Dividing Punjab and Punjabiat: Congress’ dangerous election policy
by Jaibans Singh on 19 Nov 2021 18 Comments

Punjab is going through one of the most unfortunate and dangerous phases in its long and noble history. The current phase is unfortunate because the land and its people are beset with huge problems, including lack of employment, faltering economy, dangerously deteriorating environment, drug addiction, an exodus of youth due to unfettered migration, control of natural assets by the mafia, and a host of other problems.

 

This is a sad phase because political leaders who are responsible for resolving the problems are overwhelmed with petty concerns to grab power by any and every means. They have no compunction in misrepresenting facts and telling blatant lies if it serves their political purposes. They are unmindful of the repercussions of their hate-filled diatribes and least concerned about the huge problems faced by the region to which they give only lip service.

 

The State is in a dangerous phase because the utterances of politicians have the potential to engineer a divide between the various communities that have coexisted peacefully for millennia. More serious is the space their verbal misadventures are opening up for the enemy sitting across the border.

 

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, in a speech at the 16th session of the 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, touched the nadir of unbecoming and degrading politics. Attacking the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the CM used the most derogatory language against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying that the Akalis were the gateway through which the RSS managed to make inroads in the State and that the RSS has always been inimical to the interests of Punjab.

 

These diatribes do not stand the test of history or empirical evidence as the RSS has been worked in Punjab for decades before the BJP entered a coalition with the SAD. Its services during the Partition and War of 1947-48 were exemplary. Also, all through the coalition period, the RSS as a social organisation worked for the social uplift of Punjab and kept aloof from the politics of the coalition.

 

Charanjit Singh Channi failed to clarify how and why he felt that the RSS has “always been inimical to the interests of Punjab”; the remark hung in the air as an unsubstantiated and immature remark that does not behove any political leader, let alone the chief minister of a State.

 

The complete address of the Chief Minister lacked focus and rested on an odious and insufferable diatribe that exposed his frustration and insecurity. It seems he has realised the abject failure of his earlier attempts to gain the confidence of the people by giving doles and now wishes to make a bid for power on the basis of a “divide and rule” policy.

 

His poor performance in the State Assembly was followed up by yet another dangerous move: he announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the 83 persons arrested for violence in Delhi on January 26, 2021, during the farmers’ tractor march.

 

Channi is obviously misusing his office in a manner that spells disaster for Punjab and must be checked before it is too late. He needs to be legally challenged for his hate speech against the RSS, the BJP and the SAD. The Centre should assess the impact of such hate mongering on communal harmony in the sensitive border state and its potential to escalate into a security issue, both internal and external.

 

Regarding compensation to the agitators under arrest, there must be a legal clarification as to how taxpayers’ money can be used to compensate persons facing criminal charges. In fact, the entire dole packages announced by the Chief Minister should be brought under CAG scrutiny to identify the means by which they can be fructified as the government is already reeling under the worst-ever financial crisis. 

 

The election campaign in the State is based on blame game and stinging statements that are leaving the people insecure and disturbed; only the BJP is maintaining its dignity. The party has openly admitted its mistake in staying allied with the SAD and is working hard to give good options in all 117 constituencies and a wholesome election manifesto.

 

The BJP has always been in favour of the farmer community in Punjab and across the country. It understands that there are some segments among Punjabi farmers who have reservations on the provisions of the three farm laws, and has kept the door open for talks to resolve all issues. It is confident that eventually farmers will understand the attempt to bring direct benefits to the small farmer.

 

While the regressive election campaigns of opposition parties can be accepted with a pinch of salt, the dangerous path that the ruling Congress party has adopted has repercussions for the security, economy and social fabric of the State. Engineering of a community divide in the “land of Gurus and Pirs” is intolerable. Any attempt to divide Punjab and Punjabiat is unbearable. The misguided election policy of the Congress, for which it has made its incumbent Chief Minister a scapegoat, cannot be allowed to go on unchecked. Congress is a directionless meteor that will cause vast damage when it falls.

 

(Jaibans Singh is a Geo-strategic analyst, columnist and commentator) 

User Comments Post a Comment
This is a disturbing but accurate account of the dire situation in the Punjab.

