The article “Values of Indian Constitution Endangered: Heading Towards Hindu Rashtra?” from Once in a Blue Moon Academia expresses concern over actions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that may conflict with India’s constitutional principle of secularism. It highlights Modi’s frequent visits to Hindu temples and participation in religious rituals, suggesting these actions promote Hinduism over other religions, which contradicts the constitutional mandate of equal respect for all faiths. The article also references Modi’s association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and critiques his adherence to its ideologies, implying a potential threat to India’s secular framework. This perspective aligns with concerns raised in other sources. For instance, an article from Le Monde discusses the blurring lines between the executive branch and secularism in India, citing Modi’s participation in Hindu rituals alongside judiciary members as indicative of this trend. Additionally, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s remarks equating constitutional values with Sanatana Dharma and criticizing religious conversions as contrary to national values further illustrate the intertwining of religion and state affairs. Collectively, these actions and statements suggest a shift towards integrating Hindu religious principles into the functions of the state, raising concerns about the preservation of India’s secular constitutional values.
The Case of DHFL Scam: Who Will Bell the Cat?
Posted on 26/01/2024 (GMT 08:45 hrs) After consummating the tiresome tasks of scrutinizing, surveying, data-mining, filing numerous RTIs, viralizing petitions-posters-reels-live videos-making docu movies, writing in both e-mail and snail mail all the gatekeepers of legal justice, it is found that the DHFL FD and NCD holders are in a safe place. However, the point is,Continue reading “The Case of DHFL Scam: Who Will Bell the Cat?”
The Weapon of Syncretism: Lest We Forget…
Posted on 22/01/2024 (GMT 18:00 hrs) “The weapon of criticism cannot, of course, replace criticism of the weapon, material force must be overthrown by material force; but theory also becomes a material force as soon as it has gripped the masses.” “The weapon of criticism”, in the case of the present dreary Indian context, isContinue reading “The Weapon of Syncretism: Lest We Forget…”
An Incessant Struggle for Being a Homogenized, Pasteurized, Essentialist and Standardized Akhanḍa Hindu Rāṣṭra: Bharatiya Janata Party
The paper titled “An Incessant Struggle for Being a Homogenized, Pasteurized, Essentialist and Standardized Akhanḍa Hindu Rāṣṭra: Bharatiya Janata Party” examines the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) efforts to establish a unified Hindu identity within India. It focuses on the contentious Ram Temple issue, highlighting the differing narratives between the BJP and Hindu saints. The authors argue that the term “Hindutva” encompasses a diverse range of beliefs, which complicates the BJP’s attempts to homogenize Hindu identity. The paper also critiques the influence of neoliberal economic policies in India, suggesting that since the early 1990s, successive governments, including the BJP, have adhered to models dictated by international financial institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. This adherence has led to increased conflicts and a regime of totalitarian control, necessitating suppression of dissent and perpetuating violence. In summary, the paper contends that the BJP’s pursuit of a standardized Hindu nation is challenged by the inherent diversity within Hinduism and is further complicated by the socio-economic impacts of neoliberal policies.
In Defence of Doubting Everything: A Letter to the Chief Justice of India
Posted on 16/01/2024 (GMT 07:40 hrs) Updated on 21st October, 2024 (GMT 08:42 hrs) ABSTRACT The letter titled “In Defence of Doubting Everything” addresses the Chief Justice of India, focusing on the importance of questioning and critical thinking, particularly in light of secularism and the rise of theocratic extremism in India. Drawing inspiration from bothContinue reading “In Defence of Doubting Everything: A Letter to the Chief Justice of India”
Saffronization of Judiciary: An Open-Letter to the Chief Justice of India
The article, framed as an open letter to the Chief Justice of India, raises concerns about the growing influence of Hindutva ideology in the judiciary. It critiques decisions perceived as biased toward militant Hindu nationalist interests and warns against the erosion of judicial independence. The letter stresses the need for an impartial judiciary to uphold the secular values of the Indian Constitution, urging the Chief Justice to ensure transparency and fairness in the justice system.
Claim of Ownership vs Being-in-Sub Judice: An RTI To The Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Posted on 09/01/2024 (GMT 13:42 hrs) Updated on 07/03/2024 (GMT 07:50 hrs) Being bored with ambiguous and superficial answers to our previous RTIs (especially this⤡ one) to various ministries, departments and other authorities, we have decided to put the question in our next RTI application in an abstract manner, as it is found in mathematicalContinue reading “Claim of Ownership vs Being-in-Sub Judice: An RTI To The Ministry of Corporate Affairs”
Quid Pro Quo: BJP and Ajay Piramal
The article critically examines the alleged political and financial nexus between industrialist Ajay Piramal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting a quid pro quo arrangement. It highlights the 2018 Flashnet scam, where Piramal Group’s acquisition of Flashnet Info Solutions at an inflated price coincided with Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s appointment, raising questions about potential political influence. Additionally, the piece discusses Piramal’s significant electoral bond contributions to the BJP and his acquisition of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) at a substantial discount, alleging preferential treatment facilitated by political connections. The article also touches upon environmental concerns related to Piramal’s industrial activities and the use of legal measures to suppress dissent, portraying a pattern of corporate-state collusion undermining democratic accountability.
The Tussles of David and Goliath: Crony Oligarch vs Financially Abused
Posted on 01/01/2024 (GMT 18:15 hrs) I. David vs Goliath: The Background Let us start with a story from the Old Testament (Book of Samuel): Once there were two tribes of people, known as the Israelites and the Philistines. Due to being enemies, they planned a large battle against each other and assembled their armies.Continue reading “The Tussles of David and Goliath: Crony Oligarch vs Financially Abused”
Andher Nagri Choupat Raja
Dark City, Bankrupt King Posted on 27/12/2023 (GMT 11:35 hrs) Ravindra Mahidhar Before the Lok Sabha elections in the year 2014, we, the Indian citizens, were shown very big, bright and colourful dreams with the help of the election slogan “Achhe Din Aanewale Hain” (The Good Days are about to come!) by the BJP. However,Continue reading “Andher Nagri Choupat Raja”
