India elections: Analysts fear implications of divisive rhetoric on country's social fabric
Women wait to cast their votes at a polling station during the first phase of the general election, in Imphal, Manipur, India, April 19, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS
The India Study Centre (ISC) of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) convened a session on Saturday to discuss the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha elections in India.
Attended by academics, diplomats, and researchers from various Islamabad-based think tanks, the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on different aspects of India's electoral process and its potential implications, particularly within the context of Pakistan-India relations.
The participants engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views, covering the entire seven-phase electoral process.
Discussions revolved around significant developments such as the publication of election manifestos, the tone and content of the election campaign, the role played by the Indian Election Commission and various media entities, and the diverse political landscapes and profound rhetoric found across all regions of India.
A matter of particular concern was the divisive and polarizing rhetoric evident in the electoral discourse, with several government ministers invoking Pakistan in their campaign strategies to sway electoral support.
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Analysts expressed apprehensions regarding the potential implications of such rhetoric on India's internal social fabric and its external engagements with neighbouring nations, which could lead to regional disharmony.
There was a consensus among experts on the necessity for Pakistan to maintain heightened vigilance, considering the possibility of impulsive actions, including false flag operations, driven by perceived desperation within the ruling establishment in India.
Regarding Pakistan-India relations, participants underscored the importance of awaiting the final election results before making any informed assessments, particularly on whether India would take proactive measures to address all outstanding disputes between the two nations through substantive dialogue.
With the voting process set to conclude by June 1, and results anticipated on June 4, the implications of the Indian elections on regional dynamics, particularly Pakistan-India relations, remain a subject of intense scrutiny and analysis.