The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is uneasy about recent developments in these three states for a number of reasons. The concerns that have gained attention are now a litmus test for the party in power.
The past six months have seen ethnic bloodshed in Manipur, which has revealed the BJP’s political agenda like never before. The Modi government’s pledge of a sab ka sath, sab ka vishwas appears to have been undermined in the politically volatile northeastern state, even though it benefits from the double engine of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at both the state and federal levels.
Source: BBC
Amidst accusations of both commission and omission in the ethnic conflict, Manipur’s N Biren Singh government has emerged as one of the most divisive in the state in recent times. The Prime Minister’s refusal to travel to the state, where the minority Kukis and majority Meities are at war, has fueled the flames even more. What has occurred in Manipur is a stain on democracy, and the restoration of the rule of law without fear or favor requires the leader’s healing touch. The concept of India is under jeopardy here.
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The majority of India’s mainstream media fails to inform the public on what is actually happening, which exacerbates the issue. The opposition has called for the Modi administration to send an all-party team to the unstable state, but oddly, Modi has refused to even meet with delegations of Manipur leaders, one of whom includes a former chief minister.
Polls are soon to be held in Mizoram, which borders Manipur, but the BJP is not creating much of a stir. The largest political party in the world and its leader were met with a rejection from the NDA ally that has been in power in the northeastern state. The BJP was taken aback when Chief Minister Zoramthanga told it straight that it shouldn’t expect him to appear on stage with Modi.
He claimed that being perceived as supporting the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party since the people of Mizoram are upset about how the BJP has handled the turmoil in Manipur. With five states receiving results from the upcoming assembly polls, Maharashtra will be the state where Modi will be put to the ultimate test.
The exam has to do with the contentious Maratha reservation issue, which cannot be settled without the Center’s strong engagement. After Manoj Jarange Patil effectively took over the demand agitation and succeeded in pressuring the state administration to take the issue seriously, the state has become unstable.
Amit Shah, the home minister, and Modi have not yet commented on the growing issue in Maharashtra. The breathing room provided by Patil in breaking his fast might make or break the BJP’s chances in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections if a resolution isn’t achieved in the next two months.
With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is a significant state in Indian politics, second only to Uttar Pradesh with 80 seats. Modi’s arrival on the national scene in May 2014 is the reason behind the BJP’s rise in the state, both in the assembly and the Lok Sabha. But in the sixteen months since taking office, the BJP has had difficulty establishing a strong and stable government in Maharashtra.
The road ahead for the ruling BJP in the general elections of 2024 would become much more difficult if Modi continues his eloquent silence and is not perceived as taking constructive measures to solve the issue.
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