Women Transforming Indian Politics: Insights from Veteran Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai at Kitaab Event in Kolkata
Veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai launched his new book, *2024: The Election that Surprised India*, which chronicles last year’s parliamentary elections that led to a modest re-election of the Modi government, forming a coalition government. In a captivating discussion with medical professional, social scientist, and political activist Fuad Halim, Rajdeep delved deeply into the themes of his book at the Kitaab event hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation FICCI-FLO Kolkata at Taj City Centre, New Town Kolkata, on a delightful winter evening. IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh shares the highlights of the event.
Q. You addressed the allowance of the Kumbh Mela during the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in significant loss of life and contributed to a second wave. What are your reflections on this?
A. I discovered that medical professionals and even the government’s Covid committee had opposed hosting the Kumbh in such a large format. However, the government declared victory over Covid in February 2021, which was followed by alarming developments later that year. The Kumbh was not the only instance of negligence; political leaders, from Narendra Modi to Mamata Banerjee, were active in campaigning during the Bengal elections while the public was urged to practice social distancing. Meanwhile, large gatherings for the Kumbh, elections, and even a cricket match were permitted against medical advice. Who bears responsibility for these decisions?
The situation starkly contrasts with the early days of the pandemic in 2020, when a Tablighi Jamaat event led to widespread condemnation against Muslims. Yet, no such labels were applied to those overseeing the Kumbh. We witnessed a major festival without any social distancing, and this laid the groundwork for what became Covid 2.0. Unfortunately, our country struggles with accountability systems.
Q. Reflecting on the farmers’ protests, you mentioned that Narendra Modi, while serving as Gujarat chief minister, advocated for legally guaranteed MSP in 2011. You remarked that “where you stand depends on where you sit,” highlighting shifting political conveniences. How do you perceive the impact of the farmers’ protests on the ruling party’s performance in the 2024 elections?
A. I genuinely believe the farm laws were beneficial. Agriculture should be liberated from state control; farmers ought to have access to the same advantages as corporate entities. The economic liberalization of 1991 did not extend to agriculture, leaving farmers vulnerable to weather, middlemen, and local market dynamics. While I support market-oriented reforms in agriculture, the government must engage with stakeholders to navigate these substantial changes. This was a crucial error during the farmers’ protests.
Agriculture is ingrained in the lifestyle of Punjabi Jatsi farmers. While urban views may label certain intermediaries as middlemen, they serve as vital support in farmers’ lives, even assisting with financial needs during weddings. This concept often goes unnoticed by the government, which ultimately led to the misunderstanding between the ruling class and farmers. The nature of dialogue and consensus building across the political spectrum appears to be diminishing, causing divide and mistrust.
At the core, farmers wield significant influence in society. Mr. Modi’s government was compelled to retract the farm laws, fearing a loss of their voter base. It’s unfortunate because the laws could have served a beneficial purpose. Political parties in India often transform from reformist entities in power to opposition critics of the same reforms.
Q. Are you concerned about the shifting political allegiances as parties move away from ideological commitments?
A. Absolutely. In Maharashtra, for example, numerous MLAs have changed allegiance multiple times over the last decade. It’s almost surreal; such phenomena are rare globally. We see a transition from minor to major defections, creating a political marketplace akin to an IPL auction, referred to humorously as the Indian Political League. Recent elections revealed staggering amounts spent, up to Rs. 50 crore per MLA for party-switching. Consent is no longer distinct and seems to have been replaced by cynicism among voters.
Q. As a journalist, how do you perceive the assaults on media personnel striving to report the truth?
A. Just last week, a young journalist I knew from Bastar, Mukesh Chandrakar, was killed for exposing corruption in road contracts. Unlike the public reactions to previous incidents, there seem to be no calls for vigils for him. The distance between places like Bastar and the capital seems to amplify this disregard for journalistic integrity.
While not all journalists face intimidation, the space for rigorous investigative journalism is contracting. The recent arrest of Newsclick editor Prabir Purakayastha under UAPA echoes past occurrences during the Emergency. The notion that journalism can be criminalized is alarming. In Kashmir, the rampant use of the Public Safety Act creates an environment of fear, where individuals can be detained without trial. Unlike a recognized journalist like myself, many young journalists lack the same protections or resources.
Q. You mentioned a BJP MLA from Manipur who faced violence due to ethnic differences. What does this indicate about the prevailing societal divisions in India?
A. Manipur exemplifies some of the darker realities within Indian society, showcasing ongoing ethnic and regional tensions. While people from different backgrounds inhabit the region, there seems to be a lack of compassion or acknowledgment at higher societal levels. The Prime Minister has not visited Manipur amidst ongoing tribulations, accentuating a perceived disconnect from the suffering of its people.
The anguish stemming from communal violence is deeply unsettling. Numerous subsequent conflicts have seen minimal accountability. Disturbingly, historical data demonstrates that many perpetrators in various riots remain unpunished, irrespective of the political party in power.
Q. Can you explain the symbolism behind the book cover featuring a girl’s face, an inked finger, and the tricolor?
A. My intention was to encapsulate the essence of Indian voters and their power; hence, a striking female figure was fitting for the decade of women. Research has shown that no political party can secure an election without significant female support. Women vote collectively for candidates they perceive will benefit them, evidenced by initiatives such as the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme in Maharashtra. Leading female politicians have shown an enduring commitment to this crucial demographic, resulting in their electoral successes.
However, politicians often misjudge the way to win women’s support, opting for small financial incentives rather than genuinely empowering initiatives. While I endorse measures like free bus rides as a means of empowerment, true liberation cannot be achieved through monetary assistance alone—it should involve comprehensive recognition of women’s roles in society.
Q. How do you interpret regional parties in the national political arena?
A. While regional parties can thrive locally, expanding their influence nationally proves challenging. Each region in India has unique political dynamics, often alienating charismatic leaders from their roots. The difficulties faced by leaders like Mamata Banerjee highlight these limitations; their prominence is often confined to their respective states.
Q. Despite predictions of a Modi sweep, some candidates have emerged victorious. What does this signify?
A. I remain optimistic. Democracy thrives—evidence lies in extraordinary grassroots campaigns, such as that of Sanjana Jatav, a Dalit woman in Rajasthan who triumphed against a powerful candidate without significant resources. Her story, along with others like Rajkumar Roat, portrays a resilient India where unexpected leaders are emerging to challenge long-standing power structures.
Through democracy’s trials and transformations, the spirit of the Indian electorate endures, demonstrating complexities often overlooked in digital surveys. Recognizing this spirit is vital for truly understanding our diverse, democratic fabric.
Q. As a seasoned journalist, how has access to political leaders evolved since 2014?
A. Today’s political landscape, including interactions with the Prime Minister, demonstrates a preference for controlled communication through social media over face-to-face press engagements. This represents a shift where political figures behave more like rulers than representatives of the people.
Q. Why do you believe poll predictions for the 2024 election exhibit such disparities?
A. With over 650 million voters, predicting public sentiment from a studio is a daunting task, resulting in frequent inaccuracies in forecasts.
