A Report on Socio-Political Conditions - 2015 [by Elyas Muhammad Thumbe]

A Report on Socio-Political Conditions - 2015

A political party with the objectives of “Hunger Free and Fear Free India” and with an aim to bring “Power to People” through Social Justice and Democracy, it is the characteristic of our party to study and analyze ‘Socio Political and Economic Conditions’ in our nation.

I. Nation

1. Present Political Scenario

The mixture of RSS, BJP, Corporate and Media has resulted to the massive win of Narendra Modi bandwagon. It’s not a victory of BJP, it’s of corporates only who promoted Mr. Narendra Modi to be a prime-minister at their disposal. We have seen Hindutva right-wing in action at many parts of the country, most clear was 2002 in Gujarat. Now the country is on the edge to see the developmental right-wing in action. They are very much determined and trained in acquiring lands and giving those at low rates to corporate, which may turn up into a ‘Development’ hoax few days after.

Black money, muscle-power, religion, caste, regionalism, liquor, drugs and other enticements or coercive measures were used extensively by all parties and candidates. For instance, more than 200 crores of cash and over 2 crore litres of liquor were seized by the police across the country during the elections which were meant to be distributed among the electorate. As can be imagined, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Corporate media itself has revealed that more than 30,000 crore rupees were spent to advertise and promote Narendra Modi alone. Flouting the official limit to election expenditure of 70 lakhs per candidate with impunity, each candidate in the fray spent an average of 8 crore rupees during this election. The farcical nature of the so-called largest parliamentary elections of the world can be perceived from such revealing facts.

Undoubtedly, India’s corporate world has launched a concerted campaign to adopt top politicians and enlist their support. Hence the media projected Narendra Modi as a development messiah. Industry will do business with whoever comes to power — so long as it can wrest concessions. But in the last election coroporates did not spell political equidistance. Industry strongly favoured Narendra Modi. Modi has a zealously pro-business agenda, with further deregulation, tax-breaks and public-private partnerships, along the “Gujarat Model” of development.

Modi government is now busy with service to corporate resulting in the sale of valuable public assets and capturing of forest and agricultural land. The exercise is against economic logic and it endangers the freedom, security and livelihood of Indian common mass and it undermines the social integrity of the country.

Forest Rights Act being diluted and sabotaged by the NDA government to cater to the interests of a corporate minority.

In addition the Prime Ministers of office is trying to down play the existing forest and environmental acts pressing the concerned ministries to give node for some projects without considering the rules and regulations. Prime minister’s office sought forest clearance for some projects, without meeting all conditions under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). 

The government bringing major changes in the existing Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013. It is in many ways aimed to please industry bodies. It is clear that the poorest of the poor, who often cultivate lands but are not the owner, may be left high and dry with no compensation. The government has amended Section 10(A) of the Act to expand sectors where assessment and consent will not be required. For five sectors, the consent clause has been removed. So the government or private individuals/companies will no longer need mandatory 80% consent for land acquisition in those five sectors.

By omitting the social assessment part, the government in essence has got away with a very important hurdle. In the earlier law, the assessment was meant to find out how many people will be impacted. So apart from the land owner, all those who are dependent on the land also needed to be compensated. But the new ordinance ensures that only land owners will be compensated.

2. ORDINANCE RAJ

The BJP government at the centre is ruling the country through passing ordinances without giving any opportunity to debate or oppose by the other parliamentarians in the houses which is very harmful to a democratic country like India. Fearing to fail in getting approval of the Upper House due to the lack of their party’s Rajya Sabha members, the government has hitherto has passed 8 ordinances. Modi government is bypassing the parliament powers and playing “Ordinance Raj”. Out of 11 ordinances it has passed the most contentious are Insurance ordinance and Land Acquisitions ordinance which will enact against welfare of common masses and beneficial for the corporate.

Other anti people steps taken by Modi Government

1. Labour law amendment which includes amendment in minimum wages. This is intended to please the job owners especially corporate companies.
2. 20% cut in public health budget which is a cut of 6000 Cr. This will further reduce health care facilities to the poor in the country.
3. 30% cut in farmer budget. Fertilizers and water supply and Electricity supply for agricultural purpose will cost more.
4. De controlling of 108 drug prices after accepting 1,50,000 dollars donation from 5 pharmaceutical companies including Sun Pharma and Adani Pharma.

As for the common mass in India, they are generally disappointed. People are unhappy with the performance of Narendra Modi government. During its first 100 days it has failed to keep its promises on rising prices and inflation. Tall promises were made during the election campaign, raising people's expectations on inflation and price rise, but all in vain.

3. GM Seeds

Narendra Modi and BJP are now trying to play double faced game on Genetically Modified Seeds. Though the party stood firm against GM crops earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seemingly playing down the policy. To a question on the subject he responded as follows, “I am all for technology,” Modi said. “We should not discard a technology that helps farmers; we must have faith in science…. We must put technology and science to use, with regulations, and add value to produce.” GM crop is a controversial topic. Although GM cotton has been cultivated across the country for over a decade, India has not approved commercial cultivation of any GM food crop yet.  Confined field trials have been permitted for some food crops like brinjal, potato and mustard. While a government panel of experts had recommended cultivation of GM brinjal, former environment minister Jairam Ramesh had blocked the move after consultations with sections of scientists and anti-GM activists.

