‘India’s Federal Structure Under Grave Threat From BJP; Only SP Can Fight Modi’s Divisive Politics’
Fakhrul Hasan, national spokesperson of Samajwadi Party (SP), says the current BJP leadership wants a strong central command over state governments, including the ones ruled by their own party. In a candid conversation with Rajat Rai of LokMarg he says the BJP narrative goes against the spirit of the Constitution. Hasan also spells out the SP’s plan to counter the saffron surge in the upcoming 2027 elections and beyond.
Q. As a regional party, how do you see the importance of federalism in a country as diverse as India?
Ans. A federal form of government is the root of democracy in a country as diverse as India but I am sorry to say, it has vanished ever since BJP came to power in New Delhi. Putting it simply, federalism neither finds a place in the dictionary of the BJP nor its work culture and it is quite evident from the working of its governments in the state. The governments in Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh etc, are stark examples of the `oppressed’ form of governments where they have dummy CMs and ministers.
Uttar Pradesh, somehow, gives some resistance but still there are two deputy CMs that have been `installed’ from New Delhi to keep the noose tightened. The state government here even does not have the authority to even appoint a principal secretary or the chief of the police (DGP) and UP has an officiating (Karyawahak) DGP ever since BJP came to power in 2017. In every state where BJP is in power on its own, a `Yes Man’ has been placed there who does not have any kind of power or authority to take independent decisions.
As far as states with non-BJP governments are concerned, a puppet governor has been placed by the Centre who is dedicatedly working for the `cause’ of the centre and unconstitutionally trying to hamper the smooth working of governments and its functionaries. In a country as vast and diverse as India, any push towards centralized or homogenized structures — be they fiscal, political, or cultural — would hinder economic progress. Federalism, as a foundational principle, is the only feasible path for success in a nation as diverse as ours.
Q. Do you believe federalism, where power is decentralized, is steadily getting weakened in India after Narendra Modi took over the Centre in 2014? If yes, please give examples.
Ans. Ever since coming to power in the centre in 2014, the BJP led NDA government, under prime minister Narendra Modi, has been working to undermine India’s federal structure. The authority in systematically being centralized and the rights of the states are being encroached. This shift is fuelled by the combined interests of both international and Indian corporations alongside the Hindutva communal agenda which is further accelerating the erosion of foundational and constitutional principles. It is very dangerous for a smooth functioning of the states and a cordial relation between the central and the state government and if such kind of systematic dismantling of federalism continues unchecked, it could pose a grave threat to the unity and integrity of India.
Q. Are minorities in Uttar Pradesh feeling increasingly marginalised amid a rise in Hindutva forces both at the state as well as Central levels? Please substantiate your views with examples.
Ans. Ever since BJP came to power in the Centre in 2014 followed by Yogi Adityanath taking charge of UP in 2017, minorities in the state are feeling increasingly marginalized and this could be attributed to the rise of Hindutva forces and the discriminatory practices by both. A deliberate effort has been made continuously to reduce minorities, particularly Muslims, to “second-grade” citizens, claiming their rights and their properties are being systematically eroded by using all kinds of forces, especially the bulldozer. Right from the first day, BJP is engaged in communal and divisive politics, which is not only harmful to the country but also creates social division. Every effort has been made by them to polarize the electorate along Hindu-Muslim lines and such kind of activities become more visible when the state is bound to go for elections. Besides bulldozer justice, as they call it, another glaring example of discrimination is clearly visible in the postings of administrative and police officials – genuine and deserving candidates from the “PDA” (Pichde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak – Backward, Dalit, and Minority) groups are neglected in favour of those from the Chief Minister’s own caste group and the likes. Another example is their Assam CM, Hemanta Biswa Sarma, who has no agenda other than, Hindu – Muslim, Madrassas, polygamy, razing down houses of minorities, etc.
Q. Does the Samajwadi Party have a political strategy to push back divisive communal forces and return to power? Do you think it can effectively strengthen federal forces in the country?
