2024 General Elections, throwing caution to the wind

With the rising upsurge of Hindutva, one can only hope that our nation gains some solid ground by the year 2024. A crucial point has arrived. Apart from the possibility of an impending genocide targeting minorities that can be predicted, here are a few other things that might also be of great concern.

While the ordeal of the Adani controversy diffuses itself out, one might begin to remember the subtle instances where similar situations were boldly highlighted earlier. 

What demonetization did to small-scale businesses, people residing below the poverty lines, and marginalized communities left our nation short of words. The economic losses that the citizens of India suffered were soon forgotten as Covid approached and crippled a certain section of the society to the point of no recovery. 

The migrant worker crisis blew itself out disproportionately against the privilege of the well-to-do. What wasn’t initially realized within the four walls of one’s home was felt on a grass-root level, outside. Later on, while thousands of farmers continued to wage war for their rights, none of them were heard clearly enough to make any difference in this world.

So where does India stand, now?

With 2024 venturing nearby, here are a few things that ought to be kept in mind. 

The present scenario of governance is to sweep things neatly under the carpet. And by that, what is meant are things that truly matter. 

While the Adani controversy incited certain questions in the minds of individuals, the esteemed prime minister of India quickly managed to christen the Mughal Gardens as “Amrit Udyan” to create a diversion in the primary topic of concern. These diversions have been created in the past. It is about time that they are recognized for what they are worth.

Further, the ruling class that truly does claim to care for its people has had an enormous portion of its population reeling under servitude and poverty. Labor rights aren’t recognized anymore. While the marginalized societies continue to suffer, citizens are being asked to revel in the flashy imagery of India. 

Press freedom has fallen under the radar due to undeniable scrutiny that isn’t acknowledged widely. While earlier, Amnesty International was seemingly stifled, press freedom in India has come to a point where media giants like BBC receive similar treatment under the siege of the said invigilance.

For those who may not be aware, BBC was responsible for recently releasing a documentary on YouTube in two parts that reflected upon Narendra Modi’s perception of the Godhra riots in Gujarat. The garbs were pulled over them as they got banned on YouTube. While the entire country got divided into opinions, the people of this country were not allowed to view them. 

What followed were protests by students in educational institutions and other citizens, throughout the nation and on the internet, to create resistance. What was received in return were cold shoulders turned in the direction of an appeal towards liberty, and freedom of expression. 

Next, the famous Nupur Sharma’s comment on the Prophet Muhammad incurred heavy losses on India’s economy as Oman and other middle eastern countries backed off from billion-dollar deals with the nation. 

Lastly, as we all know that India lies lower than Pakistan and Bangladesh on the Global Hunger index.

Before setting out towards another year of citizenship in this country, what must be remembered is a list of the number of things that can affect every individual, directly or indirectly. The agenda is to make an informed and conscious decision. One that will affect the entire country.