BJP’s Anti-Conversion Plank In Punjab

BJP is set to make a bold play in the Punjab election due early next year by going it alone and framing its campaign around non-delivery of Central schemes and projects, the menace of drugs, allegations of corruption and lawlessness and the issue of religious conversion in the context of the activities of evangelical groups. The party has decided there is no advantage in trying to revive ties with its one-time ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The alliance had proved durable in the past with RSS viewing the arrangement desirable in the context of social harmony and security in a border state. But SAD’s graph shows no signs of rising and the party is in a downward spiral.

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal’s attempts to ‘atone’ for the incidents of sacrilege that occurred during the party’s tenure in office have not worked. He is also seen to have lost traction with Akali workers and functionaries. BJP leaders feel conversions are causing unease in both the Hindu and Sikh communities and the actions of preachers holding ‘healing’ camps and organising religious séances have become a cause of social tensions. Conventional calculations limit BJP influence to urban areas with a sizeable Hindu population but the party has appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon, a former Congress leader who joined BJP in 2022, as its state chief in a bid to woo the Jat Sikh vote. The party is confident it will improve its numbers and that it will not be constricted to its traditional areas which have usually yielded modest electoral returns.

Phogat’s Trial

An interesting aside on Congress MLA and Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s failed bid to stage a comeback to international competition is that the sports ministry was sympathetic to her demand that she be allowed to take part in the trials. The ministry was not in sync with the Wrestling Federation of India’s bid to bar her from the trials and this was conveyed to Phogat. She was informed that the ministry sees merit in her arguments but the wrestler should refrain from levelling unsubstantiated allegations. Two observers were deputed to the video-recorded trial. Phogat did still complain about the results but does not seem to have pressed the point by demanding a re-trial or lodging a complaint.

Inside Job

BJP’s ability to spring nasty surprises on rivals in Rajya Sabha polls has led to Congress and JMM taking elaborate measures to ensure there are no missteps in electing their candidates. They are not only keeping legislators under watch but held ‘mock’ drills to prevent a goof up on polling day. The recent fiasco in Madhya Pradesh where Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected is, however, suspected to be an inside job. In such a case, mock drill will not help.

Omar’s Moves

During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the need to restore statehood to the union territory but also discussed the region’s economy and developmental needs. The leader is aware the Centre is in no hurry to act on statehood. While this is a ‘political’ issue, it is useful to seek assistance for the union territory’s needs. The chief minister has adopted a practical path even as he keeps an eye on rival PDP’s bid to raise ‘identity’ issues.

Yamuna’s Human Burden

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led a cleanup drive on June 14 by the Yamuna in Geeta Colony’s Dashmesh Ghat to revive awareness about the capital’s river. The drive was held across 28 ghats and several BJP functionaries participated. The task is Herculean as all efforts over the last three decades have failed to substantially improve the waters. The big challenge is moving thousands of people out of the floodplains and removing massive unauthorised construction.

Desi Tech for Borders

A series of meetings at the Ministry of Home Affairs involving Central armed forces have focused on developing indigenous border protection technology, not unlike the coordinated air defence systems that worked so well during Operation Sindoor. The technology being put in place will considerably reduce the threat of low-flying drones originating in Pakistan used to transport arms and drugs across the border. At present, drones are being tracked and brought down but the system is not foolproof. Security agencies are confident the system will deliver results despite India’s long and sensitive borders to the west and east.

DMK Pill for Congress

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli’s sharp criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, slamming him for lack of political judgment, indicates that expectations that the southern party will support the I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s tactics in Parliament might be misplaced. Rahul’s estimate that DMK is ‘one’ with the I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties in opposing BJP might be incorrect. DMK has differences with BJP but seems to have belatedly realised that proximity to Congress brought no returns other than being at odds with the Centre.