The modi government is celebrating the first anniversary of its third term. In what has been the most subdued of its 11 year long and continuing reign, it seems vulnerable for the first time. While the shock of the 2024 elections forcing Mr Modi to run a minority government for the first time in his career of over 23 years, cast its shadow over the first half of the year, resounding electoral success in Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi have lifted the gloom but operation sindoor and the ensuing ceasefire seem to have taken the sheen away. After eleven years the government or its cadres shy away from discussing the performance of the government and would rather talk about the revocation of article 370 and the construction of Ayodhya temple as their achievements. None of the flagship projects of the government like swachh Bharat, smart cities, bullet trains, namami gange or even make in India are in news. The only significant legislations the government can show are all divisive and controversial. Be it the caa, triple talaq, waqf, weaponising of pmla, or the aborted farm bills and land acquisition laws non of them have served progressive welfare interests. Institutional weakening across the board from judiciary to media and even the armed forces is evident. Despite all these issues the most important impact the government has had is on the social fabric of the country. Deep religious polarization and bigotry has become common sense and a rise of regressive practices from patriarchy, to feudal casteist ideology have gained legitimacy and are replacing liberal progressive and constitutional principles.
The government has 4 more years in this term and it has enough reason and resources to make amends. The clear majority it has managed may not be easy for others more respectful of our diversity. But squandering it may become an unforgivable page of history.
Unmaking history