The BJP-run governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had stoutly opposed field trials of GM crops two years ago, joining others such as Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Rajasthan. In the 2009 election manifesto, the BJP had said that if it came to power, “no genetically modified seed will be allowed for cultivation without full scientific data on long-term effects on soil, production and biological impact on consumers.

 All food and food products produced with genetically modified seeds will be branded as ‘GM Food’”. In a resolution on agriculture during a national executive meeting in Mumbai in May 2012, the BJP had asked the central government to immediately impose a moratorium on GM crops in the country because they “will not increase productivity”. The crops will pollute traditional seeds through cross-pollination, the resolution added. Several farmers’ organisations have been vehemently opposed to the adoption of GM crops, saying Bt cotton has added to the growing list of causes that have made farming non-remunerative. Several farm groups oppose the system because of the growing domination of multinational corporations in the seed and input markets. If the GM seed policy is implemented in our country Multi National Companies will enjoy monopoly on our food.

4. Communal Agenda

Narendra Modi, is a divisive politician who let the Gujarat riots happen under his leadership. He is known as the perpetrator of violence, violator of civil and human rights and the right to free speech; a politician who was driven by his corporate funders from Reliance to Vedanta. Moreover, he represented a Hindu nationalistic figure who would divide Hindus and Muslims and carry on his politics of Hindutva, not directly, but driven by his foot soldiers, and those of RSS and various other Hindu nationalist parties and groups. He represents the traditional and regressive ideas of societal growth or rather – downfall.

The very idea of India and its pluralism is under attack with the coming of the Narendra Modi led BJP Government at the Centre. Instead of losing heart, we should defend the plural, secular fabric of the country not as Muslim or Hindu, but united as Indians.

5. Politics of Hatred

Hate speeches by BJP/VHP leaders are on the increase. Food Processing Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti’s statement dividing political spectrum of India as Ramzade and Haraamzade has created big controversy. Yogi Adithyanadh, Thogadiya, Amith shah and others continue their raid with sharp and dirty words. In view of coming assembly elections in few states like UP, Bihar the ruling party at the centre BJP is trying to polarise Hindu votes by raking up Hindutwa sentiments. Its parliament member’s utterances like “haramzade”, propaganda like ‘Tejo Mahalay’ calling Hindu community to increase their population, false propaganda of Love Jihad, etc. are the clear indication of communal politics to ignite the sentiments of Hindutva and corroborating Hindu vote bank. The very idea of creating the feeling of insecurity in the minds of majority community is very dangerous for the co-existence, integrity and tranquillity in the nation.

6. Hate Crimes

Hate crimes have a way of spreading and multiplying in the absence of speedy intervention by the state. The onus is, therefore, on those in power to act swiftly against such attacks and erase the impression that those involved in the crimes would be protected from the legal consequences of their actions. But shockingly, sections of the BJP have sought to rationalise the attack. It is astonishing to note Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on such issues. He has not shown the ability to rise above his own past record, to erase the shadow of the 2002 events. His government has failed to be firm in its actions against hate crimes as Modi has always argued that the Constitution is his holy book and that law is equal for all faiths.

It is incumbent on the peace- and justice-loving to come together to defeat the forces of hatred, bigotry, fanaticism, intolerance and jingoism.

7. Saffronisation of Education

While The Rashtriya Swamayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has never deviated from its core ideology of forming a ‘Hindu Rastra’, it is the systematic attempt of rewriting history with saffron ink through its vast network of educational institutes like vidya bharti, one of the largest chain of private schools in India, catering mainly to lower middle class, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) which specialises in hostels for adivasi children along with other activities and Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, which runs single pre-school teacher centres, where students are taught basic reading and writing of Sanskrit and Sanskrit behaviours, is a clear indicator of RSS’s slow but deliberate attempt of “saffronising” the education system of the country and in the process, feeding large number of young brains with their core ideology of Hindutva.

Now one might think how a right wing Hindu Nationalist group can rewrite the history of a mighty nation like India. The HRD ministry’s approval of creation of The Bharatiya Shiksha Niti Ayog (BSNA), which has been constituted by the RSS-affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, that is mandated to suggest corrective steps to Indianize the education system.

Coincidentally, the major attempts in recent past to change the course of Indian history and revamping the education system, where minorities were portrayed as main problems of the nation and Muslims, Christians and Parsis referred to as foreigners, where struggle for freedom was portrayed as war against the Muslims; all done in the name of instilling nationalism and national pride have been done in the last two terms of the BJP rule. First with Murli Manohar Joshi, the then HRD minster, going all out to saffronise the education system by bringing changes in NCERT text along with huge changes in the reconstitution of major educational bodies like Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, the NCERT and the Indian Council of Historical Research to include members having pro BJP/RSS stand. And now with Smriti Irani, the current HRD minster, trying to bring Vedas, ancient Hindu texts and Unpanishads in the syllabus of class 8th, 9th and 10th.

