PM's speech glosses over key issues

Independence Days are occasions for celebration, stocktaking and introspection, and the 69th anniversary has given yet another opportunity for the nation to take a long look at the past and to try to take a longer view of the future. The prime minister leads the nation in this review, with a statement of what the government has achieved in the past year and in its tenure and an articulation of the tasks that remain to be undertaken. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has important achievements to show, like the passing of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill by Parliament, the slowing down of inflation, progress in electrification and improvement in road construction. The government has fulfilled promises like the implementation of the one rank, one pension (OROP) scheme. He was also willing to give the previous government credit for some achievements like the implementation of the Aadhaar scheme.

While the prime minister’s claims, mainly in relation to the economy, may not be disputed, the issues he glossed over or understated are also important. There were attempts to misuse Article 356 against opposition governments. The situation in Kashmir has deteriorated in the last one year. Pointing out the human rights violations in Pakistan is not the answer to the questions raised in Kashmir. There is an increase in social tensions and conflicts in many parts of the country with rising intolerance and growing attacks on Dalits and minorities over issues like cow slaughter. President Pranab Mukherjee, in his message to the nation, had more clearly articulated his concern over the attacks on weaker sections and the rise of divisive forces in the country in recent years. While the prime minister stressed the importance of social harmony and underlined the need to deal with social evils sternly, the government’s record of actions has not matched his words. He did well to state that economic progress does not guarantee a strong society, and rightly mentioned unity in diversity as the strength of the Indian nation and civilisation. These ideas should guide the policies and actions of the government. This calls for an inclusive view of politics and governance, and the prime minister’s mention of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, whose name is usually taboo for the BJP, is welcome in this context.

A performance record is always a mixed bag, especially in a complex society with multiple challenges like India. The effort of governments and of the entire country should be to learn from failures and correct the wrongs and mistakes of the past. While we have an annual reminder of our independence as a country, we need to do more to ensure freedom and justice to every citizen of the country.