There are clear signs of polarization in India, Ranged on one side are forces that could broadly be categorized as prodemocracy and on the other are those that are unmistakably fascist. The latter are represented by prime minister Narasimha Rao, home minister Chavan along with the entire ruling Congress(I) party as well as the Bhartya Janata Panty. The whole R.S,S. clan is fascist in education, training and performance. Even the Samajwadi party of Chander Shekhar leans heavily towards fascism notwithstanding is claims to representing the Jaya Prakash Narayan heritage. Take any political issue of consequence and analyze the actions and reactions of these groups.

The ruling Congress(I), and the BJP have put up a strong fight over the past few years 10 retain TADA and perpetuate the state’s terror against ‘Muslims, Sikhs and other religious groups. The Congress (I) changed altitude towards TADA only to serve its electoral convenience rather than as its commitment to democracy. Almost every Muslim M.P. had threatened to resign if TADA was not repealed. The recent Assembly election results showed that the Congress(I) was routed everywhere mainly because the Muslim electorate had deserted the party, By finally agreeing to do away with the draconian laws, the Indian ruling party has the Muslim vote bank in mind in the context of the next year’s Lok Sabha elections. Even then the ruling party has repealed the law only in name and not in substance. Important provisions of the black law have been incorporated in the Indian criminal law. What was officially pretend to be a temporary law meant to cope with an extraordinary situation is now a part and parcel of Indian jurisprudence. And what has been the effect of the TADA repeal on the victims of this savage law? Not a single

detainee has been released. Several thousand political prisoners will continue to be detained and tried under TADA. The black law itself had a provision to that effect. The BJP is not satisfied. It wants TADA to stay.

The Indian home ministry has incorporated almost all the black provisions into a new law that will be permanent rather than temporary.

On the question of burning of CharareSherief, the Indian prime minister has been far from apologetic. When the Babri masjid was demolished three years ago by Hindu fascist groups in obvious connivance with the India Central government, Rao was subdued. He was visibly unhappy. He had even regretted the incident. But this time he bravely stated there could be no guarantee that such incidents would not ‘occur in future. The BJP conceals its glee. Its leader Atal Behari Vajpayee has been quoted by the R.S.S. weekly, Organizer, saying that “the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the BJP cadres, Vajpayee strongly denies the statement. But, then, the Indian Brahman, whether it is Rao or Vajpayee, always has two tongues each.

The split in the ruling Congress(I) is a blessing in disguise to the prodemocracy forces. Arjun Singh and N.D. Tiwari and lakhs of their Supporters parted company with Rao’s, Congress mainly on their differences on attitude towards BJP and minorities. Not that there are no wheels within wheels. Arjun Singh and Tiwari appear to rely heavily on the potential support base of Sonia Gandhi which itself is not dedicated to democracy. In any case, Arjun Singh and his supporters will look for regional alliances with non BJP parties in the next general election. The split has not Jed to the Rao government’s fall but it has certainly ‘weakened its capacity to take hard decisions. ‘The Indian developments should serve as a warning to the Clinton Administration against reading in the Rao regime’s policies too much.

This government is neither prodemocracy nor liberal in any sense of the term, It is fascist in essence. Tis policy towards Kashmir or Punjab is militarist. It does not recognize the rights of the people of Kashmir or Punjab. It is bent upon imposing on Kashmir a Punjab type unrepresentative and repressive government. The public opinion in the world is already becoming aware of the emerging shape of things. It is hoped that the Clinton government, too, will rise to the occasion and will raise its voice for allowing a setup in Kashmir and Punjab which has the support and involvement of the public. This could be done by an internationally supervised election.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 26, 1995