·         Inclusion of Geetha in school syllabus:  Madhya Pradesh and Haryana State Governments have decided to introduce the Bhagwat Gita in the public school curriculum in the States from the next academic session.  This will bring a change in curriculum for school students in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh which will include the study of shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita as part of their syllabus.

·         Suryanamaskaar and Vandemadarm made compulsory in BJP ruling states which is against the principles of secularism and hurt the religious sentiments of the students and people as well.

Manipulation of History

·         Aero planes were there 7000 years back which could go to other planets.

·         Artificial insemination as karna was born to kunti before marriage

·         Plastic surgery was present as Ganesha got an elephant head

·         Had nuclear weapons stored in asthralaya ( now Australia) by Pandavas

·         Taj Mahal was Shiva temple called Tejo Mahalaya a vedic temple

Manipulation of India's modern history

·         The Muslims are solely blamed for the partition of India.

·         The RSS is pictured as an organisation is presented as central to the Freedom Movement. Dr. Keshavrao B. Hegdewar is one of the tallest leaders of the freedom struggle. Statements of a large number of national leaders have been quoted in praise of the RSS.

·         Godse the killer of the Father of the Nation being glorified. RSS released documentary film on Godse on January 30^th 2015. Hindu Mahasabha has planned construction of a temple for Godse in Lucknow.

8. Right To Education

The state is slowly withdrawing from public education as it discards the principles of welfare state. Though the government has passed the rule RTE, it has been miserably failed to implement it. Educational standard in the schools run by the state is deteriorating as the schools are lacking infrastructures, trained resources, competitive curriculum, etc.

9. Politics of Terrorism

The socio-political scenario in India is clouded with shocking news which gives signs of conspiracy against Muslims, partly under the auspices of government machinery. Muslim youths were arrested, tortured and detained in jail for several years in the incidents like Malegaon bomb blast,  Samjhouta train explosion, Ajmer bomb blast, Makka Masjid Bomb blast –etc. Later the investigation proved that a network of fundamentalist Hindus were behind this anti-national inhuman terrorism.

Governments, no matter whether it is lead by BJP or Congress, are promoting False Flag Operations, blame Muslims and look for political gain on the dead bodies. Other political parties also fail to come out of the prejudice against Muslims. Directly or indirectly, they also make benefit from this politics of terrorism. Transparency is far away from the entire set up of government functioning. But the present political class governing the country in the centre or states will never allow transparency to take place. Because once it is established, their self-centered politics will have no takers inside.

National Security state (Killings of country’s own citizens)

Recent gruesome killings of 20 people of labours at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and 5 Muslims in Hyderabad are another additions to the series of fake encounter killings of citizens in the democratic country like India. 

Debates over fake encounters notwithstanding, such cases are growing in the country, more so in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP and the north eastern regions. Kashmir still remains a state where the military has all the say. Government figures show that in the last four years, 555 fake encounter cases were registered across India, with majority being reported in Uttar Pradesh (138), followed by Manipur (62), Assam (52), West Bengal (35), Jharkhand (30), Chhattisgarh (29), Odisha (27), Jammu and Kashmir (26), Tamil Nadu (23) and Madhya Pradesh (20). Only 144 cases, out of 555, have been solved so far. Many incidental witnesses of the recent encounter of 5 Muslim youth in Hyderabad have been proving that it was exactly a stage managed. The BJP government is sure to intensify surveillance and demonisation with the help of innumerable intelligence outfits.

10. Anti-Constitutional Nature of Shivasena

Shivasena’s MP Sanjay Rawath’s recent statement to annul the voting rights to Muslims is exceptionally anti-constitutional. Such statements are never beneficial for the welfare of our country and damage the sentiments of the community.  His statement depicts the temperament of his party as no any leaders from his party either condemned or retracted. Shivasena is notorious for such kind of politics as it has always maintained its stand against the integrity of the national sentiments by issuing communal and sectarian statements.

11. Draconian laws

India is a largest democratic country in the world. Indian constitution advocates socialism and secularism which guarantees social justice, freedom and security to all.  The governments in the country are responsible to protect its citizen, their rights and sovereignty of the nation. But, to the utmost dismay, the government is taking away the lives of its own people under the garb of draconian laws. Thousands of people have become the victims by the draconian UAPA and AFSPA laws. Widespread misuse of AFSPA by the army in Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur has made the life of the people in those states a frightening. The army can kill anyone without any fear of judicial action against them. The draconian UAPA law has also become a tool by the police and intelligence agencies to target the people.

 Reports says thousands of innocent youths are lingering in Indian jails for the crime not committed by them. There are several cases where the youths have come out from the jail getting clean chit by the court after passing their several invaluable years. The police can arrest anybody under this law under the pretext of mere suspicion. Like AFSPA, the UAPA is also grossly misused by the Police and intelligent agencies. Muslims are the main victims of these anti people draconian laws and Daliths, Tribals and Christians have also scapegoats of this cruel law. Several organisations, human rights activists, NGOs have protested against the draconian laws in vain as their voice does not reach to the dumb ears of the government. If such anti-people law continues in the country the value of justice, security and freedom will lose its credibility. 

Other state level laws.

