LGBTQ Will Keep Pushing The Envelope

‘SC Order on Same Sex Marriage is Sad, But We’ll Keep Pushing The Envelope’

Pamheiba Rajkumar, a member of the LGBTQ community, says that for him the SC order is a mix of disappointment and determination to keep fighting for the cause. His views

The Supreme Court has let us down by placing the fate of the same sex marriage in the legislative court. There was a glimpse of light this time and we were hopeful about some affirmative action. What the Supreme Court has done was “we recognize, we see you, but we can’t do anything about it.”

The complexity and challenges turn thousand-fold as now we must allow the legislative decide whether we are allowed to marry the person we love with all the due rights of being a partner/spouse being acknowledged. Nevertheless, we aren’t going to stay disheartened by the court decision, we are going to keep going forward and fight for the equal rights, that we deserve as a citizen of India.

Now, the battleground isn’t in the courtroom; it’s in the legislative arena. This decision has handed over the destiny of same-sex marriage into the hands of lawmakers. It’s a bit like navigating uncharted territory, with the potential for both positive and challenging outcomes.

The impact on LGBTQ rights is a tricky thing to pin down. On one hand, having the legislative process involved could mean a more democratic and representative approach to change. On the flip side, it introduces uncertainties and possible delays that we didn’t have to deal with in a direct Supreme Court ruling. I feel there is not much of an impact as of now because we must wait for the legislature to decide the future of queer couples and individuals. Since the decriminalization of Section 377, people had started talking about queers’ life. More representation is visible now. We need more allies if we want to win this fight, just as you have come up to me for my views.

ALSO READ: ‘SC Stand On Same Sex Union A Lost Opportunity’

We tried to get the recognition with the help of the existing Special Marriage Act, 1954 which was declined by the SC. Our hard-earned legal framework for same-sex marriage now faces the challenge of navigating the legislative maze, and that’s a bit nerve-wrecking.

In response to this curveball, LGBTQ rights activists and organizations are regrouping. We’re talking grassroots mobilization, community education, and building alliances like never before. The idea is not just to convince lawmakers but to build a groundswell of public support that can’t be ignored. Sharing personal stories and experiences becomes vital in putting a human face on the issue and breaking down barriers of misunderstanding.

Legal experts and constitutional scholars are now in the spotlight, helping us make sense of this new chapter. They’re digging into the potential outcomes of tackling same-sex marriage through the legislative process. While it might lack the immediate impact of a Supreme Court decision, it could offer a more enduring and widely accepted resolution. Constitutional scholars are dissecting the pros and cons, trying to figure out what this shift means for us in terms of impact and timelines.

The disappointment from the Supreme Court’s decision is real. But so is the realization that we’re entering a new phase in our fight for same-sex marriage. As an LGBTQ member, I’m not backing down. Yes, the legislative journey might be challenging, but it’s also a chance for our community to actively engage in a democratic process. It’s about making our voices heard and pushing for a resolution that reflects the diversity of our nation. Together, we’ll navigate this legislative landscape, drawing strength from our shared commitment to love, equality, and justice.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Can India Host Olympic Games 2036?

‘Can India Host Olympics? Well, You Can’t Blame Modi For Not Trying’

Veturi Srivatsa, a senior sports journalist, analyses whether India will be in a position to organising the Olympic Games in 2036. His views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often said ‘think big, dream big and act big’. True to his dictum, he proclaimed that India would bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. Close on the heels of India’s excellent show in the Hangzhou Asian Games came the formal announcement at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai in October.

It is no guess that Nita Ambani, the first Indian woman on the IOC Committee, is the moving spirit behind the Olympic bid. If the Coca-Cola can buy the Games for the city of its headquarters Atlanta, why can’t the Ambanis do the same for an Indian city of their and Prime Minister’s liking? In the last couple of decades, the Games have been made into a marketing extravaganza from a sporting event. And the Modi Government has acquired some sort of an expertise in event management.

If India’s bid is approved, it will be the biggest sporting event India will be hosting after the 2010 Commonwealth Games. A look at Ms Ambani’s involvement in sports and other social activities amply makes it clear that she can get the Games with a little push from her husband’s Reliance Industries and any Government in power around that time.

The Prime Minister’s announcement came even as the IOC warned against excluding athletes and teams for political reasons amid growing politicization of sport. That should not be a major issue for India if the Games indeed are allotted to the country.

