New Delhi: Urdu newspaper Inquilab criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its editorial this week, saying that the party is not able to capitalise on the abrogation of Article 370 for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir because what it once considered an achievement is no longer seen as one. The newspaper noted that the party is also experiencing serious internal opposition in the state ahead of elections.
Editorials in the Inquilab, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, and Siasat criticised the Modi government at the centre for rising communal violence and bulldozer action, writing that since BJP came to power in 2014, mob violence targeting Muslims has become more common.
On 5 September, Sahara’s editorial also expressed concern over the rape-murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital still remaining unresolved over a month later.
Here’s a wrap of the news and editorials in the Urdu press this week.
‘Article 370 isn’t achievement for BJP’
On 3 September, Inquilab’s editorial said that if abrogating Article 370 and making J&K a Union territory were truly significant achievements, as the BJP has often claimed, the party should have seen brighter prospects in the upcoming elections in the state.
However, it adds, the reality is different. The newspaper alleges that even the BJP knows that it had other motives behind taking those steps.
“There are only two reasons for not attempting to capitalise on this historic achievement in the elections. First, what the BJP considered an achievement is not truly one. Second, they are aware of public discontent,” the editorial said.
It added: “This sentiment has been periodically affirmed by the people. However, these are relatively old issues. The current situation is that in Jammu, the BJP is facing dissatisfaction from its own party workers.”
Since ticket distribution began on 26 August, there have been reports of protests by party leaders and workers in Jammu’s suburbs and other districts. In response, the party’s high command has deployed central ministers and key leaders to try and manage the discontent and defuse the situation.
‘Mob Violence + Bulldozer Action = What?’
On 6 September, Siasat newspaper’s editorial said that Telangana is increasingly being targeted by communal forces, alleging that organisations that incited violence against Muslims in northern India are now attempting to bring their divisive strategies to the country’s southern part.
Despite being largely rejected in the southern states, with the indirect support of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the BJP won eight Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, giving it a footing. As a result, Siasat said, groups like the Bajrang Dal are planning to disturb peace in the state. It is crucial to control these elements to preserve the state’s harmony and peace, it added.
On 3 September, Siasat alleged that since ‘bulldozer operations’ began in Uttar Pradesh, the trend has spread to other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Such actions have invited accusations of ignoring legal frameworks and being motivated by politics. The Supreme Court has now clarified that demolitions must follow judicial guidelines, urging governments and officials to operate within the law, it noted.
On 2 September, Inquilab wrote an editorial titled “Mob Violence + Bulldozer Action = What?” which criticised the failure of the law and the government to prevent mob violence. Noting that such instances are not confined to a single area, but occur nationwide, arguing that the silence and complicity of those in power have contributed to the problem.
“The persistence of mob violence and the inaction of authorities reveal a significant violation of human rights, with those in power either complicit or negligent,” Inquilab said.
On 1 September, the Siasat editorial claimed that after the BJP came to power in 2014, mob violence targeting Muslims has become more frequent. Several people have been lynched with cow vigilantes claiming they were carrying beef or stealing cows, yet the accused often escape punishment, Siasat noted, alleging that either law enforcement fails to act or politics were involved.
After an elderly man in Maharashtra was assaulted on a train by a group of men who said he was carrying beef, response from authorities has been slow, it said, raising concerns over alleged bias. The government’s silence on such incidents is troubling, the newspaper added.
‘Political landscape shifts in Haryana’
On 5 September, Siasat’s editorial discussed the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, noting the increasing political activity as the BJP aims for a third term, while Congress struggles to make a comeback. Still, after the Lok Sabha elections where both Congress and BJP won five seats each in the state, the political landscape has shifted, it said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has suggested forming an alliance with national parties, and talks between Congress and AAP are reportedly progressing, with discussions focused on seat sharing, it noted.
‘RSS support for caste census ironic’
On 4 September, Siasat highlighted the growing importance of caste census in India, which has been endorsed by the Congress, several regional parties, and even some BJP allies. Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) government conducted a caste census in Bihar and Congress-ruled states are trying to follow suit.
The BJP, however, remains non-committal on the issue, neither supporting nor opposing it. The RSS, though not officially involved in government decisions, has expressed support for a caste-based census, emphasising it shouldn’t be limited to political gains or government schemes. This stance, Siasat said, appears ironic given BJP’s history of using religious issues for political advantage.
‘West Bengal rape case still unsolved’
On 5 September, Sahara editorial raised concerns over the RG Kar case—noting that it still remains unsolved. It also noted that West Bengal Assembly passed an Anti-Rape Bill proposing the death penalty for offenders if the victim dies or falls into a coma and establishing special courts for faster trials.
It highlighted that although stricter laws already exist and special courts were set up years ago, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further strengthen laws for women’s safety. “Despite the new bill, existing laws against rape in India are already stringent, yet the need for further action remains evident,” wrote the newspaper.
‘Is India truly a global leader?’
On 4 September, Sahara questioned the claim that India will soon regain its status as a global leader—as it was before it was exploited by foreign and colonial powers. While, for the past 10-11 years, declarations on rebuilding India, becoming a $5 trillion economy, and surpassing the West in education have been heavily promoted, the reality is different, it said.
It claimed that social progress is lagging; the education sector is in crisis; and rising unemployment is contributing to depression among youth. Sahara also flagged a troubling increase in suicides among teenagers.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also Read: Abolishing Article 370 is not helping BJP in J&K polls. Now its facing in-party oppn—Urdu press