12. Foreign Policy

Foreign policy of the country has undergone drastic changes since last 30 years. America and it’s allies are utilising India as an instrument to achieve their Political, Economical and Communal targets. Since 1992, after establishment of full diplomatic relationship with Israel, our country is witnessing mysterious incidents like explosion and attacks on civilians – including demolition of Babri masjid.  These are part of global conspiracy to destabilize Muslims. India is parting away from its traditional Non Aliance Foreign Policy and establishing close ties with colonial powers is against the very characteristics of secular-socialist-democractic like India. The policies like nuclear deal, FDI, make in India, joint military exercises etc are the signs indicating the India is bowing in front of the imperial powers by just sacrificing its own people’s welfare.

13. Corruption

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Ernst & Young study 'Bribery and Corruption: Ground Reality in India' revealed that the national loss due to corruption in 2012 was Rs. 36,400 crores. India ranked 94th out of 175 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

While petty bribes have been commonplace throughout its history, corruption in India seems to have reached epic, unprecedented proportions. A barrage of corruption scandals like 2G, Coalgate has shown   how pervasive and pernicious India's corruption pandemic has become. All major parties are beneficiaries of the plunder. In the question of money parked illegally in foreign banks we can see that BJP is no less different from the Congress regime. It is believed that most of the Sangh Parivar financiers are keeping money overseas.

All the folds of administration and social life in India are under the grip of corruption due to the influence of criminals in politics. Even the police and judiciary is not free from this menace. Insecurity feeling is very strong among people and life has become horrible. This has negatively affected the development of the country. Money earmarked for development of public facilities and welfare of people goes in to the pockets of contractors, government servants and politicians.

14. Muslim Politics

The global Islamophobia has merged with the rise of Hindutwa communalism in India. This demonization of Islam, has been intensified. The case of Muslims in India is very glaring. At no point of time it could get substantial chunk of minority votes, but in the eyes of colonial powers they represented their religion. Today's Islamophobia in India has been preceded by the long old Muslim hatred. Hindu communalists represented by some sections of landlords and other feudal segments later joined in by some middle class intellectuals, intensified their hate campaigns after their massive loss in the 1937 Assembly elections. After partition tragedy many a Muslim communalists left for Pakistan, and Hindu communalism got deflated for some time, especially due to the murder of Mahatma Gandhi by the follower of RSS ideologue. It kept itself up by various hate other campaigns and in the decades of 80, matching with the rise of global Islamophobia, rose up in a parallel fashion. What this teaches us is that the ideas demonizing other do get translated into violence in due course, at many places. One must put a caution here that the Hate other, psychology can prevail for a long time, without violence taking place as in many states of India, like Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana etc.

The violence in turn gives rise to fear psychosis, ghettoisation and strengthening of conservative orthodox sections in the community, something witnessed to a great extent amongst the Muslim minority in India. This strong coincidence of coming up of global phenomenon with its intensification in India is particularly striking. One is not sure whether this demonization necessarily will go through all these stages. Will the liberal ethos of Western countries protect the Muslims of those countries from what Muslims have undergone in India? How does one overcome the present impasse?

The burden on the shoulders of Islam, the Muslims and humanists is very heavy. One difference from the earlier campaigns against the communists to the present
campaign against Muslims is that the latter since it is associated with a religious community, so it seeps down easily at more broad and deep layers in the society. Here one will definitely need more intense ideological propagations, and awareness programs about the humane interpretation of religions. While some efforts are there, the problem demands much more than that.

Muslim based parties like Muslim League, Indian National League, AIUDF (All India united Dedmocratic Party of India), Welfare Party of India, Majlise Ithihadul Muslimeen (MIM) have failed

·         MUSLIM LEAGE: Decades old party which is existing only in Kerala and limited itself and its political activities into Kerala  which has no vision about the welfare of the Muslims in the country and about other communities as well. It has been lingering behind Congress Party even though the latter has betrayed and failed to fulfil the welfare of Muslims in particular and other oppressed classes in general.

·         INDIAN NATIONAL LEAGE :

The party which popped up after the demolition of Babri Masjid as a movement to restore the dignity or reconstruction of the masjid, but couldn’t stand by it. They do not have a clear political stand on any political issue.

·         AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front): A regional party in Assam has not succeeded in taking up the issues of Assam Muslims. The party is lacking a broad vision about the Muslims in the country.

·         WELFARE PARTY OF INDIA: A political offshoot of Jamat e Islami Hind, which still has to prove their mass support.  

·         MAJLISE ITHIHADUL MUSLIMIN (MIM)

MIM, the political party hitherto worked in Hyderabad city premise has now extended their work to other parts of India. They have succeeded in obtaining good number of seats in Nanded Corporation, Aurangabad Corporation and two legislative assembly seats in Maharashtra. A party which did not show any allegiance towards Muslim issues on very crucial occasions like communal violence, fake encounter killings, false allegation of terrorism on Muslims and false allegations of explosions and terror attacks on Muslims including one took place in Hyderabad itself, is now coming up shouting for Muslims. The agenda behind this change in policy is to be explored.