The RSS has been bad mouthed by all the Opposition all over India.
The latest is the remark by the Congress leadership.

Channi is not alone in this.

Shri Jaibans Singh is right. The rot must be stemmed right now in the Punjab.
Dr. Vijaya Rajiva
November 19, 2021
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RSS is the one organization that lives up to its name - voluntarily serving the nation, without allegiance to any party or religion. Those who speak ill of RSS are all anti-nationals.
Raghu
November 19, 2021
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Totally agree with author
Ajay
November 19, 2021
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First blood for Sikhs, modi had to kneel down !!!!
observer
November 20, 2021
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,,,,what happened no comment, what about you Jaiban singh ?
observer
November 24, 2021
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Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims.

Only an Indian can understand this.

The above mentioned communities cannot be divided, they are all Bharatiyas.

India that is Bharat, is how the Constitution begins.

India will either be divided or destroyed said Jinnah. That has not happened.

Bharat is neither destroyed nor divided.
Dr. Vijaya Rajiva
November 24, 2021
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....Modi ji is steadily taking it to one !
observer
November 24, 2021
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Nor will it be divided or destroyed.
Dr. Vijaya Rajiva
November 25, 2021
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........ and then he awarded Abhinanden Vir Chakra for loosing his plane and getting his butt whopped by Pakistani villagers and had Pakistani Army didn't arrive on time would have been a causality , cant you see what is he doing with you (hinduvtists) mind and taking the nation for a ride ?
observer
November 25, 2021
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You are obsessed with Modi.

I am talking Bharat. Will never be destroyed or divided as Jinnah had hoped, and so it would seem the sympathisers hope.

Stay focussed on Bharat.
Dr. Vijaya Rajiva
November 25, 2021
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...that's exactly my point as he is destroying Bharat one piece at a time and you are so oblivious to the fact ,remove your saffron colored glasses .
observer
November 25, 2021
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Stay focussed on Bharat.

Modi is not harming Bharat. That is your perception. Are you a Congresswallah ?
Dr. Vijaya Rajiva
November 26, 2021
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Case of RSS is like Opposition called them Hindu Nazi, and they started thinking themselves as one such like Nazi's and started parading on street.

Its just an NGO.

Clueless, Directionless. Dearth Of Knowledge.

With National Disaster Management Team doing work after cyclone, flood, Building Collapse they are un-employed too.

Rest Hindus don't give damn to Kalistani's.

by 2024 Modi will be seen wearing more Blue Colored Designer Kurti's, RSS too can adopts the Blue Color Half pent and shed Kaki.
Jaykumar
November 27, 2021
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@ Jaykumar.
You" case of RSS --- they started thinking themselves as Nazis"
Your comparison of RSS and Hindutva is a malicious and false propaganda by the Tukde tukde gang who shamelessly raised slogans" Bharat tere tukde honge insha allah insha allah" inside the JNU campus and in other parts of the country .
Here I give you a list how RSS or Hindutva differs from fascism.

Hindutva and RSS are rooted in ethical principles of Sanatana Dharma. On the other hand, fascism is an imperialist political ideology rooted in Christian materialism devoid of ethics.
2. Hindutva follows cultural nationalism,where as fascism is a form of racial ethnic and militant nationalism.
3. Hindutva is democratic But fascism is authoritarianism and dictatorship.
4.Hindutva is inclusive. Fascism is exclusive.
5. Hindutva does not have any ugly history of genocide. On the contrary, fascist Hitler wiped out nearly six million jews.
6. Fascism believe in racial superiority. On the other hand, Hindutva demonstrate its superiority not on basis of race or birth but by knowledge and scientific methods.
7 . Fascism is expansionist. Hindutva on the other hand,does not desire to conquer other countries. It restricts its activities to defending its legitimate territories.
8.Fascists treat women as inferior . On the contrary, Hindutva has shown high respect to women by appointing them as judges as seen from the debate between Adi Sankaracharya and madan Mishra.Hindutva has produced many female warriors, philosophers and saints.
9. For the RSS and Hindutva , the Earth is not simply an inanimate object ,but a living and loving entity . We address the earth as Bhu mata and India as Bharat Mata. Before a Hindu steps on the ground, he utters the sloka" Vishnu patni namastubhyam padasparsham kshamasvame" ( O consort of lord Vishnu forgive me for placing my feet on Thee)
Such sublime philosophy cannot be found in fascism or in any country in the world.

