Modi had set a narrative to get to “400 paar” based on his achievements. He has abandoned it midway through the 18th Lok Sabha elections because his feedback must be that there is anti-incumbency. But it has only managed to confuse his supporters and galvanise the opposition.
The taxpaying citizens largely belong to the organised sector. Their incomes have risen substantially and they pay more tax.
The ruling party is in election mode with daily pronouncements about how well the Indian economy is doing and benefitting not just the well-off but also the poor in the country. It has claimed a big reduction in poverty in India. It is stated that the Indian economy growing at about 7% is the fastest growing large economy in the world. Further, inflation is said to be tamed and employment generation robust, in spite of global head winds due to the Ukraine war and the pandemic.
It is claimed that India has weathered these global storms better than most rich countries, so, it has become `Vishwaguru’. The Presidency of G20 has been cited as evidence of India becoming a dominant player on the world stage. It is claimed that India’s stock in the world has gone up since it is getting respect from other countries and its stand on various world affairs like, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, is being appreciated. Another sign of good performance is stated to be the desire of major world corporations to invest in India.
Court judgments are informed by a wide variety of factors, and when the factors change, the judgments change too. Here, Prof. Arun Kumar hopes that the recent EVM judgment will change sooner rather than later.
IN the midst of elections, crucial to maintaining democracy, events suggest all is not well.
The Supreme Court judgment ruling out any major changes in the way elections are conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) was expected. But, the tone and tenor of the judgment is worrisome.
In the last three days, wealth redistribution has become a hot electoral issue. It’s being said that the ‘big bad State’ will snatch the properties from everyone and, in Robin Hood style, be distributed to outsiders.
As can be expected, these go unmentioned in the manifesto – after all the manifesto is supposed to create a feel good factor in the nation. The end result of 'Modi’s guarantee’ could be contrary to the promises.