Opinion Word Play
Both Sangh Parivar weeklies glossed over Narendra Modis burqa of secularism accusation. Both underplayed Modis visit to Pune
Word Play
Both Sangh Parivar weeklies glossed over Narendra Modis burqa of secularism accusation. Both underplayed Modis visit to Pune,where the remark was made. Neither mentions the controversial remarks,and focusses on issues such as Modis observations on the education system. The Organiser,however,alluded to the controversy by carrying a cover page article which laments that those who oppose enacting the uniform civil code call themselves secular and those who demand the enacting of the uniform civil code in terms of Article 44 are dubbed communal.
Uncle Sam Says
Both Sangh Parivar publications criticised the governments recent move to liberalise FDI regulations for 13 sectors. Panchjanya published a cover story,Sam khush hua,with an accompanying image of US President Barack Obamas shadow looming over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. An editorial in Panchjanya suggested that American pressure was behind the relaxing of FDI rules. It expressed special concern over FDI liberalisation in defence and telecom. The editorial hints at a foreign hand by questioning why the move was hurriedly taken only days after Obama voiced the need for more reforms in India. A full-page article in the Organiser by BJP general secretary Muralidhar Rao echoed such apprehensions. The Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram had recently visited the US and soon after his return,the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the decision of opening a few more sectors for increased FDI. People have genuine doubts about who has actually inspired or influenced this decision of the UPA government,he wrote. The piece alleges that the countrys external deficit has been created by the governments inaction and that the UPA government,instead of hitting the problem at its root,is using the situation to promote its agenda of promoting foreign interests by raising FDI caps in 12 important sectors.
Slipping Neighbour
An article in the Organiser draws attention to the changing perception of India in Bhutan in the wake of Indias decision to cut fuel subsidies,and also to the fallout of the democratic process in Bhutan. It asserts,With democracy striking roots in our Himalayan neighbour,electoral politics has had a negative impact on the national happiness index of the country… [and is jeopardising crucial India-Bhutan relations. The article highlights how the recent decision to cut fuel subsidies led to the perception that India has a heavy-handed,big brotherly attitude towards Bhutan. The article suggests that the government recalibrate its diplomacy in view of the democratisation of Indias neighbour. It further states that India should tactically support Bhutanese engagement with the outer world but also protect Indian interests,given Chinas designs on Bhutan.
Compiled by Ravish Tiwari
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