ALSO READ: ‘Asian Games Medal Haul Is Result Of Joint Effort’

Is India in a position to host the Olympics, competing with other major metropolises in the world? Yes, the Indian Prime Minister thinks so, and gave a sort of assurance to the IOC. He told the delegates that by 2036, India would be a major economic power, and organizing the Games would well be within its capability and capacity.

One may be tempted to look at the Olympic bid like many futuristic plans of Modi who believes not in five-year plans, but in looking decades ahead, connecting it to some auspicious period or happening. Whatever may be his other failings, Modi has shown keen interest in sports and sportspersons. He tweets to take note of every sporting success and makes it a point to meet the winners on their return home.

Modi can kick-start the process, though it is not going to be all that easy for India to get the Games. The going can get tough at the bidding stage itself, let alone winning the bid competing with more than a handful of countries who have fabulous infrastructure readily available.

The Olympic host is decided by a secret ballot with 99 IOC members voting, barring those who are honorary members or under suspension. Also, the bidding nations can’t vote. The host nation gets seven to eight years to plan it out.

Modi knows what it costs to get the Games, money, and power to influence the voting members. India can be somewhere near a major economy by the turn of the decade but is that enough to clinch the vote for the Games after Paris next year, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032? Most cities that hosted Olympics are still struggling to come out of debts. Will India be ready for huge public spending? Perhaps, yes.

Coming to the continental Games, India’s performance at Hangzhou was on the expected lines, true to its slogan “Ab ki baar sau paar” (hundred-plus medal mark). The total tally was 107 as predicted, and that is good enough cause for the country to celebrate, their best in the Games. They finished fourth in the medal standings, with 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.

What is more satisfying for India is the spread of the canvas, winning medals in 21 disciplines, including sepak-takraw, wushu, roller-skating and bridge. A major point to be noted is the number of athletes who proved good enough to qualify to test their mettle at the next Olympic Games in Paris.

The success stories are too many to list. India’s men’s hockey gold gave them a ticket to Paris. Quite a few athletes have made it to the Olympics, the foremost being Neeraj Chopra and the next best in javelin Mukesh Kumar Jena. Shooters and archers had a great Games and athletes continue to make a splash. Even as the singles players on the downslide, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty are dominating the doubles play world over.

A look at the medals tally of the three countries above India put things in perspective. China at the top have 383 medals, 201 Gold, 111 silver and 71 bronze, Japan returned with 188, 52 gold, 67 silver and 69 bronze, while South Korea had 42 gold, 59 silver and 89 bronze. All this tally of medals pale when one looks at China’s 201 gold alone!

As told to Deepa Gupta

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INDIA Bloc is UPA in a New Package

‘INDIA Bloc is Old UPA in a New Package, Won’t Hurt BJP Prospects’

Prof. Amit Upadhyay, who teaches Political Science in Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, points out that the new opposition alliance is rife with internal political differences. His views:

The abbreviation of the re-packaged new opposition front, INDIA (an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), might generate some emotional and psychological attachment for the nation and a feeling of love and affection for India, but it will not, by any stretch of imagination, be sufficient to replace PM Narendra Modi and emerge as a replacement for the NDA. However, some improvement in the vote share of its constituents is very much possible.

First, INDIA is yet to finalise a face that could be at par or prove to be a better replacement for the charismatic personality of Modi. Second, there is a visible acceptance in INDIA bloc that if they fought the BJP individually, they will not be able to give any kind of resistance. But coming together will help them in putting up a decent and challenging fight. This in itself proves their secondary position.

Contesting Lok Sabha elections is altogether a different fight and needs a totally different strategy. Thus, a coalition like this will enable the participating parties to pool in resources as parliamentary constituencies in India often involve multiple candidates, splitting votes three or even four ways. As a result, parties win elections even if they secure less than 50% of the votes cast.

For example, the figures of 2019 General Elections showed that BJP had about 37% of the total vote while non-BJP parties accounted for 63%. So, if they could consolidate a chunk of this through one-on-one contests, then the opposition vote will not get divided and that should be the heart of their strategy to take on Modi who, till date, appears to be taking the office for the third consecutive tenure.

ALSO READ: ‘BJP Has Raised And Dumped Ayodhya Cyclically’

The Congress appears to be in a survival mode rather than leading the front because of the turn of events taking place in some states. Like in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party is playing on front foot and appears to be in no mood to yield any ground to the Congress in the state.

