- People closely following the fortunes of the Indian political scenario from the Centre to the several states would have noticed how the narration has altered over the years. The most striking characteristics of Indian politics in recent times are the communal-versus-secular narrative and the entirely different dynamics it takes on courtesy of polarization. Yes, the Indian society stands blatantly polarized, which would be tantamount to an understatement. Our political class has become increasingly abrasive and unabashed in unleashing a polarized narrative, where divisiveness has unwittingly assumed centre stage. Looking at the two main national parties themselves would provide us with insight as to how our political existence is shaping up.
PC: ThePrint
- The Grand Old Party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are the two main protagonists who drive Indian politics, duly associated with several other parties, read it as regional parties. The country’s attention was riveted to Karnataka’s fast-unfolding drama ever since the Congress assumed governance on the back of a brutal majority. The incessant talks surrounding the power-sharing agreement between the two top leaders kept hitting the headlines despite the denial. Finally, the Congress high command stepped in by asking the then CM to resume and inviting the challenger to assume the office. With the change of guard taking place in full view, one aspect stood starkly exposed.
PC: NDTV Profit
- While the Congress overtly toes the secular line and also embraces the soft Hindutva narrative when it suits its electoral purpose, what was optically more intriguing during the recent oath-taking ceremony of the CM-elect was the presence of several religious heads/representatives in substantial numbers gracing the occasion. As the people of Karnataka know, the new CM is not only religious, making it a point to visit several temples across the state and the country, but alsounabashedly showcasing an affinity towards the Hindu religion, which must be something new for the party that assiduously guards its secularity to ensure the vote banks remain intact. Indeed, we know to what extent the political class in India strives to hold on to their vote banks.
PC: News18
- As the popular saying goes, the optics are extremely important in every walk of life. And the same applies to the political firmament, too. The CM hops from one temple to another, visiting places of religious reverence. On scrutiny, it must be deduced that he is prepared to chart a different course without worrying about the secular optics or pander to pleasing the minority community, who view such overt embracing of the Hindutva as an anathema. This stand could be double-edged. The Hindu hardliners favouring the right-wing politics, may welcome such a stand from the Congress CM. On the other hand, the solid backing of the minority community to the Congress may be hit in the coming days. But the CM knows what he is up to. Interesting.