Ans. Samajwadi Party is the only party that works in the ideology of socialism as against the caste and religion based divisive politics of BJP. Our role model and source of inspiration include socialist leaders like Jai Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Mulayam Singh Yadav and others. We are continuously working to defeat the ruling BJP’s “communal” politics through a combination of local, need-based manifestos and a larger alliance-based approach. The SP has actively worked to move beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav vote bank by building a coalition with other backward classes, Dalits, and minority groups. Our strategy also included inclusivity that has been credited with making significant inroads among other like-minded groups of voters who look beyond caste and religion based politics and put development, peace and prosperity above communal politics. Also, to counter the BJP’s centralized narrative, we are also working on grass root level to address specific regional needs, economic challenges, and livelihood issues.
Q. What are the limitations and challenges before a regional party while countering a powerful national force like the BJP?
Ans. One thing is crystal clear – that there is only one regional party, the SP, that can decisively counter BJP and destroy its divisive agenda. We gave a strong fight in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and to the surprise of everyone, won 37 seats shattering the dreams of BJP of winning 400 plus seats or even touching the mark of majority. So, as far as the next battle (2027) is concerned, it is never a difficult or uphill task to defeat BJP which specializes in religion based politics and as a matter of fact, politics based on division and hatred never lasts long.
Q. Do you think that there was something lacking in regional parties like Samajwadi that did not get the people’s mandate? And how do you plan to fix that shortcoming?
Ans. The only thing that regional parties, including SP, lack is the financial resources and the use of money power was quite evident in the Vidhan Sabha elections in MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and the more recently in Bihar where money was transferred in the accounts of voters through schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana just before the elections. And to the surprise of everyone, the Election Commission, which works on the directives of the BJP, also turned a blind eye to such undemocratic practices. This was the one and only reason why the BJP government repeated in these states despite a huge anti-incumbency and a general sense of anger against the BJP governments for their anti-people policies. However, we are ready for such pre-poll gimmicks in UP also. As far as our preparations are concerned, we are a party that always remains in election mode and this also reflects in our 2022 tally when we won 111 seats as compared to the 47 seats that we won in 2017. Also, the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has also given us strength and has sent shock waves to BJP that lives in the misconception of an invincible party.
Q. Some recent statements of BSP supremo Mayawati reflect a soft corner for BJP and she has also become more critical of SP and Congress in the recent past. What does this signify?
Ans. There were open allegations all around that BSP is the B Team of BJP and her recent statements and actions prove it beyond doubt. It was also evident in the last 2022 elections when BSP filled candidates of the same religion and caste against our candidates to benefit BJP and it was also clear from the results. Moreover, she deliberately filed weaker candidates against BJP to give them a decisive edge but 2022 was a neck to neck fight and we are bound to bounce back with a record victory.
Q. What about Owaisi? He is also planning to open a fresh front in UP with an eye on the minority vote bank?
Ans. Owaisi is overwhelmed by his party’s performance in Bihar in the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha elections where he won five seats. However, his performance was similar to the previous 2020 elections when he won a similar number of seats and that is it! Owaisi tried his luck in UP in 2022 but failed to open his account. This clearly reflects that the voters of UP never fall prey to any kind of divisive or religion based politics which is also the core of Owaisi’s party AIMIM. Moreover, AIMIM is also one of the constituents of the B Team of BJP working on its directions in every regional election with the sole motive of cutting the votes of strong regional parties to ultimately profit BJP.
Q. There are voices in the INDI Alliance for a change of leadership. How far does SP agree?
Ans. It is a fair demand and we, as a party, agree with it. As Rahul Gandhi is also the Leader of Opposition in the Parliament, some other leader should lead the INDI Alliance so that he/she could work dedicatedly for the cause and strengthen the alliance further. Being the third largest party in the Lok Sabha with 37 seats, we, along with other constituents of the alliance, also want that the efforts and workings of the alliance is channelized further in the direction of coming to power with a thumping majority in 2029 elections.