If we talk about the Congress supporting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on the Delhi Services Bill, its own leaders are not having a consensus on the issue. As far as Delhi and other states like Punjab are concerned (where AAP is in power) the Congress knows that it will come to power (in the Centre) in future and that is the reason that its support to AAP is very selective and minimal.

Meanwhile in Bihar, Congress has no standing as the collaboration of CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav (JDU and RJD) is strong enough to give a decisive fight to BJP and hence the Congress is nowhere in the scene. One thing is clear that the new front and the name will succeed in giving a visible challenge to the BJP and the NDA but that will not be enough to stop Modi in coming to power for the third consecutive time.

As told to Rajat Rai

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Cinema Audience Is Evolving

‘Cinema Audience Is Evolving Thanks To OTT; Content Must Follow The Curve’

Niraj Kumar Mishra, an independent filmmaker and writer, shares his views about Indian cinema, its dynamics – the good, bad and the ugly.

The digital revolution has changed the dynamics of storytelling. Videos are everywhere, from YouTube to Instagram to Facebook. Reels and podcasts have taken over the world. And definitely, the race for audio-visual storytelling has entered a new phase of revolution. In the midst of all this chaos, big players have upped the game and opened up a bigger market with direct-to-digital content. Old formats like theatrical films and satellite television are now struggling. And this worldwide phenomenon has entered India like never before.

The bigger the demand, the bigger the supply, and the bigger the opportunity. And it definitely has opened the doors for new talent. We must feel blessed that those closed doors are gradually opening up. But the bigger question is: are we compromising with content since both the demand and the supply is high?

Television to OTT transition. The transition occurred with the expectation of top quality delivery. People who are masters at delivering quantity mostly fail to deliver quality. This is exactly what happened when OTT madness began. Loads of people with a TV mindset migrated to OTT; unfortunately, out of those, only a limited number are capable of thinking quality. Most of them don’t even understand the basic nature of a story; mostly, they fail to identify whether it’s a web series, a limited series, a film, or a TV show. Result: out of 100 shows, we hardly notice a couple of good or watchable content. Amid the substantial number of shows or films, only a couple of works click with the audience. We definitely need to get out of our comfort zones to address the elephant in the room.

Talent vs Agencies. These days, loads of talent agencies are mushrooming in the industry across the country. These management pass-outs haven’t done anything creative in their limited career graph, but they do the filtering process for actors. Result: continuous disasters at the box office. It’s like a car mechanic being assigned to treat a human heart. Very few are sensible enough to understand the content. And because of that, loads of good stories never reach the actors.

ALSO READ: ‘A New Movement Is Shaping Up On OTT Platform’

In fact, the quality of the stories doesn’t matter; they only focus on people with top-notch credentials, and the studio backs them up so that they get their commission without any hassle in less time. For them, neither talent nor actors matter; only remuneration and their cuts. In such a scenario, disasters are inevitable, careers are ruined, and so is the business of the industry.

Nepotism and lobbying. In the ocean of opportunities, creamy jobs are getting re-routed either to princes and princesses or well-connected lobbyists and courtiers. Talent is not a priority. This does not mean that nepotism doesn’t give us good talents. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are brilliant actors; there are brilliant directors and writers too. But unfortunately, that also has a lower percentage compared to the rest.

Established directors and producers give opportunity to their ‘yes ministers’. We need to have democracy when we filter talent. In the business of art, business shouldn’t be the first priority. I’m reiterating, any compromise with the art is bad for business.

Writing and business. Nobody sees things beyond Friday. This year, three mega hits hit the market: blockbuster movies, and Bollywood is back into business. But, we can’t deny the fact that all three films were badly written. Two rode on the business skills and stardom of SRK, and another one on the recollection of larger-than-life character Tara Singh and the inorganic, on-screen nationalism. With the same budget and same story flow, we could’ve written better screenplays!

One of the studio heads once told me, “You get a face for your film; we won’t even ask for the script”. It was a shocking revelation. We forget that good writing is the foundation of any form of storytelling.

Voice Vs. Entertainment Business. Evolution is the key for the longevity of any business, and in the entertainment business, we need to give priority to unique voices, out-of-the-box and never-heard-before stories. Unfortunately, in India, we haven’t gone beyond Salim-Javed; there is no innovation, only project set-up and formula films customized for Box Office.