15. Muslim, Dalit parties fail to unite 

The new generation political parties launched by Muslims and Dalits have failed to evolve a common strategy in the recent Lok Sabha Election. Muslim parties have failed to have a correct assessment of the undercurrents prior to the election and failed to have a common strategy with fatal results reducing the number of Muslim MPs to an all-time low. Alternate experiments have not yet attained traction because of multitude of difficulties like language, culture, improper leadership, etc. The fear factor among the Muslims is a major disadvantage along with the still powerful priestly class, feudal control and casteism among the Muslims.

16. Reservation

Reservation for the minorities still remains problematic. The enactment of reservation still faces many obstacles and it may require nationwide agitation to press for the implementation of R N Mishra Commission. Most of the functions of the country are being shifted to private sector. There should be strong and clear enactments for reservation in private employment sectors.  

17. Dalits

Casteism still remains a reality in blood and bones of the country. Adivasis and Dalits who have been the victims of caste for centuries are still denied of the basic rights. The last few elections marked failure of BSP in Uttar Pradesh politics. Deviation of the BSP leaders especially Miss. Mayavathi from the basic aims and objectives of the party caused this fall. Now it is clear that security, protection of rights, development and inclusion of Dalit community in to the main stream of life are not secure in the hands of BSP or any other political parties like LJP lead by Ram Vilas Paswan who is in the BJP camp now. Leaders are utilising Dalith problems only to ensure that their personal carrier is safe and secure. Atrocities against Daliths are on the increase. Planned programmes are going on to crush their dignity and confidence. A political programme with Muslims will be useful for both the communities.

18. Healthcare

New government has scrapped price controls on a range of life saving drugs made by western multinationals and leading Indian drug makers bowing to the pressure of drug companies. This is part of the neo-liberal strategy and very bad days are ahead for the common man.

19. Media

The so-called mainstream Indian media is notorious for its anti-Muslim and anti-poor bias.  At the same time it is also true that a large section of media has distanced from the communal agenda of RSS and exposed RSS time to time. Now they are competing to celebrate the very man they have despised a few months ago. Coupled with this is the corporatisation of media houses. Big business houses like Reliance have already bought over many newspapers and channels. The recent experience in Nepal has taught us many lessons. The Indian media has not even spared to use the mournful situation of Nepal in singing Modi tune.  

20. SECULAR PARTIES – Losing the credibility

The recent Loksabha election and succeeding assembly assembly elctions in the country have revealed the clear picture of the present Indian political trend setting. The century old Congress has failed in all angles to gain the hearts of the voters of new generation. Its 50 years of rule in the country has miserably failed to eradicate poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and discrimination. Muslims, the biggest minority community in India has, this time, distaned away from Congress because the party has neither took care of the community to lift up from the present extreme backwardness nor fulfil to provide justice to the community against all kinds of discrimination, exploitation and victimization. The rural poor and urban middle class families have also stayed away from Congress due to its failure in curbing price hike, low budget allocation for poor, unprecedented corruption and irresponsive to farmers issues etc.

During the election campaign the Congress party was trailing due to lack of leadership and visionary approach. Rahul Gandhi who had been entrusted to lead the party has miserably failed to address the public, to present the future India and to compete against ‘dashing & rhetoric’ Narendra Modi. Even after the humiliating defeat, the congress, instead of soul searching it has still depending upon Rahul Gandhi and dynasty politics. Congress Party, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has despondently failed to challenge the anti people, anti farmer moves of Narendra Modi government.

The Third Front an amalgamation of secular parties like JDS, JDU, SP is a cheering step to challenge and stop the advancement of communal BJP. This Janatha Parivar should workout for the internal integrity and should never break out or divide. Earlier, the people in India have seen the experiments of Janatha Parivar, during its tenure,  it has spent its valuable time in just leg pulling, infighting, blaming, groupism etc. In spite of this negative aspect, the Indian people are looking towards Third Front as a hope to fulfil their needs. The JDS and SP have no any good record of governance during its ruling in the respective states. However, a clear manifesto and work plan needed for the third to lead the nation. The Third Front should include the equal minded-secular regional parties into its fold to make the front more stronger and confident.

21. Aam Admi Party

Immediately after the thrilling win in the Delhi Poll, descending session started in the Aam Aadmi Party. Heavy inner fight has diminished the image of the party. AAP is not total solutions for the problems faced by the people of India. It uphold the anxieties of a middle class. Fatal problems faced by the poor, backward and down trodden are not included in their agenda. The RSS back ground of Anna Hazare movement, which incidently became the base of AAP, leaves a taint of doubt on the party.

CPI(M)-CPI - LEFT FRONT

The Left Front, at one time, ruling in West Bengal and Kerala has lost its glory and its popularity has been fading drastically.  It has failed to maintain its secular credentials as in many aspects the Left parties were leaning towards in the right path. In several occasions it has stood on behalf capitalists instead of the welfare of common public and social justice.

