only indicates its continuation. In his speech, we do not find any kind word about the opposition parties.

“We are moving forward with determination and making significant progress. However, it is also true that some individuals are unable to appreciate this progress. Some cannot think beyond their welfare and do not care about the well-being of others. Such individuals, with their distorted mindsets, are a concern. The country must avoid these people, who are mired in despair. When a handful of such individuals, consumed by their negativity, spread this kind of toxicity, it leads to anarchy, destruction, chaos, and severe setbacks that necessitate immense efforts to rectify. The country needs to recognise this threat,” says the Prime Minister. He is indirectly attacking Rahul Gandhi and people like him. He has further accused the Opposition of glorifying corruption.

“Can anyone imagine that some people in our own country are glorifying corruption? They are openly celebrating corruption. The attempt to sow such seeds in society, the glorification of corruption, and the continuous efforts to increase acceptance of the corrupt have become a significant challenge for a healthy society and a matter of great concern. By distancing ourselves from corrupt individuals in society, we can create an environment where those who are corrupt will fear taking that path,” he says. Does his deed match his words? He has just forgotten the leaders he has picked up to lead his party in Asam, West Bengal, and other States.

He is trying to strengthen the old communal narrative on the Uniform Civil Code to counter Rahul’s agenda of social justice. He has termed the current civil code "communal.”

Will Modi increase his attacks on Rahul and Congress?

(The author is a senior journalist. He has experience of working with leading newspapers and electronic media including Deccan Herald, Sunday Guardian, Navbharat Times and Dainik Bhaskar. He writes on politics, society, environment and economy)