The audience is now exposed to world content; their choices are evolving. With an ever-evolving audience, we must bring diversity on board. We need more original stories with seamless telling.

The real responsibility lies on us—the talent, the actors, the directors, and the producers. We have to relentlessly peruse the changing dynamics of world cinema, constantly learn and pick unique styles of storytelling, and give opportunity to unique voices. Put honesty and excellence in originals; that’s all we need, and yes, I also pledge to bring that revolution!

(The narrator has produced and directed Samanantar, a feature film which won the ‘Best Feature Film – Maithili’ at the 69th National Awards 2023)

As told to Deepa Gupta

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Anxiety Over Studying in Canada

‘Anxiety Has Taken Over My Aspiration to Study in Canada’

Nandini Jain, a BA LLB student in Lloyd school of law, Gr Noida, says India-Canada diplomatic dispute has caused anxiety and fear among parents whose children are studying in Canada

Studying in Canada for higher education has been a lifelong dream for me. The mere thought of strolling down the bustling streets of Toronto or immersing myself in the landscapes of British Columbia has fueled my day-dreams for years. However, the recent strain in diplomatic relations between India and Canada has cast a shadow over my aspirations, leaving me torn between my dreams and the unsettling reality.

The deterioration in diplomatic ties sparked concerns among students like me who had set their hearts on venturing across the oceans for academic and personal growth. I now carry a sense of unease into my excitement about Canadian academia. 

At the core of my apprehension lies the concern for my safety and well-being as a student. Safety is paramount for anyone studying abroad, and the escalating tensions between India and Canada add an unnerving layer of uncertainty. The fear of being caught in the crossfire of political conflicts is a genuine worry, considering the unfortunate stories of students facing hostility or discrimination in the wake of diplomatic disputes.

Navigating a tense international landscape while striving for academic excellence seems like a daunting task. The specter of potential visa restrictions, delayed immigration processes, and even hostile attitudes on campus threatens to transform the study abroad experience into a minefield of challenges, eclipsing the joy of learning and personal growth.

My concerns echo in the hearts of parents whose children are already pursuing their education in Canada. The perpetual anxiety about the safety of their loved ones looms large, with the fear that their children might inadvertently become collateral damage in the geopolitical tug of war between nations.

ALSO READ: ‘How I Moved From India To Canada Amid Covid’

The practical challenge of obtaining a study visa adds another layer of stress. The worsening relations might translate into stricter visa policies, leading to delays or even rejections. Students, myself included, have invested considerable time, effort, and resources into the application process, only to find themselves in the disconcerting limbo of uncertain visa approvals.

Beyond immediate challenges, the potential long-term impact on future opportunities is a looming concern. Studying in Canada isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about building international networks, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives, and unlocking global career prospects. Yet, the current diplomatic tensions threaten to curtail these opportunities, diminishing the value of an international education.

The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of Canadian universities was a major draw for me, with the promise of vibrant cultural diversity. However, the political discord raises the specter of tension seeping into the campus environment, potentially straining relationships among students and tainting the once-thriving social atmosphere.

Despite these concerns, the flame of my dream to study in Canada still flickers within. The allure of world-class education, the promise of personal growth, and the prospect of embracing a new culture remain powerful motivators. Yet, I find myself standing at a crossroads, grappling with difficult questions about whether to forge ahead with my plans or explore alternative options.

The uncertain duration of the strained relations leaves students like me navigating a precarious path between dreams and reality. The decision is far from straightforward, and while I continue to monitor the situation, there’s a lingering hope for a positive turn of events. The dream may be deferred, but it’s not extinguished. I believe perseverance and determination will light the way forward, and I remain cautiously optimistic that the ties between New Delhi and Ottawa will eventually improve, allowing aspiring students like me to pursue their dreams without hesitation.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Daily Life For South Asians in Canada

Daily Life For South Asians In Canada Unaffected By Diplomatic Dispute

Aparita Bhandari, an arts-life reporter based in Toronto, says the tension between India and Canada did cause some visa issues for the diaspora

It is clear that there are tensions in the political relations between India and Canada. This strife has been present for a while. The recent allegations made by Justin Trudeau in the Canadian Parliament is a further example of the breakdown in communication between the two countries.

At the moment, the crisis in the Middle-East is dominating our news headlines, and, therefore, the relationship between Canada and India has taken a bit of a backseat. However, given that the winter months are a time when many Indians visit back home for the festive season, or, because of the break we get for Christmas, there has been a great concern among diaspora-folk regarding the visa processes.

