Friday, July 19, 2024

"ONE NATION AND ONE ELECTION "

One nation, one election is key item on BJP's agenda and was a part of it's manifesto for 2024 election Loksabha polls.This idea itself is more a reflection of the BzjP leadership's desperation to assert itself after a series of recent policy reversals due to pressure from a rejuvenated opposition and resistance from it's own allies.But on careful examination I found , except the cost factor,there's no other point worth considering, Simultaneous Elections in diverse and populous country like India raise significant concerns .AS such, election is an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their democratic sanctioned resentment over the policies and programs of the government, People exercising this right to ventilate their agreement or disagreement over the governments in the centre or state shouldn't  be curtailed just to avoid expenses. THE EXPectations of the people beingstate specific in assembly Elections and nation specific in parliament Elections ,there's possibility of either of them getting swayed by the general mood.Possobility of holding Elections in massive way is not practically feasible. HAVE we not seen the inability of ECI
 to hold Elections in few states at one stroke? EVEN today the ECI is not able to hold Elections to Maharashtra along with J&K, HP.Even Elections to the state assmbliesare held in multiple slots.We have also seen Commission rendered helpless to deal properly with violationsreported during last general Elections.
Coalition and subsequent collapse of governments in multipurpose system in India are not uncommon in various states.Under new poll plan ,there could be more political meddling.. Logistics , security concerns and risk of undermining regional issues are critical challenges, Moreover it's generally believed that clubbing of assembly & parliament will put BJP in an advantageous position.For many regional parties this could swell 
disaster as they risk being overshadowed by national dynamics favouring BJP. IN Acountry as diverse as India where regional identities and local issues often play a crucial role in Elections, a unified national election could lead to centralisation of political Power leaving regional voices marginalised.As such, the Union Cabinet's approval for " one nation ," one election"is at best an attempt by BJP to build a narrative for the introduction of Presidential system while the opposition called it as an impractical idea which goes against the federal principles, the constitution, and democracy

Terrorism in J&K

 In the last 2 years nearly more than 50 of brave soldiers lost their lives in encounters with terrorists in J&K . The unending issue of terrorism in Kashmir since independence is not able to be to extinguished  by successive governments and of course BJP is no exception. The emerging pattern is particularly alarming as it flies in the face of the centre’s claim that terror activities have come down since abrogation of Article 370 , ending the special status to J&K . Infact several areas in Jammu have seen a surge in terror strikes since 2021. The Doda  encounter came a week after Kathua tragedy when5 soldiers were killed in an ambush. The Jammu region, known for its peaceful atmosphere has been shaken in the recent months.In an Editorial yesterday “ Terror in J&K : will PM walk the Talk”? was very apt . We recall BJP’s election slogan that POK will be restored in India in six months time after assuming 3.0 charge . Possibility looks bleak and obscure .

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Budget -concerns

 Budget -concerns Amidst anticipation of upcoming budget session, national attention now fixed on its contents. India Inc. hopes to retain production incentives while salary earners seek raised exemption limits and improved tax slabs . Common man  eagerly anticipates budgetary relief through increased exemption limits , revised tax slabs and measures to alleviate everyday financial burdens.Expectations include provisions for health care subsidies, travel benefits for senior citizens and incentives supporting livelihood stability reflecting hopes for tangible improvements in qualify of life . Supporters are poised their lists ready , crucial for the Government’s survival. The budget’s essence lies in who gains and by how much from this vulnerable Govt . The genuine tax payers always expect the Govt to announce changes in tax structure and help the common man who can not escape paying income tax and other taxes .He is eagerly looking forward for new tax deductions that would help him plan better future for himself and set the direction of India’s economic journey. Will you please post this in my blog ?