The article critiques the legal recognition of Hindu deities as juristic persons, a concept used to grant Hindu idols legal rights similar to those of humans or corporations. It argues that this practice, which began under British colonial law, has been appropriated by Hindutva forces to reinforce idolatry and elevate religious sentiments over secular law. By treating deities as legal entities, the article suggests that Hindutva ideology gains leverage in the Indian judicial system, promoting a particular brand of religious identity that influences political and social dynamics. The author calls for a critical examination of this conflation of religion and legal identity, questioning its compatibility with India’s secular framework.
চন্দ্রাহত চন্দ্রচূড়
The Bangla blog post is a satirical critique of Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, highlighting his alleged contradictions between judicial conduct and religious involvement. It sarcastically reflects on his public participation in religious ceremonies, questioning the overlap between personal beliefs and professional duties. The article also touches on broader concerns about the fusion of politics, religion, and judiciary in India, referencing landmark cases like the Ram Mandir judgment and expressing frustration with the current socio-political landscape.
CJI Chandrachud: A “Legacy” Mired in Ambivalence(s)
The article critically assesses Chief Justice Chandrachud’s legacy, emphasizing its contradictions. While he is praised for apparently being “progressive”, his tenure is also marred by decisions that seem to align with the present ruling party of India, the BJP. It discusses his ambivalence in upholding the secular constitutional values versus religion-oriented actions that favor the crony oligarchical as well as religious extremist establishment. The piece highlights his complex role in balancing judicial independence with executive influence, casting doubt on the long-term impact of his legacy.
Homogenizing the War-drobe(s) of the Hindus: Calling for the Uniformity of Uniforms (?!)
This paper-letter subversively critiques the drive for cultural homogenization in India, focusing specifically on the imposition of a singular dress code for Hindus as part of a broader Hindutva agenda. It reflects, through sarcastic and satirical tools, on the historical evolution of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) uniform and juxtaposes it with the varied, regionally influenced dress practices of so-called “Hindus” (?) across the geo-political imagination of India. The letter raises concerns about the suppression of cultural heterogeneity and the imposition of a monolithic standard of dress under the guise of a given normativity of religious (equated with the national) unity. Using examples from recent political debates, such as the RSS’ shift from shorts to trousers and the hijab controversy, the authors advocate for a standardized dress code (by intentionally masking themselves as Hindutvavadins) that aligns with the so-called projection of “sanātana” values while rejecting purportedly the “foreign and Islamic” influences. The letter also explores how traditional Hindu dress has been influenced by colonial derivations and global fashion trends. It concludes by urging national leaders to establish a rigid, uniform dress code for Hindus, arguing that this would reinforce the ideological foundations of Hindutva while marginalizing alternative cultural expressions. This critical analysis addresses the dangers of cultural erasure and the paradoxical nature of enforcing uniformity in a society marked by deep-seated diversity.
Making the Case for DHFL Victims: A Living Instance of Crony Capitalism
The PowerPoint titled “Making the Case for DHFL Victims” by Once in a Blue Moon Academia (OBMA) presents a compelling analysis of the DHFL scam and its impact on victims. It critically examines the role of Ajay Piramal, highlighting his controversies such as insider trading, environmental violations, and alleged political connections with the ruling BJP. The presentation argues that the victims of the DHFL resolution were treated as “guinea pigs” under India’s ill-conceived Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, with the courts providing only partial support. Ultimately, it emphasizes that true justice for DHFL victims will depend on political will and mass mobilization.
RTI on RTIs: After the Autopsy…
The post discusses a Right to Information (RTI) application submitted to the Supreme Court of India regarding the accountability of various institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) in the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) case. It highlights the lack of transparency in RTI responses and issues with governmental portals, raising concerns about possible intentional obstructions and secrecy by the ruling party. The post also reflects on India’s political economy under increasing opacity.
The Curious “Dangal” of Vinesh Phogat, Nita Ambani and Jay Shah
The article critiques the contemporary influence of Nita Ambani and Jay Shah in Indian sports, highlighting Vinesh Phogat’s unjustified Olympic disqualification and accusing Ambani and Shah of benefiting from nepotism in their respective sports roles. It argues that Ambani and Shah’s powerful positions are unjustified, questioning their qualifications and linking their influence to political patronage from the ruling BJP. The piece also reflects on larger issues of crony capitalism and the state’s protection of oligarchs, framing Phogat’s struggle as part of a broader fight against corruption.
Defending Piramal: Ethical Integrity in Peril? A Call for Clarification to Dr. A. M. Singhvi
The article criticizes Dr. A. M. Singhvi for defending Ajay Piramal, a BJP-allied businessman linked to the DHFL scam, despite Singhvi’s public opposition to the BJP. The piece highlights ethical concerns, accusing Singhvi of compromising his principles for financial gain by defending Piramal, who is involved in insider trading and crony practices. The post urges DHFL victims to engage in civil disobedience on social media, targeting Singhvi and others for their roles in advocating for those who perpetuated the DHFL scandal.
সঙ্কোচ থেকে সন্ত্রাসেঃ সংকটের ঘেরাটোপ
The article discusses a shift from hesitation to terror, framed within a broader socio-political context. It references historical events and figures, such as a jujutsu lesson at Tagore’s Santiniketan, and reflects on societal fears in modern times. The piece explores themes of empowerment, fascism, and the manipulation of power by the state. It draws parallels between past struggles and present challenges, advocating for an approach to resistance through self-awareness and resilience.
A Bouquet of Songs: “Tribute” to the All India Trinamool Congress (and BJP, of course!)
The following songs are being dedicated to All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and also the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their relentless oligarchical struggle for raping the people of West Bengal and India as a whole, both physically and financially. This collage of songs is essentially being offered to their “deaf” fascist governmentality, which heedlessly suppresses dissenters’ voices with any excuse or justification. This attempt by OBMA is for resisting rape culture, threat culture, syndicate culture, crony culture, systemic corruption and structural violence of authoritarian power-structures.