There also seemed to be a sense that the Indian media was misrepresenting the political situation in India. Given the fact that international students from India currently make up a large percentage of recent immigrants, it seemed like their family members in India were concerned about the personal safety of the students. However, there is no cause for concern as far as their day-to-day life is concerned — other than the general concerns around affordable housing, finding work, trying to balance their studies.

ALSO READ: ‘How I Moved From India To Canada Amid Covid’

The situation between India and Canada continues to be a matter of speculation among the lay people, with lots of people giving personal perspectives on the political machinations. As far as I have seen, there has been no update in presenting evidence. But, like I said, other priorities such as the war in the Middle-East and daily concerns of the cost of living are top of mind here. 

For long-time Indo-Canadian residents who may have OCI status or long-term visas, it’s not a particular issue. For people whose visa status may depend on the relations between India and Canada, and who might be planning on a visit, they might face further inconvenience at the visa office — which usually isn’t a pleasant experience anyway.

Hence, there may be longer line-ups. I have heard of people camping out and snaking line-ups, although I have not seen this myself. At the same time, several people I know have made trips to India and back within the last month or so without any trouble. When it comes to stuff like trade relations, then, maybe, there are issues. I have not done any deep research into this.

The main issue, I think, is a broader image that India may have of Canada as being sympathetic to Khalistan. This is a very complicated topic. I honestly have no idea how these problems can be solved. This is for the experts to figure out. For the layperson, I would say that it’s best not to spread misinformation.

(The narrator works as a podcast producer for Pacific Content and has been living in Canada for two decades plus)

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BJP Has Raised And Dumped Ayodhya Issue Cyclically

‘BJP Has Raised And Dumped Ayodhya Issue Cyclically’

Krishna Pratap Singh, an author and a civil society voice from Faizabad (UP), says whenever the BJP faces a crisis of sort, it takes recourse in the Ram Temple issue. His views:

Haare ko Hari Naam (the loser finds solace in God’s name). The issue of Ram Mandir for the BJP reminds me of this proverbial truth! Ayodhya issue is integral to the faith of Hindus, but for the BJP it serves only political interest. Whenever their brand of politics is in crisis, and as per their immediate interests, they raise this issue, only to be dumped after their interests are served. The question is: for how long will the BJP continue to follow this predictable pattern?

The BJP came into existence on April 6, 1980, while its paternal organization, the RSS, was born in 1925. The original political front of the RSS, the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, was formed in 1951. Ironically, till 1984, they had no clue about the Ram Mandir issue!

Those days, in the five principles of the BJP, this issue did not exist. Those days their scaffoldings were based on nationalism, national unity, democracy, secularism and Gandhian socialism. However, when they witnessed that these ideological principles based on clean and honest politics were not working to their advantage, they started looking for a contentious issue.

In the backdrop of the assassination of Ms Indira Gandhi in 1984, and the Lok Sabha elections held consequently, they got only two seats. Therefore, the entire Sangh Parivar realized that for their political progress, they would desperately need the ‘liberation of Lord Ram’. At the Palampur convention, held in June 1989, for the first time, they raked up the Ram Mandir issue as an open agenda of the party. In 1991, they included it in their election manifesto.

In the days which followed, this became a successful strategy, especially after the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992; indeed, they were under the impression that they could even form the government at the Centre in New Delhi in 1996. But they got only 161 seats, and despite being the largest party, it remained an untouchable for the mainstream, secular Indian politics. None of the other parties supported it.

Amidst this crisis, their relentless longing for power only got more desperate. Hence, in 1998, they constituted the NDA, and, dumped this issue in the cold-storage. From 1999 to 2004, they made three different governments in New Delhi, and they kept the Ram Mandir issue outside its agenda all the three times. After losing the 2004 and 2010 elections, they propped up Narendra Modi as a ‘prophet of development’ but, the PM candidate did not even have the guts to visit Ayodhya! It is said that at that time he was trying to make an image-makeover!

ALSO READ: ‘Ram Temple Is The Election Trump Card For BJP’

Now, after the court judgment, they are all out to take the credit for building the temple in Ayodhya. In reality, they don’t have any moral right to claim this credit.

