BJP promises

In its annual report, Amnesty International has pointed out Indian government’s failure to uphold personal freedoms

When the BJP government in India swept into power in 2014, it made a lot of big promises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed huge popularity thanks in part to his savvy use of social media. He seemed exactly like the kind of prime minister a modern and vibrant India needed. Charismatic enough to be liked by the public, having enough political acumen to hold his own against top international leaders and with enough power to usher in fast-paced economic growth in his country. Cut to two years later and the good days Mr Modi promised have failed to materialise; at least as far as civil liberties are concerned. In its annual report released on February 24, Amnesty International has pointed out the Indian government’s failure to uphold personal freedoms. It has spoken critically of the government’s support for intolerance through both speech and action. NGOs critical of the Indian government have seen restrictions imposed on their funding, individuals have been kept in prison without any charges or trial and there is growing minorities- and caste-based discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Indian government terms criticism of its actions attempts to take attention away from its cornerstone policy of rapid economic growth. Mr Modi has said that he is the prime minister for the whole of India, not just of people belonging to a particular religion or caste. However, as protesters marched through Delhi, decrying the government’s decision to arrest a student leader on sedition charges, his assertion did not seem to hold true. The sedition charges are viewed as yet another attempt to censor free speech and curb the right of individuals to question government policies and actions. Amnesty International has noted in its report that while the Indian government does not appear willing to take measures to uphold civil liberties, the people of India have different ideas. There is widespread criticism from various segments of society against intolerance. If India is to become the pluralistic society it wishes to be, its government needs to pay attention to the voice of the people for whom the good days still seem a distant dream.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th,  2016.

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