The Final Appeal: Dr. Manmohan Singh Urges Punjab to Protect Democracy from Modi's Despotism

01 June 2024

In a poignant moment leading up to the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the venerable ex-Prime Minister, has broken his long-held silence to issue a heartfelt plea to the voters of Punjab. His message is clear: this election is the last chance to safeguard India's democracy and Constitution from what he describes as "repeated assaults by a despotic regime."

A Scathing Critique of Modi's Government

In a three-page open letter, Singh, who has largely shunned the limelight since his tenure ended, offered a scathing critique of the current government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused Modi's administration of debasing public discourse and launching unwarranted attacks on Punjab, Punjabis, and Punjabiyat. "No PM, in the past, has uttered hateful, unparliamentary, and coarse terms... meant to target either a specific section of society or opposition," Singh lamented.

Singh's concern about the current political climate is palpable. He warns that the tone of political dialogue has shifted dramatically under Modi's leadership, posing a threat to societal harmony. Concluding his letter, Singh urged voters to recognize the "narrative of dehumanisation" that he believes has reached its zenith and to "save our beloved nation from these forces of discord."

The Stark Contrast: Singh vs. Modi

This appeal from Dr. Manmohan Singh is more than just another political statement; it is a significant moment in an election characterized by a fierce tug of war between the ruling party and the opposition. The stark contrast between the ideologies, governance styles, and legacies of Singh and Modi is more evident than ever as India stands at a crossroads.

Dr. Singh, a 91-year-old veteran of the Congress party, and Narendra Modi, the incumbent Prime Minister and BJP stalwart, embody two vastly different approaches to leadership. Singh, born in 1932 in what is now Pakistan, is an economist, academic, and bureaucrat whose political career began with his appointment as Finance Minister in 1991. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by a focus on peace, cooperation, and multilateralism. Singh's governance style was consultative and coalition-based, reflecting his technocratic background.

In stark contrast, Narendra Modi, born in 1950 in Gujarat, emerged from the grassroots as an RSS Pracharak and political activist. Joining the BJP in 1987, he rose to become the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and later the Prime Minister in 2014. Modi's leadership is characterized by assertive diplomacy, centralization of power, and a decisive approach to governance. His tenure has seen strengthened ties with global powers, a focus on digitization, and a dynamic use of social media to connect with the youth.

Manmohan Singh's Tenure: Successes and Challenges

Dr. Manmohan Singh was asked to head the nation when Congress and its allies won the 2004 General Elections with 335 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats. After five years of governance, the Manmohan Singh-led administration secured a second term in 2009, winning 322 out of 543 seats. However, a series of scams and corruption scandals dented the Singh government's credibility, leading to widespread public outrage. The latter part of his second term also saw a slowdown in economic growth, attributed to policy paralysis and global economic conditions. His government faced significant social unrest, including the 2011 anti-corruption protests led by Anna Hazare, demanding stronger anti-corruption measures.

The Rise of Narendra Modi

All this chaos and unrest among the general public paved the way for Narendra Modi’s BJP and its allies to win the 2014 general elections by a comfortable 336 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats. In contrast, Congress and its allies were reduced to a mere 59 seats. Heading toward its second term in the 2019 general elections, the BJP and its allies won a massive 353 out of 543 seats. Meanwhile, Congress even failed to secure 10% of the seats needed to claim the post of Leader of the Opposition.

The Digital Revolution and the Informed Electorate

The reality is that Indian voters are now much more aware of what is happening in the country. A decade ago, discussions on politics were often frowned upon in most Indian families. Politics and politicians were seen as something to avoid, akin to the devil's den. Media and information were not as easily accessible or dynamic. However, this changed post-2014 due to the advent of low-cost internet services, the Modi government's emphasis on digitization, and his preference for social media to connect with the young population of the country.

PM Narendra Modi has actively utilized various mediums and resources to disseminate information about his and his government's actions, as well as the failures of previous governments. He has regularly highlighted the opposition's flaws and their impact on national progress. Modi has not only been a skilled orator but also a master of strategic thinking. His proactive approach and far-sightedness have helped him win millions of hearts in India and abroad.

The Road Ahead: Democracy at the Crossroads

As India prepares to decide its future, the question looms: will Modi's government face the same fate as Singh's after two terms, or will it secure a historic third term? The electorate is now more informed and engaged, thanks to the digital revolution and the Modi government's emphasis on transparency and connectivity.

Today's India is a nation divided along lines of religion and economic philosophy, but it is also a nation more politically aware than ever before. As we await the results on June 4th, one thing is certain: the outcome will be a testament to the resilience of Indian democracy. This 44-day-long election schedule will serve as a shining example to the world of how the largest democracy on Earth exercises its right to choose its leaders in a peaceful, progressive manner.

The Ultimate Winner: Indian Democracy

In the end, whether it is Dr. Manmohan Singh's plea for unity and protection of democratic values or Narendra Modi's vision of a digitally empowered and globally assertive India that resonates with voters, the true winner will be democracy itself.