Peace-loving citizens of Ayodhya had found a unanimous solution in 1986 and agreed on temple-construction. However, the then RSS chief, Balasahab Devras, castigated the then VHP chief, Ashok Singhal, for backing this move. He reportedly said that they should not bother about constructing the Ram Mandir, and, instead, use it take advantage of this chetna (consciousness) — to capture power. This purpose has been served. And, yet, every time the BJP is in serious crisis, or, as and when its internal contradictions get sharpened, they once again squeeze the lemon again. The Ram Mandir alone can never get the BJP an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha. Thereby, it has to wait for the resurrection of Modi as a ‘vikas purush’.

Poor Ayodhya and its people! They are the eternal victim of this politics. However, no one can hear their screams anymore. Once the Supreme Court judgment arrived, all the parties accepted it. Then, everyone believed that all polarizations will henceforth be over – once and for all! They thought they could see the transparent waters of River Saryu in Ayodhya. Ironically, with Rs 32,000 crore involved, new twists have emerged. Amidst this, the cold-blooded corporatization in the country has only reinforced a wave of depression in this holy town. As the old saying goes: Hoga kathin aur bhi jeena, Danto ko aa gaya pasina (Life will only become more difficult hereto)

(The narrator covered the Ayodhya issue as a journalist for many years. He is the author of several books including Zero Mile – Ayodhya (Leftword) and Awadhnama, a history of the region)

As told to Amit Sengupta

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Ram Mandir is the Election Trump Card of BJP

‘Ram Mandir is the Election Trump Card of BJP for 2024’

Jaishanker Gupta, a veteran journalist and political observer, says the BJP will try to milk Ram Mandir issue to its maximum in the run-up to 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His views:

As the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, slated to be on January 22, draws near, there is little doubt that the BJP will expect to milk it to the utmost for political gains. A leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stature will be attending the ceremony for obvious reasons. After all, it was the Ram Temple issue that catapulted the party to centre-stage in 1990.

Like previous elections, the ‘occasion’ is definitely being used for polarization of a particular section of vote that, by and large, stirs the ‘emotion’ every time for the saffron party. This has also been accepted by Modi who said that it is a good fortune that in his lifetime that he is witness to the building of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

It was also clear from Modi’s Dussehra speech when he declared that ‘the much awaited moment is about to come and Ram Lala will find his divine seat at his birthplace. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also talked about the inauguration of the temple and had called upon people to be a part of the celebration. This clearly indicates that the issue is going to be one of the top election agenda for the party.

ALSO READ: A Hope From Ram Mandir

For the past few months, Modi had also been projecting the 2024 general elections as one of development and legacy and he has spoken about this on many occasions. BJP also believes that in the last few years, from reviving the heritage to taking many other new initiatives, a new spirit of identifying our roots and boasting about it has emerged in the country, which will benefit the party. It will not at all be wrong to say that in this sequence, the biggest bet is from Ram temple. Modi himself can give a big message by being present on this occasion and it is believed that BJP’s election campaign can also start from this occasion.

Though BJP top notch leaders deny it out rightly, some were bold enough to accept the importance and ‘usage’ of the issue. Late Sushma Swaraj once said that the Ram Mandir issue is like a bearer cheque that could be en-cashed only once (in the elections). Former BJP president late Kusha Bhau Thakre, while replying to a similar question, once said that a boat is only useful to cross a river and you cannot carry it on your shoulders once you have crossed the river. 

The theme of every election is different and every party establishes its strongest point as a narrative in its own way. In such a situation, it is natural that BJP will present and use this opportunity for Hindu renaissance along with developmental issues in the next elections. The biggest advantage for them is that it will not be easy for the opposition parties to counter it.

As told to Rajat Rai

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Brand Modi In Assembly Elections

‘Brand Modi May Not Work In Upcoming Assembly Elections’

Kamal Bhargava, a lawyer and political observer, says election results of five state assemblies will have little bearing on the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. His views:

It can be said that the Lok Sabha polls in 2024 will decide the direction of the country for the next many years. To some extent, it is believed that assembly elections are the gateway to the parliamentary elections, even though issues in the parliamentary and assembly elections are altogether different. Hence, the outcome in five states where elections are on the cards will surely set both the mood and the tone for the general elections.

The opposition today claims that BJP may face defeat in the 2024 polls as its popularity is going down in several states. However, there have been instances when the party in governance at the Centre got defeated in state elections but performed well in parliamentary election thereafter. With the country on the verge of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, political parties are leaving no stone unturned in claiming their stake in forming the next government.