22. Farmers Suicides

India is an agrarian country with around 60% of its people is depending on agriculture directly or indirectly. Tragedy is that the farmers are committing suicide and every year its numbers are increasing which is a serious concern. As per the report of The National Crime Records Bureau, in the year 2012, 13,754 farmers committed suicides in our country. The report shows, during 1995 to 2013, a total of 2,96,438 farmers have ended their life which comes to an average of 16,469 suicides every year. The government always used to blame this phenomenon on erratic monsoon, but the reality is far different from that. Poor rate of crops, rising debts, outstanding loans, low crop yield, successive crop failure, etc are the actual reasons for the mental agony of the farmers. These issues can be solved by the government through concrete steps and with a strong will. Farmers issues like depleted water channel, unsuitable macro-economic policies with respect to taxes, non-farm loans, faulty market system and structure, improper policies of agro import and export, interrupted power supplies, scarcity of fertiliser, lack of supporting prices to their crop, compensation for the loss of crops, etc.

23. Land Acquision Bill

The BJP government in the centre has introduced ‘The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquision, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Second Bill, 2015 despite a strong opposition from various parties. Centre’s move to introduce the bill is very much questionable as the first bill which was introduced in 2013 was unanimously supported by all parties including BJP was still has not been tested so far. The proposed bill is anti-farmer and protecting the interest of the corporate.

24. Black Money

Billions of black money from India stashed in foreign bank especially in Switzerland. Narendra Modi, while his election campaign has promised the people of this country that he will bring back the black money safeguarded in foreign banks and distribute to every Indian people within 100 days if he forms the government. However, even after one year, Narendra Modi’s government has not shown any grip and guts to bring back the black money. Modi Government’s inaction and inability in this regard is suspicious and questionable. An Indian government bank has disclosed itself that it has acted as a hawala operator to foreign safe heaven banks have also did the same things. But, the question is why the government has not even taken any single steps against it. International Consortium of Investigative Journalists(ICIJ) and Julian Assange have leaked out an adequate amount of data in this context.  But, why the government has not taken any initiation to probe and analyse the date.  Surprisingly, this kind of gesture of the government indicates that the government itself is hushing up unearthing Indian black money.

25. Cattle Slaughter Ban

The Maharashtra state government’s ban on cow and cattle slaughter ban is anti democratic. Beef is the cheap protein food for poor and middle class family in India. The livelihood of millions of families is depending on beef business, leather industry, cattle trade etc. This ban will cause huge loss in Indian economy. The Maharashtra governments’ move in banning the beef is nothing intervening into the right of food of Indian civilians.

26. Justice Not Prevail

Delhi court’s verdict acquitting the case of 28 years old Hashimpur massacre case is surprising and irritating. The PAC (Provisional Armed Constabulary) a paramilitary force which had come to Hashimpur to control the riots and to provide security to the citizens has massacred cold blooded 42 Muslims. In spite of eyewitnesses, circumstantial evidences, media reports and other proofs, the acquittal by the court is very much disappointing and losing the confidence over the judicial system of our country. The justice for the deceased families in particular and for the public in general was denied by the inefficient, bigoted police and intelligence agencies. This denial of justice will end in creating insecurity and mistrust in the minds of the masses.

There are lots of examples in independent India, where justice was denied to the minorities, dalits, adivasis and other deprived communities. For instance, Mumbai riots(1992-93), Nellie, Assam(1985), massacre of Sikhs in Delhi, Kairlanji, kambalapalli, Gujarath riots(2002), Demolition of Babari Majsid etc. It is the duty of the government and judiciary to provide justice to all its citizen irrespective of religion, cast, creed, color, class and status.

II. International

27. AMERICAN IMPERIALISM

President Barak Obama has overturned all expectations of the world that US will change its imperialistic policies. Still the world is facing the threats of American imperialism, its aggression and tyranny. US and her allies so called war against terrorism has taken the lives of millions of innocent civilians. Its aggression on Iraq under the disguise of war against ‘weapons of mass distruction” has proved nothing but a lie and deceit.  It has continued to be the single gravest threat to the Muslims around the world. Its occupation in Afghanistan, Iraq and runs countries like Yemn and Somalia through proxies; supports dictators not only in the Arab world but also in Central Asia. It has left Afghanistan and Iraq in ruins, drowning the people in poverty, suffering, diseases and deaths. Democratically elected nations are defamed and labelled “extremist”, while brutal religious or secular regimes are welcomed with open arms and labelled “moderate”.

Only naïve people will think that a county will change once a new administration takes over. So far U S president Barrack Obama has proved to be no different from earlier ones. He has killed more people than anybody else.

28. ISRAEL CONNECTIONS - Israel, the predator

The notorious Israel has been expanding its occupation through violence, genocide and bloodshed. Last year, the world witnessed the genocide of thousands of innocent people including women and children in Palestine. It has proved as a predator through bombarding on schools, hospitals, markets, houses and streets to brutally kill thousands of innocent people. In spite of reprimands and resolutions by UN, EU and US to stop its occupation, Israel has been expanding its colonisation illegally in the neighbouring countries by driving out the Palestinians and Arabs from their homes through using military force.

The newly elected president Benjamin Nethanyahu has won the election by promising two things.         One is denial of status to Palestine and the other is denial of voting rights to Israeli Arabs. Such an extreme level of antagonism is very harmful for the regional security and integrity of Gulf countries but also threat to global civilisation.

