What Modi And BJP Must Learn From Nehru

While Nehru's legacy is built on unwavering opposition to communalism and a commitment to democratic norms, today's political maneuverings, such as PM Modi's recent welfare announcements, raise concerns about the ethical implications of using government machinery for electoral gain

We have just celebrated the 135th birthday of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru has been an adversary to the RSS and the BJP. He is the only historical figure who attracts huge criticism from the saffron camp. Many analysts feel that Prime Minister Modi has been trying to demolish him to make a place for himself in the history of post-independence India. This must be a simplistic understanding of politics and history. The Prime Minister is simply doing his job as a follower of the saffron ideology. Nehru had all along been fighting against communalism. He never succumbed to the pressures of saffron forces. He took the same position against the Muslim League and led the Congress to defeat the League in Uttar Pradesh provincial elections in 1937. He refused to ally with them. His opposition to Hindutva forces could be seen in his letter to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on 24 August 1948.

“A few days ago, it was announced in the press that the Hindu Mahasabha had decided to return to the political field. This piece of news obviously has considerable significance, and it has been treated as such by the press. In view of our resolution on communalism, we cannot approve of any such activity of an organization that has been and is strictly communal. Even if some minor change in its rules is made enabling others to join it, the organization must necessarily, in the circumstances, continue to be communal, and the government will treat it in accordance with the directions of that resolution.

The position is made worse by the fact that Savarkar is being tried in the conspiracy to murder Gandhiji. Whatever the result of the trial, Savarkar does not come out well from it. 4

Meanwhile, reports come to us about renewed activities of the RSS in various provinces. These activities, though outwardly peaceful, are reported to be of a subversive nature and designed to challenge the Government again, as was done in the past.

In view of all this, I feel that you should remove any misapprehension from the public mind about your continued connection with the Hindu Mahasabha. That there is this misapprehension has been clear from numerous comments in the newspapers. It is far better to take the public, not to mention the members of the Congress Party in the Legislature, into our confidence. Or else rumors spread and create mischief. Apart from the public, I should like to know myself if you are still connected with the Hindu Mahasabha,” he writes.

His unambiguous stand on Hindu Mahasabha and the RSS is displayed in this letter. The hatred shown towards Nehru by the saffron supporters is quite understandable. How could we think of two antagonistic ideologies accommodating each other? This ideological fight must go on in a democracy. However, it should not touch a low level. It should also not take a deceitful recourse. It must adhere to democratic principles and adopt democratic norms. This is the point where the saffron forces slip. The reason is obvious: communalism of all sheds is opposed to democracy and freedom. This is why the BJP and the RSS adopt tactics that are based on lies and manipulations for democratic norms would not permit them.

How could Prime Minister Modi or his companions match Nehru by adopting manipulative practices? A simple parallel will make things clear. On 15 November 2024, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated various welfare projects for tribal people. This was the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birthday. The celebrations were organized at Jamui in Bihar. The place is only a few kilometers away from the constituencies that are going to polls in the second phase of voting for the Jharkhand assembly. The voting is scheduled for 20 November. Bhagwan Birsa Munda is the most revered personality in Jharkhand, and announcing welfare programs in his name is certainly going to help the BJP. There could be arguments that elections should not hinder welfare programs. One could also argue that the program was not held within the territory of Jharkhand, where the Model Code of Conduct is in operation. Could these arguments hide the real intent of the Prime Minister and the BJP? They have tried to influence the voters by using the government machinery. It is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct. However, no one expects any action from the Election Commission. The current leadership of the organization lacks the courage to act against the ruling party.

Could Prime Minister Modi aspire to match Nehru by adopting such tactics? How Nehru viewed elections could be seen in his speeches.

“Soon we are going to have general elections. Everyone has the right to express his views, and parties can present their program to the people and try to bring them round to their opinion. If you do not like the present government, you are welcome to change it. I will be happy to serve in any capacity. But violence and chaos have no connection with democracy. We must think carefully where all this will lead us. Is the carefully molded civilization of India beginning to develop cracks? India has been molded by thousands of years of culture, which cannot be taken away from us. Secondly, we have been molded by the freedom struggle. If the people represent neither the old nor the new but believe only in hooliganism, how can they serve India?” he said in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on 15 August 1956. What was he appealing for? Why was he invoking the spirit of civilization and the ideology of freedom struggle? He could also have used elections by invoking parochial instincts. He was ready to vacate if people so desired but refused to succumb to the hunger for power. This was his strength that made him the most important figure of Indian politics, only next to Gandhi. Modi and the BJP need to learn from Nehru’s commitment to democracy.

(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)