Historian David kertzer exposes the Christian roots of fascism which secularised indians and Communists try to hide.Kertzer argued that Fascism was inspired by the catholic tradition-- authoritarianism , intolerance of opposition and profound suspicion of the Jews. The first fascist movt arose in a country that was 99% catholic and seat of Papacy. Mussolini's fascist rallies would begin with a morning Mass performed by the catholic priest. Kertzer said" The pope would in fact say that the one true totalitarian organization is not even the fascist party',it is the Roman catholic Church" The secret relationship between pope Pius X1 and Mussolini is now history.

Theologian Rubenstein wrote" the roots of Nazi death' camps must be sought in the mystic structure of Christianity" Historian Dagobert Rune opined" the isolation of jews, burning of jew books-- Hitler learnt it all from the church"
In fact Communists themselves are fascists as they share the same characteristics of fascism as stated by kertzer.
Panikkath Krishnanunni
November 28, 2021
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@ Jaykumar.
The RSS is not" just an NGO" . It is the largest Hindu organization in the world , with branches in several countries. It differs from other NGOs. The RSS fosters patriotism and cultural values which most other NGOs do not do.
Justice KT Thomas in an interview to the media remarked" After the army it is the RSS that protects the country"
The rest of what you wrote is just gibberish not worth replying.
Panikkath Krishnanunni
November 28, 2021
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The baseless rants of anonymous commentator called Mr Observer" is not worth replying as this person does not have the necessary IQ for an intellectual discussion.
He most shamelessly portrays our mighty war hero Gp Capt Abhinandan as one who surrendered and was rescued by Pak army. This person hides the fact that Pak is a complete pauper begging for financial aid and arms from other countries and was treated as an untouchable by many islamic countries.
Panikkath Krishnanunni
November 28, 2021
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Those who accuse the RSS as fascist may please note this:
The true nature of Communists comes straight from the mouth of a former Marxist historian, Dr E Balakrishnan. His views are sufficient to demolish Marxist historian Romila Thapar's holier than thou attitude. In his book" History of communist movement in Kerala" Dr Balakrishnan opined" One of the contributions of Communists is the fascist behavioural patterns among its cadres. During 1938-39 Stalin revealed his fascist nature through Moscow trials and murder campaigns.The other characteristics of fascism are ethno centricism, unquestioned submission to leadership, closed mindedness, and morbid pre occupation with supposed conspiracies of enemies" Nick Cohen wrote" HG. Wells saw no difference between Communism and Fascism. Georges Sorel the mentor of Mussolini ,was an ardent Marxist.

Characteristics of fascism have also been displayed by leaders of the Indian National Congress right from the times of MK Gandhi who appointed Nehru as PM despite popularity of sardar Patel. Fascism reached its zenith during the ruthless reign of Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi who imposed Emergency in 1975 . All democratic and judicial procedures were violated and more than a lakh were arrested and many RSS men were incarcerated in prisons for 18 months. Recent fascist behaviour was displayed by Italian fascist leader of the Cong when eminent journalist Arnab Goswami was arrested for questioning the silence of Sonia Gandhi on killing of a sadhu in phalghar ( Maharashtra) and for merely calling her by her Italian name.
Panikkath Krishnanunni
November 28, 2021
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@Panikkath Krishnanunni Sir,
I have a very high regards for you and towards others as well.

As a organization RSS is a colossal failure when it comes to protecting their own cadres, same is case with BJP. No other organisations in India tolerates such casual attitude towards their cadres.

Still we Hindus need liberals or someone from secular cabals to certify Hindus are great, same is case here that of Justice Thomas.


In same Vijayvaani website, once I defended Modi' when he as a CM bulldozed temples in and around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, just in name if development, today what is happening in Kasi, shows true nature of BJP as Back stabbing party.

Once who used to ask crowd chant Vande Matram, today he is asking Jai Bheem...to be chanted.


Most of Middle Class are willing to face Anti-hindu rather getting back stabbed.
Jaykumar
November 28, 2021
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