The web of international politics has always been fraught with tensions, secrets, and covert actions. A recent event that exemplifies this intricate dance of geopolitics is the mounting dispute between Canada and India. Canada’s accusation that Indian elements may have had a hand in the assassination of a Canadian citizen has sent shockwaves through the international community, reinvigorating the debate about the extent of foreign interference in domestic matters. While the heart of this debate beats loudly between Ottawa and New Delhi, echoes of similar concerns resonate elsewhere, notably in the United States, with the controversial journey of California’s SB 403 or anti-caste discrimination bill.
The Canadian incident, still under intense scrutiny, reflects a chilling global reality. Countries, for their geopolitical or ideological gains, are suspected of increasingly trespassing sovereign borders, not just through diplomatic channels, but by influencing or manipulating domestic events. As the boundaries of geopolitics become increasingly porous, the essence of democratic sovereignty and the sanctity of internal affairs come under a spotlight.
In the United States, this global reality hits home with SB 403. Designed as a beacon of progressiveness, intending to recognise caste within anti-discrimination statutes, the bill’s legislative journey has been overshadowed by a cloud of external influences. Reports suggest links to India’s ideological spectrum, notably Hindu nationalism and organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), creating a quagmire of international interests and local policies. Figures like Ajay Bhutoria, known for their affiliations, combined with the ambiguous roles of entities like Hindus for Human Rights and Equality Labs, further thicken the plot.
Also read: American Bar Association’s anti-caste resolution isn’t just progress but a revolution
Challenge for Biden, Supreme Court
These potential foreign influences on American soil stir a profound debate. If external ideologies can subtly craft the narrative of a state bill, what are the implications for national policies? California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto SB 403 has added fuel to this fire, casting shadows over the very foundation of the democratic process.
‘Salus populi suprema lex’ – the axiom reminds us that the welfare of the people is the supreme law. America’s democracy, built on the pillars of transparency, accountability, and sovereignty, now faces a challenge. How can we ensure the welfare of our people when external factors may hold the reins?
As we wade through these murky waters, the roles of the presidency and the judiciary emerge as critical. President Joe Biden and the Supreme Court are not only tasked with deciphering the domestic implications of bills like SB 403 but also with safeguarding the nation’s democratic ethos from potential external influences.
Simultaneously, the narrative of SB 403 brings to the fore internal dynamics. Organisations like Hindu For Human Rights and Equality Labs, amidst the cacophony of voices, face questions about their true intentions. With allegations of sidelining genuine Ambedkarite voices, the debate becomes even more intricate.
Governor Newsom’s decision, against the backdrop of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and the overarching theme of foreign influences, requires a rigorous examination. As America stands at this crossroads, one thing remains clear: the democratic processes’ sanctity is paramount.
Drawing lessons from the Canada-India dispute, it is evident that the tendrils of foreign influences can weave deep into a nation’s fabric. As America confronts the challenges posed by SB 403 and potential external influences, the guiding principle remains: ‘Lex est tutor et dux’ – the law is both a tutor and a guide. With the leadership of President Biden and the wisdom of the Supreme Court, the nation has an opportunity to stand firm, ensuring that its democratic ethos remains untainted and resilient.
In the backdrop of the controversial shadows cast by foreign interferences and the potential implications of the SB 403 narrative, emerges another daunting challenge — the dynamics between President Biden and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, especially concerning the influence of the RSS.
Also read: Georgia, California, Seattle—Any criticism of caste in America is being fought as Hinduphobia
A recipe for chaos
A nation’s foreign policy isn’t just about diplomatic ties and trade agreements; it’s equally about managing the intricacies of ideological influences and their potential spill-over effects on domestic terrains. The RSS, with its rooted history and intricate network, doesn’t merely represent a socio-cultural organisation in India. Over the years, it has established itself as a significant ideological force, influencing multiple aspects of India’s policy-making and global outreach.
President Biden, whose leadership is characterised by a delicate balancing act between preserving democratic ideals and fostering strategic international relationships, finds himself at the crossroads of a challenging conundrum. On one hand, nurturing ties with India, a major Asian powerhouse, is paramount to global economic and strategic agendas. On the other hand, ensuring that these diplomatic ties don’t grant leeway for foreign ideologies, like that of the RSS, to seep into the American legislative framework is equally crucial. This tightrope walk demands meticulous discernment, especially given the perceived influence of organisations that might be proxies or affiliates of the RSS within American shores.
There’s an axiom in law, ‘Fiat justitia, ne pereat mundus’ — Let justice be done, lest the world perish. The essence of this principle extends beyond the walls of the courtroom. As the leader of the free world, President Biden’s actions and decisions, especially in addressing the Modi-led government and its ideological backbone, the RSS, carry profound implications. The repercussions aren’t limited to bilateral ties but resonate deeply within the very fabric of American democracy.
Any oversight or failure to appropriately address these nuances could potentially create chaos, not only at the diplomatic level but also in the societal fabric of the US. It’s not merely about safeguarding legislation like SB 403 from potential foreign influence; it’s about ensuring that the cherished principles of democracy, freedom, and secularism aren’t compromised. President Biden’s leadership will be remembered, among other things, for how it navigates this intricate, multifaceted challenge.
In the complex realm of American democracy, Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 403, a bill emblematic of social justice, raises profound questions about the influence of powerful funders, such as Ajay Bhutoria and tech magnates like Google’s Sundar Pichai. By potentially sidelining principles of equality for political and economic interests, Newsom not only risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate but also casts a shadow over his image as a progressive leader and his future presidential aspirations. This pivotal decision, which could prioritise influential stakeholders over the core tenets of democracy, may ultimately define Newsom’s political legacy, with ramifications reaching far beyond California’s borders.
The author is the president of Foundation for Human Horizon, a UN-affiliated NGO that’s leading the Anti-Caste legislation movement in the USA and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)