India’s current government is led by the Bharatiya Janta Party or the BJP. It is also the country’s largest national party. It was formed in 1980, though its origins lie in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which was founded in 1951. The Jana Sangh was closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization that continues to play a significant role in shaping the BJP’s ideology.
The party first came to power at the center in 1996, but its government lasted only 13 days. It returned to power in 1998, forming a coalition under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. His tenure saw India conducting nuclear tests in 1998, economic reforms, and a focus on infrastructure development. However, the BJP lost power in 2004 to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
The BJP made a historic comeback in 2014 by securing 282 seats out of 543 in the Lok Sabha, with Narendra Modi as India’s prime minister. Major policy changes include the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 that criminalized triple talaq in India.
The government’s handling of several protests and crises has faced widespread scrutiny. The 2020–2021 farmer protests, which were sparked by the controversial farm laws that were later repealed, drew significant public attention, with criticism directed at the use of force and the management of the situation. Similarly, the government’s response to the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests raised concerns over its handling of dissent, particularly the use of force. The BJP’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic also attracted criticism, especially regarding the lack of transparency around the death toll, shortages of medical resources like oxygen cylinders, and inadequate preparedness during the second wave.
Additionally, the ongoing inter-tribe conflict in Manipur, which erupted in 2023, has faced criticism for the government’s perceived failure to take adequate action, with accusations of poor crisis management and insufficient intervention in addressing the escalating violence.
I’m actually so happy that someone is working on a biography of savarkar. Much needed. I’ve never bought this simple argument that condemns savarkar because of his mercy petitions. Sadly politicians and the wider public know very little history and keep talking based on their little knowledge. Very frustrating, but also means historians need to engage more. After spending 27 (or was it 37?) years in prison, a mercy petition to the British is understandable. I also agree with the more nuanced picture this article provides. Including his work on caste. At the same time, it’s true that savarkar worked to remove caste to unify a Hindu nation, and that this nation excluded non-hindus who equally belonged to India. Muslims and Christians were not included by him into his nation, unless they gave up their religion and culture. Also, Savarkar, as president of Hindu Mahasabha, wished it to “hinduise politics” and “militarise hindudom” – himself an atheist, he wanted to mix Hindu religion and politics, and wanted to militarise Hindus. He was extremely attracted to violence for political ends – this was earlier meant for the British (which landed him in jail for so many years, because he directly inspired Madanlal Dhingra who assassinated Wyllie), but continued later where he sanctioned to use of Hindus against whom he thought were their permanent enemies the Muslims. His vision of “history” was also marked by endless war between hindus and Muslims, and ofcourse since it was so politivated by the ideological project of creating a Hindu nation – did not take into account a proper and richer account of India’s ancient or medieval past.
About loyalism towards the British, more than the mercy petition, in fact what might show his loyalism is that I’m pretty certain the entire Hindu Mahasabha remained British loyalists, while the INC was leading a mass struggle of civil disobedience. The earlier Mahasabhites like Lajpat Rai and Malaviya were anti-British. But I think under Savarkar HMS was loyal to the British. Pretty sure about this, but need to recheck.
Another point – author is right to point out that INC proclaimed loyalty to British in 1914. But 1916 both INC and the Muslim League joined to demand selfgovt in Lucknow Pact. 1918 onwards there were huge mass movements like never before – led by Gandhi and the INC. 1918 Rowlatt agitation, and 1920 there was the non-cooperation movement, for which everyone from Lajpat Rai, Motilal Nehru, Jawarlal Nehru, to Maulana Azad to Ali brothers to Gandhi went to jail!
Caste is everything and corruption, which is one of the biggest industry is no exception.
Leave it, Shekhar ji. Your example is inappropriate, exaggerated, misleading and misplaced! I however respect you for your integrity, values and contribution in general.
how did the media slams bjps dalit president for corruption that exists in every party ? did bjp have an alternative ? Bangaru L was caught on candid cam with black money donations .. which was rampant during indira era , i know how honest officers in govt depts like cag were shunted out to a minor posting because he was honest and didnt accept a bribe of a 2bhk flat to change his findings he increased govt revenue by a crore a yr to the detriment of the loyal congress supporters who donated a large amt of black money made through cheating the govt !!
Bangaru Lakshman was party president. His crime far bigger than a junior minister.
It does not justify Judeo’s reinstatement though!
And Shekharji, you are far more informed of the Congress’ army of thieves. Alibaba had only 40!
Shekhar ji in new AVTAR. Of late you are switching. I know you always go with wind, which is against Journalism ethics. Wah Shekhar ji.
On par with Salim – Javed at their peak. Makes Mere paas maan hai sound almost petulant, childish.