6 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Mar 6, 2024 07:47 AM IST
When in power, the Congress names parks, streets, and squares after members of its first family, PM Modi keeps reiterating. (Express file photo by Vishal Srivastava)
Seizing on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad’s jibe that he had no family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday coined what seemed like an election slogan: “Mera Bharat, Mera Parivar (India is my family)”.
And, around the same time the BJP was trying to create a buzz around it with senior leaders and ministers adding “Modi ka Parivar (We are Modi’s family)” to their bio on X, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh in an unconnected move announced a new scheme for womenthat was one of its poll promises in the hill state. Unsurprisingly, the scheme — as part of which the government will give Rs 1,500 per month to women between 18 and 60 years from the 2024-’25 financial year — was named Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna. Another Congress scheme named after a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, something Modi has often raised to target the party. When in power, the Congress names parks, streets, and squares after members of its first family, the PM keeps reiterating.
It is the default setting of Congressmen to name schemes or projects after the members of the Nehru-Gandhi family and they see nothing unusual or inappropriate in it. But it is this almost default setting of the Congress and Opposition parties that keeps giving the BJP and Modi the themes that they often turn into talking points for elections. Senior DMK leader A Raja’s latest remarks, which have triggered a political firestorm, are a case in point.
Raja’s remarks that India is not a country but a subcontinent as different states have different traditions, cultures, and nationalities and that the people of Tamil Nadu will not accept the BJP’s “Jai Shri Ram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” chants have caused unease among several INDIA parties. The former Union Minister made the comments at a function celebrating the birthday of Chief Minister M K Stalin in Coimbatore on March 1.
Coming as it does on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA parties are alarmed by the timing of Raja’s comments. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday was quick to disassociate saying it was the DMK MP’s view and not that of the alliance.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar | On DMK leader A Raja’s remarks on ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and the idea of India, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “This is his personal statement. It is not ours (INDIA Alliance).” pic.twitter.com/NOU4pdtT3M
The Congress condemned Raja’s remarks in strong terms. “I 100% disagree with his remarks. From this platform, I condemn such a statement. I believe Ram belongs to everyone and is all-encompassing … I believe that Ram, who was called Imam-e-Hind, is above communities, religions and castes. What is Ram? Ram is an ideal of living life. Ram is dignity, Ram is ethics, Ram is love. I completely condemn this statement, it could be his (Raja’s) statement. I do not support it. I condemn it and I think people should exercise restraint while talking,” said Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate.
But the DMK may not find Raja’s formulation new or controversial given the fact that the party, its founding fathers, and its ideological predecessors had been vehement proponents of rationalism and aggressive federalism. For the Dravidian party, this is almost a default ideological position and comments of the likes Raja made are not controversial in Tamil Nadu politics unlike in the north. Similarly, given his penchant for sarcastic humour — his rivals may term it crass — Lalu too may not find his remarks about Modi out of order although it has given the Prime Minister and his party added ammunition to sharpen focus on dynastic politics and parties, a vulnerable spot for several Opposition parties. But some INDIA bloc leaders feel that given both parties are part of a national alliance they could have considered a more politically pragmatic approach to avoid giving a handle to the BJP to corner it.
The Congress has spiritedly countered Modi’s “Mera Bharat, mera parivar”. But a section of the leaders believes the party should not target the PM personally, recalling how the “Chowkidar chor hai” slogan of 2019 backfired and how Modi latched on Mani Shankar Aiyar’s “chaiwala” barb in 2014 and spun it to his advantage. These leaders argue the party on Monday should have kept its focus on countering the BJP over the SBI approaching the Supreme Court seeking an extension till June 30 to submit to the Election Commission the details of electoral bonds purchased.
Story continues below this ad
“We should not be focusing our energy on trivial issues like ‘Modi ka parivar’ and all,” a leader said. Many Congress leaders on Monday countered Modi’s counter with various formulations, asking whether the families of farmers, the people of Manipur, and the youth were not his family and referring to the likes of industrialist Gautam Adani and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers, as his “real family”.
The controversies have once again come at an inopportune time for the Opposition, especially the Congress which is reeling under an exodus of sorts. But while Congress leaders were hoping that its controversy-prone leaders would stay quiet, the party’s allies have now given the BJP a talking point and Modi yet another opportunity to centre the discourse around him.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More
