Opposition to Modi began even before he became the PM for the first time. Insinuations and ugly accusations from his inability to speak English, his tea-seller background and more importantly his role in the Gujarat riots, which had erupted as an explosive public reaction to the Godhra train tragedy. From an infamous ‘maut ka saudagar,’ proponent of killings, by Sonia, ‘fit only to sell tea’ jibe by Mani Shankar Iyer, and topping with Rahul calling PM Modi’ Chor,’ thief, the Indian politicians and media indulged in below the belt hitting. The people decided otherwise, partly believing his ability to jail the corrupt and bringing in the black money stashed abroad.
I would not go into the extent of fulfilment of Modi’s electoral promises, which is not the subject here. He stunned with his passable English, his suave diplomatic skills and his establishing one to one friendship with most world leaders. A new Avatar of Modi was born, despite the opposition’s tirades, award wapsi, return of awards, provocation of the literati etc. Refusing to stand while playing our National Anthem too had become a demand in the name of democracy.
A few weeks ago, 49 celebrities wrote to the PM on the lynchings and the oppression of minorities and Dalits. I merely am acquainted with a few, kindhearted, failed or jobless, but celebrities at one time and therefore are sufferers with the attention-seeking disorder. The media well circulated the letter, and a lot of noise erupted for a while. The celebrities fumed and miffed at no reaction from the PM or PMO. I wrote then that it was a democratic right to approach the PM on issues singeing the country if it was in the right spirit and not political.
Now a lawyer has filed an FIR and in a Bihar court, which has taken cognizance and accepted the petition that includes sedition charges. The celebrities and their cohorts, media opposed to the government, have risen to cry hoarse over the attack of freedom of speech and expression, attacking the government. It is democratic when they write to the PM, and when another citizen finds it inappropriate and seeks for a judicial interpretation, it becomes hegemonistic. The lawyer has merely exercised his right as these G49 have done! In my opinion, the court should not have admitted the petition at all.
My take is, seldom a section of people, claiming to be descendants of some superior species have taken to such irreprehensible lows. From doubting the response of our air-force in Balakot strikes to fiercely opposing India’s action in Kashmir, they have a reason to oppose every day.
To the G 49 and the supporting media: Many acts of omission and commission have happened in all the states that the group hails from. They have made no whisper on those. Their target is only to attack the Prime Minister of a sovereign nation for personal rewards. The others who love India and its elected government have as much a right too, to respond legally as the lawyer is doing. These so-called intellectuals are not helping the nation in any manner but merely a regressive group, funded and encouraged by forces inimical to our nation’s stability and growth.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
