New Delhi: In its editorial this week, Urdu newspaper Inquilab said that ‘one nation, one election’ could undermine democracy—silencing the voices of the people for the sake of convenience.
Siasat, Inquilab, and Roznama Rashtriya Sahara also took a closer look at the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Siasat argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was facing tough circumstances in Haryana, while Inquilab discussed the issues affecting the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
The Urdu newspapers also accused the BJP and regional parties of exploiting religious beliefs for political gains in the Tirupati laddu controversy.
Here’s a wrap of the news and editorials in the Urdu press this week.
Warning against ‘one nation, one election’
On 23 September, the Inquilab editorial said that while ‘one nation, one election’, may seem appealing at first, the proposal is flawed.
Though it has some support, many recognise the initiative as outdated and reminiscent of the early post-Independence period, it said.
The proposal, it said, raises critical questions over the implications of a government collapse in a state or at the national level as well as the financial realities of conducting elections.
The idea of simultaneous elections risks overshadowing local issues and depriving citizens of their right to engage with political leaders. It could potentially lead to political leaders “going into hiding” for extended periods, Inquilab said in the editorial. Furthermore, the editorial questioned what the Election Commission would do during a five-year gap where no elections would take place.
It is essential to reconsider the implications of such a proposal as it affects the democratic processes and the political landscape of the country. “In the quest for convenience, we risk undermining democracy, silencing local voices, and disregarding the complexities of governance—an approach that may seem efficient but ultimately betrays the principles of representation,” wrote the newspaper.
Delayed assembly elections
On 27 September, Siasat’s editorial argued that the BJP was facing a tall task in Haryana, where it is seeking a third consecutive term. Public opinion on the ground appears to favour the Congress and its leaders and workers also seem enthusiastic, it said.
Siasat said that the BJP had attempted to strengthen its position by persuading senior Congress leader Kumari Shailja to switch sides, but was rebuffed. This, the editorial said, highlighted the BJP’s struggle to get support even as it faces internal issues, including dissatisfaction among its leaders.
Several of its leaders have left the party—some joining the Congress or running as Independents—after several sitting MLAs were denied tickets. On the other hand, the Congress seems to be aware of the differences among its leaders and is working to unify them, Siasat said.
In its editorial on 24 September, Inquilab said that in Maharashtra the standing of the Mahayuti alliance partners—the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party—does not seem to have changed with the expected delay in conducting elections. The Ladki Bahin Yojana cash transfer could have provided some temporary relief, but the expectations of any major gains in the elections are low, even among party leaders and workers, Inquilab’s editorial said.
It said that the fragmentation of the Shiv Sena and the NCP has sent negative signals to Maharashtra’s populace and has also fuelled resentment in the alliance.
“Political instability and fragmentation undermine public trust and reveal the underlying resentments within alliances,” said Inquilab.
Modi in the US
On 27 September, Inquilab’s editorial said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a much smaller crowd of Indian-Americans on his latest trip compared to the “Howdy Modi” event in 2019.
Modi, the editorial also said, praised President Joe Biden, but made no mention of the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump—who had announced that the two would meet. This may have been driven by an abundance of caution, it said.
Modi’s past bonhomie with Trump had faced criticism and meeting either Trump or his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent, could complicate Modi’s political standing, the editorial alleged.
The Inquilab editorial also questioned Modi’s claim, while addressing the Indian American community, that his government has lifted 25 crore Indians out of poverty. It cited the fact that the government distributes free rations to over 81 crore Indians monthly.
It alleged that declining incomes, erosion of savings due to inflation, and rising unemployment were contributing to growing anxiety among Indians.
On Modi mentioning the progress in reducing carbon emissions, the editorial highlighted India’s ranking as the third most polluted country and said it remains a serious public health threat.
Political gains from laddu row
On 23 September, Siasat said in its editorial that the issue of the contaminated laddus was sensitive, but instead of taking action against the wrongdoers, the matter was being politicised.
This, the editorial said, comes soon after the developments in Uttar Pradesh where Muslim shopkeepers were asked to display signs identifying themselves along the route of the Kanwar Yatra—a Hindu religious procession. In another case in Andhra Pradesh, too, a Muslim vendor was attacked apparently for dressing as a Hindu to sell his goods. Both issues highlight growing religious tensions, it said.
But instead of working towards resolving these tensions, they are being used for political gain. “Exploiting religious sentiments for political agendas only deepens divisions, when justice and accountability should be the priority,” said Siasat.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, Siasat called for a thorough and fair investigation into the issue. In case of any wrongdoing, strict action should be taken against those responsible, it said.
A new president for Sri Lanka
On September 25, Siasat’s editorial asserted that Sri Lanka’s newly elected Leftist president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has shown flexibility on economic matters, offering hope for the country’s path to stability. This is particularly crucial after the country’s experience with its worst economic crisis in history.
In addition to improving domestic conditions, establishing control over the administration, and revitalising the economic system, Dissanayake must focus on maintaining balance in international and regional relations, Siasat said.
The editorial saidthat, over the past decade, Sri Lanka has increasingly leaned towards China, assigning several significant projects to that country. On the other hand, India has provided the country with aid as well as substantial loans. Considering these facts, Dissanayake needs to ensure a balanced approach. A one-sided inclination will not serve the interests of Sri Lanka or the region.
Dissanayake must also address public expectations amid ongoing economic hardships, the editorial said.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)