Anti-National slogans in Araria after RJD victory
All anti-BJP political outfits broke into an overdrive of celebrations after the bypoll results were announced for Araria (Bihar) and other seats in Uttar Pradesh. These are the same people who have repeatedly contended that even assembly elections cannot be a true determinant of the national mood and ground level politics. The RJD has shown its true colours in a bid to solidify its vote bank. Soon after the victory of their candidate Sarfaraz Alam in the Araria bypoll, anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans were heard during the celebrations. The infamous ‘Bharat tere tukde honge’ slogan, which has become popular among a section of self-acclaimed protectors of secularism, was one of the slogans shouted by three youngsters during the celebrations. This raises certain serious questions on the intention of anti-BJP forces. The onus now lies on the state government to crack down on such elements.
Anti-BJP alliance and its political desperation:
Religion and caste politics is a thing of the past. The dominant trend in Indian politics, especially among those opposed to the ruling party, is to foster those who want to break India as a country. This incident is only one of a series of incidents (starting with the JNU row) which showcases that the Congress Party , the RJD, the left, and others can stoop down to any extent to remain politically relevant, even if it means supporting sedition and committing treason with the country which they are morally and legally bound to safeguard. This is evidenced by increasing instances of anti-India slogans being raised in rallies and the rare victory celebrations organised by such parties. It exposes the kind of supporters and vote-banks these parties are fostering. The secret of appealing to certain demographics is no longer a secret. Parties like the RJD can now, it seems, openly oppose even the idea of a united India in a desperate bid to keep its traditional vote banks (aforementioned ‘demographics’) alive and kicking.
Onus on Bihar Government:
It is heartening to note that locals have carried out a protest rally against those who shouted these slogans and demanded stern action. It means that there is no room for anti-national elements in the country. This is not for the first time that anti-India remarks and slogans have been raised with political motives in mind. Using anti-national elements to win elections or create a vote-bank of seditionists is obviously dangerous for Indian democracy. There is a need to make an example out of this, and it is now up to the Bihar Government to go all out against the perpetrators of these seditious slogans, as well as the politcal masters who have egged on such elements.
Expected Reactions:
Two of the three youngsters who appeared in the video have already been arrested. In an ideal world, such arrests would meet unconditional support. But sadly in present times, there will be a sizable section of the media and the political class which will not only demand mercy for the alleged accused but also assert that it is a fundamental right to talk about breaking the country and to eulogize our hostile neighbour. We can expect a replay of the reactions that broke out immediately after the JNU arrests with seditionists being portrayed as the faces of new India.
Conclusion:
Democracy and electoral politics are not only our strengths, but central to the idea of modern India. However, the Araria incident is a testimony to the kind of damage that can occur if sections of the political class take help of anti-National elements to emerge victorious. Battle lines have been drawn and it appears that the contest is no longer ‘BJP (or NDA) versus the rest’ but ‘Nationalists versus Anti-nationals’. No matter how much propaganda and fake victimhood stunts are carried out against the labeling of anti-national elements as anti-national, it is a fact that there is a sinister (probably first of its kind) ploy to appease anti-national elements in order to reap political rewards.