- 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
Barely 48 hours have passed since the announcement of the Lok Sabha poll schedule but the line-up in the grand battle is already distinctly discernible. For the first time since 1952, when independent India held its inaugural general election, the electorate is being invited to choose between the most vested of vested interests on the one side and the nation’s well-being and public good on the other. https://thewire.in/politics/the-battle-for-2024-is-between-modi-and-his-corporate-backers-and-the-people-of-india
On March 18, the Business Standard, that respected voice of the capitalist establishment, chose to publish a “CEO Poll.” As per its survey, India’s captains of industry unanimously believe that the disquieting disclosure of the identity of donors and recipients of the electoral bonds will not sway voters at all. Translated in simple language: it will have no negative impact on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) presumed front-runner position.
by Harish Khare
19/03/2024
Chandigarh election staff has made it clear that the bulk messages being sent by the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre after the general elections have been announced is clear case of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation. https://thewire.in/politics/prima-facie-mcc-violation-chandigarh-authorities-refer-modis-mass-whatsapp-message-to-ec
Since the matter has nationwide jurisdiction, the Chandigarh administration referred it to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for “necessary action”.
The matter relates to the circulation of bulk messages to millions of Indians onWhatsApp from ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’, with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi attached.
Largely highlighting his government’s achievements in past ten years, Modi in the letter stated that transformation in the lives of people was the biggest achievement of his government. He then sought people’s feedback.
A Chandigarh resident who received Modi’s letter a day after the poll announcement on March 17 filed a complaint through the ECI’s C-Vigil App, alleging it to be a misuse of official government machinery during the general election.
by Vivek Gupta
19/03/2024
It is necessary to evaluate the manifestos of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, to see what they hold for farmers and the larger agrarian sector. https://thewire.in/agriculture/agriculture-farmers-bjp-congress-manifesto
The ongoing farmers movement – 2.0 – and the previous movement of 2020-21, both show the urgent need to address problems of rural India which include issues of minimum support price, falling incomes, food sovereignty, etc. Other issues of food inflation and supply management also loom over the policy makers. So it is important to see how two of the biggest parties plan to tackle the agrarian question.
24/04/2024
‘Nyay Patra’ vs ‘Modi ki Guarantee’: Free citizens or wards of the state? https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/nyay-patra-modi-ki-guarantee-congress-bjp-manifesto-comparison/article68101333.ece
The Congress and BJP manifestos are unflatteringly similar, but with one crucial difference: the empowerment of citizens. Apr 26, 2024 ASHISH KOTHARI
Ashish Kothari highlights the Alternatives View of the Manifestos.
Both manifestos are silent on some crucial actions that could lead India to achieve the goals of justice, equality, and sustainability.
Nearly 50% of Indian population lives in the cities, for they are hub of opportunities and significant in country's development trajectory. Yet, the urban landscape remains a blank spot in our political discourse. https://thewire.in/politics/the-urban-question-whats-on-offer-for-indian-cities-in-party-manifestos
Through an analysis of election manifestos, this article locates the urban within the slew of promises, understanding how India’s cities feature in them.
While the popular assumption that – Bharat Ek Krishi Pradhan Desh Hai (India is an agrarian country/economy) – persists, the reality now is far from the truth. The urban now would almost house 50% of the population and play a preeminent role in the country’s development trajectory. It is where the jobs are, where youth and the workers flock to, and what drives capital. Yet it is also where the deepest inequalities exist, with a lack of access to basic amenities and infrastructures. Our cities routinely stand at the top of the charts for being the most polluted, climate-disaster-prone, and unliveable in the world. It is responses, if not solutions, to these challenges that we seek to find in the manifestos and that tell us of our urban policy drift.
by Vikram Mukka
24/04/2024