After two terms, the Modi-led Bhartiya Janta Party is trying their level best for a hat trick, with Modi eyeing to level the record of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Meanwhile the Opposition is busy in forming an alliance I.N.D.I.A. to keep BJP in abeyance.

While completing nine years in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had via a tweet “to keep working even harder”. This could be a growing worry in the BJP for the 2024 general election as one could once again sense “total dependence” on Brand Modi that might not work in forthcoming state polls. Many a time, even Modi has advised its present MPs to depend more on their individual work rather then repeatedly relying on ‘Brand Modi’.

ALSO READ: ‘Assembly Elections Do Not Augur Well For BJP’

But here what matters is, issues like unemployment, price rise, communal disharmony, and steps for the welfare of women and farmers. And to some extent the opposition is trying to catch up with these issues too. One fear of the ruling party pertains to using government machinery like CBI and ED in getting political personalities behind bars.

Modi is known for bold and indifferent decisions. Be it Triple Talaq, repealing of Article 370, One nation, one Election, Women Empowerment Bill — he knows the pulse of a common man. He has taken the country and its politics to a different level having one of the largest fan following across the globe. By the time the opposition thinks of countering the government, something new and different is already on the floor. BJP has been working on different notes. But when it comes to development no doubt one can count on different aspects. Be it the new laws, repealing the age-old ones or construction of highways, connectivity, law and order, etc. For the people of North, the biggest gift one could get is the road and rail connectivity. Reaching NCR in just one hour was a dream. But BJP made it possible.

The saffron party is still in a strong position with regard to the 2024 general elections. At any point of time, BJP’s biggest strength is its organizational strength and management. Its minutest and both micro and macro planning gives it an edge over other political parties. For the opposition, it is an uphill battle at all levels. None stands to his stature. But to some extent one can see signs of a quiet worry setting in, in the BJP with I.N.D.I.A. struggling hard for a comeback.

As told to Deepa Gupta

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‘SC Verdict on Same Sex Union Takes Us Several Steps Back’

Anjali Gopalan,founder of The Naz Foundation Trust to fight HIV/AIDS and guard the rights of LGBTQIA community, shares her views on SC verdict on same sex marriage.

The divided Supreme Court verdict on same-sex marriage has really been disappointing. This is the time when the courts could have taken the whole issue forward. They could have looked at the issue within the perspective of civil rights. This judgment, unfortunately, takes us 100 steps back.

Now the issue has been left to the Parliament. This is, indeed, highly problematique. So when will the issue be raised in Parliament – we simply don’t know that. Pray, how many issues are discussed in the current Parliament these days? For all we know, Parliament sessions are not held for the entire duration. Hence, this crucial issue going to Parliament remains a question mark.

The other disappointing thing has been the denial of the right to adopt – which should have been given to the LGBTQ community. Anyway, adoption has been made so difficult even for heterosexual couples. There are thousands of orphans in our orphanages. What is wrong if they get a loving and caring couple to take care of them? The thinking is regressive!

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The Chief Justice of India is very progressive, but, what has happened to the rest of the judges? The CJI was clearly in the minority. Having said all this, I would say that the debate has expanded the definition of discrimination – which is a good thing. Surely, as per the current law, trans-people can marry other trans-people, meaning, a trans-woman can marry a trans-man. However, a trans-man cannot marry a trans-man.

Surely, homosexuality has been decriminalized in India by law. However, if you look carefully, a large number of fundamental rights are denied to them. You have to look at society and the community. There is deep-rooted prejudice against. This is visible in sphere of employment and work, housing, education, health, among other things. This is a pattern across the country.

Families themselves compel trans-individuals to go for conversion-therapy. They force them to get married and raise a family. They hide their identity.

We are living in a democracy. On what basis can you deny them their rights? The irony is that almost all political parties seem to be on the same page on this issue. Remember, while we were fighting discrimination during the UPA government, the same phenomena prevailed. That is, when it comes to this issue, no one is a holy cow!

(The narrator has set up an animal sanctuary All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS) at Silakhari, Harayana for sick and abandoned animals. She has been a Member of the Animal Welfare Board of India. In 2005, she was short-listed for Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work. She has received the Commonwealth Award in 2001 for her work with marginalized communities and the Woman Achiever Award given by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in 2007)

As told to Amit Sengupta

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