Editorial

Fight for Values Must Continue

Gujarat is not the last word. The Assembly election has thrown up an unprincipled leader who would stoop to any level for power. The communal carnage followed by a blatant blackmail he resorted to is unheard of in the post-independence India. The election results have shown to the entire country that Narendra Modi does not fight elections on principles and policies. The BJP, which backed him to the hilt, has acquired reputation as the evil force in Indian politics. That is evident in the areas suffered immensely due to the communal riots, where the BJP cornered most of the seats. This shows beyond doubt that blackmail and fear psychosis worked well for Modi, who had apparently planned the cruel game. What is discounted and lost is the well-being and development of the state.

Having won the mandate employing patently unfair means, alienating a particular community, what his government is going to achieve is anybody’s guess. Social equilibrium and stability that are essential for growth have already been undermined so thoroughly that restoring them again will be next to impossible for Modi. Gujarat which gained reputation as a progressive state, thanks to the hard work of its skilled and diligent people, now is lying with tattered social fabric. For decades it was a model state known for its modern outlook and a suitable place for investment. But today hundred of factories that serviced the nation and the world have closed down due to the mis-governance of the BJP government, which does not have even one achievement to show.

The after effects of this economic disaster will be felt by the people of the state and the rest of the country for long years to come. With a fanatical BJP government, investors inside the country and outside would avoid the state. It could boast till five years ago before the BJP came to power that it had the lowest unemployment rate. But not today. Since the mission of the BJP is only to spread communal hatred, it is extremely doubtful if Modi and his ministry would be able to concentrate on development.

In an age where science and technology are moving at an amazing pace and when every nation is trying to cope up with this technological revolution, it is a shame that in India we are forced to grapple with the medieval concept of religious fundamentalism. The future of Gujarat is bleak. But the bigger danger is the temptation of the BJP to implement the Modi experiment in the other states going to the polls. If that happens, which does not seem unlikely, the country could be plunged into a turmoil, demolishing the fruits of independence. The BJP victory in Gujarat poses a new threat apart from terrorism. The people everywhere will have to sit up and think seriously how each of them can contribute to foil the designs of the evil forces which have now come into the open.

For Congress workers the real challenge begins now. They should keep a vigil to ensure that whatever peace that prevails in Gujarat now is safeguarded and strengthened. In the rest of the country too their task begins, especially in those states going to the polls next year. They must start preparing for these elections now and educate and prepare the people to give a fitting reply to the BJP.