29. INSURGENCY IN EGYPT, LIBIYA, NIGERIA, SYRIA-IRAQ, PALASTINE, YEMEN

The imbroglio in Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen is really a matter of concern. Reinstating democracy through Arab Springs in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, the hue and cry for the justice and massive unification of its people has made the Western colonial forces disgruntled. The colonial forces have worried because the dictators of the Arab countries who were dancing the tunes of it have lost their throne. Had the struggle succeeded, it would have lead to democratization, restoration of basic human rights and eventual development of the region. The neo-colonialists and their Arab clients could not withstand such a sea change in the region.

Iraq under Saddam Hussain before the occupation was a prosperous country. Like any other Arab dictatorship, former Iraqi regime was brutal in attacking, killing and torturing dissidents who opposed it. But as far as everyday life for millions of Iraqis, the standard of living was considerably high. There was no hunger; education and health care were free. Since 1991 US attack , 13 years of really harsh economic sanctions, and eight years of brutal  military occupation  we have there one of the worst military  dictatorships  in history of the country.

The real motives behind U.S. violent aggression were: 1) to capture Iraq’s oil resources; and 2) to ensure the military superiority of Israel in the region and 3) to continue the dispossession of the Palestinian people.

Since 2003, nearly 1.5 million innocent Iraqi civilians – mostly women and children – have been killed and more than 5 million Iraqis have become refugees. The invasion has a cost $1.7 trillion with an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to U S war veterans. In addition to the destruction of Iraq’s health services and the education system, the U.S. brought into Iraq a culture of corruption and violence unheard of in Iraq’s history. The present Iraq is ruled by a Shia dictatorship.

The democratically elected government in Egypt has lost its root due to a coup by the military. The so called progressives and westoxicated urban middle class and the elite which benefited from cleptocratic Mubarak regime supported the return of military boots. It is also the story of how the western colonial powers can manage the overthrow of democratically elected governments. The main fear was that real democracy in Arab world would overthrow western hegemony.

During Qaddafi’s regime, Libya had attained exceptional properity and the country became a force to be reckoned with. The intervention by NATO had nothing to do with democracy or human rights. It was the thirst for oil, pure and simple. Qaddaffi’s fall was his decision to give up nuclear project which made invasion easy. His tragic death is to be lamented. The current anarchy is a result of the struggle between regional tribes, western oriented groups, Islamists and the remnants of Libyan army. Any time a military strongman like Al Sisi of Egypt is expected to take over soon with the help of the West.

For decades, Iran has been demonized in the West and subjected to strident propaganda campaign on behalf of Israel and Gulf dictators. The U.S. and Britain continue meddling in Iran internal affairs, including fomenting unrest and inciting violence. However, Iran itself is playing a sectarian role in the region helping some of the dirtiest and brutal regimes like that of Basharul Assad in Syria and supporting Iraq.

Situation in Syria would leave anyone really confused. Over 150,000 Syrians, including 10,000 children are dead, and 6.5 million are internally displaced, and 2.5 million have fled beyond the country’s borders.  On one side Iran supported Alavi regime is killing Syrian people in large numbers. On the other side the opposition groups funded by Saudi, UAE and U S are busy fighting each other. The Islamist groups are fighting against one another. But one thing is very clear. Both U S and Israel prefer Assad regime. A beleaguered minority regime (Alavi Shias make up only 10% of the population) is easy to manipulate.

The Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Shabab in Somalia and ISIS in Levant Region have pushed the world into a mysterious and agonising situation. It is very difficult to pass judgment on the Islamic State and such groups who have given a lot of reasons for anti-Islamic propaganda. One thing is certain: they give enough bloody stories for the western media. Some of their notions are idiotic like restoration of slavery prior to the establishment of Khilafat. There is enough evidence that IS gets inspiration from ancient fiqhi or madhabi (mostly Hambali) books. In addition to IS there are lunatic fringe groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria which resorts to extreme tactics like bombing girls schools. So it is only prudence and wisdom not to jump into hasty conclusions and to be carried away by romantic dreams about Islamic rule.

It is sad but true only Muslim countries face military invasion. Most of the refugees and internally displaced people are Muslims (5.197 million by the latest count). Disunity among the counties carved out by imperial powers, abundance and resultant misuse of natural resources, lack of basic freedom and democracy, absence of strong civil society groups are the evils that prevent the Muslim world to resist invasion and killings.

Sectarian differences which could be easily controlled in a more peaceful and inclusive society have broken out to create horrible blood shed, most often fuelled by the regimes in the region.

30. HAPPENINGS IN AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, BENGLADESH, SREELANKA, MYANMAR

In 2001, Afghanistan was invaded and occupied because the U.S. accused the former Afghan government (known in the West as the “Taliban”) of harbouring “al-Qaeda” elements allegedly responsible for  9/11 attacks.

The entire country is now decimated and thousands of innocent Afghan civilians, mostly women and children have been killed since the 2001 invasion. (Violent deaths: 1.4 million, non- violent deaths 4.2 million, the long-term cost of the Afghan War at $1.5 trillion to $2.0 trillion.) The real motive behind the attack is the geo-strategic importance of Afghanistan relative to the energy-producing region in Central Asia. The current regime is controlled by US. As per reports, external intelligence agencies play a very crucial role in Afghanistan as part of their strategy to contain Pakistan. Both Mohamed Ashraf Ghani, the President, and Abdullah Abdullah, the CEO, are very close to U S and the West.

Only the cities are under their control and Taliban enjoys a free ride in the county side. After the end of the 13-year international combat mission, Taliban has the initiative and has made alarming gains in even in north. However it is too early to predict the outcome of their resurgence.

Like in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. is sowing the seeds of violence in Pakistan by pitting one Pakistani group/tribe against the other. The arming and financing of militias like Tahrik-e- Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jundullah by the U.S. is designed to destabilize Pakistan and the eventual break-up of the nation. Russian intelligence agencies are also very active in the country providing fuel to sectarian passions. It is believed the bomb blasts supposedly organized by the Shia and Sunni groups are actually the handiwork of U S, Russian and Israeli intelligence agencies.

The problem in Pakistan is that the army has become a U.S. proxy waging a war against its own people. It is corrupt and has vast business and real estate interests. The country is ruled by a western oriented clique which is against the interests of   the people. The Bhuttos are a typical example. The Government’s reliance on U.S. funding allows the U.S. to hold the nation hostage to U.S. conditions, including the freezing of Pakistan’s nuclear and missiles programme.

Under U.S. pressure the Pakistani army is attacking the tribal areas in the north-western provinces and Waziristan. Thousands of innocent Pakistani civilians have been killed in indiscriminate bombardments. In addition, the attacks have caused a humanitarian crisis of two to three million internal refugees.

Bangladesh has recently become a piece in the great game to control Islam and Muslims. Hazina Wajid is using the incidents in 1971 civil war to crush Islamic parties like Jamate Islami Bangla Desh, according a plan prepared by her son Sajeed Wajid who lives in U S. The Awami League government was originally a product of a great conspiracy to divide Pakistan in which U S and Israel were also parties. There is every reason to believe that a deep conspiracy is in the pipe line to undermine the Islamicity of Bangladeshi Muslims.

31. Buddhist Terror

A recent disturbing development is the rise of anti-Muslim terror among the extremist Buddhist groups in Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar are natives to Rakhine or Arakan. The Burmese military junta has been very severe in their citizenship policies claiming that Rohingya Muslims are intruders without citizenship rights. The Rohingya population of Arakan, estimated at nearly 800,000, subsisted between the nightmare of having no legal status, little or no rights and the occasional ethnic purges carried out by the Burmese with the support of the government and Buddhist monks. The worst of such violence in recent years took place between June and October last year. Ashin Virathu, an extremist Buddhist monk is spewing venom against the Muslims and has taken the carnage to other parts of the country.

 In Sri Lanka after the bloody suppression of the Tamil Tigers the Buddhist monks have taken on the Muslims who have   been leading a peaceful life. Budha Bala Sena(BSS), a racial Buddhist terror group under Galagodathe Gnanasara, announced at a convention held in Colombo recently   that they would form an alliance with similar minded non- Muslim groups. The guest of honor was Ashin Wirathu, from Myanmar. Later Gnanasara claimed he was in discussions “at a high level” with RSS to form what he called a “Hindu-Buddhist Peace Zone” in South Asia. RSS spokesman, Ram Madhav, now with BJP has written comments sympathetic to BBS and Mr. Wirathu’s group 969 in Myanmar on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The efforts of Narendra Modi to rope in Buddhist nations in South East Asia are to be viewed in the light of these developments. Between the lines we can also read it as a remake of old imperialist world order. India is trying to play the role of local strongman in the service of white imperialists. Her blue water navy is intended to chock the Malacca Straits through which most of the oil and resources to China are shipped.

32. Global Economy

The global economic scene is fraught with many problems including the decline of US as a military superpower and a giant in terms of production and consumption. The Asia Pacific region led by China is becoming the focus of economic growth. The growth rate of most of the developed countries hovers around 1-2 %. The capitalist model of development has proved to anti-people and anti-nature.  The great banking debacle in the US has proved beyond doubt that the current model is on the death bed. The minuscule rich is becoming richer at astronomical rates while the working class has not gained much since 1970s. But in no measure we can underrate the influence of international capital. There is tremendous penetration of monopoly capital into all areas of human activity like media internet international diplomacy and consumer patterns of common man.

On the other hand the alternative systems like communism and socialism themselves offspring of the west have failed to present a viable economic development model which is sustainable and eco-friendly.

A return to development anchored on moral values is possible if Muslims are ready to chart their own course. Problems like global warming, degradation and depletion of natural resources and destruction of environment are issues to be tackled only with changes in man’s behaviour and greed.

33. INDIA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP

India has to build up a strong alliance with its powerful neighbour China. The obstacles for

this alliance like border disputes, military strategies, diplomatic differences should be settled amicably. Alliances with China will be very advantageous to India as this biggest neighbour has lots of potential like technology, natural resources, flourishing economy etc.  India needs to revamp it’s weaken ties with its neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh so as to reinforce

regional and internal security, integrity and tranquillity. The close relation with all Indian neighbours will boost the nations trade and economy and end the boiling situation at the borders.