The Election Commission has sounded the bugle for the Lok Sabha polls, with the BJP riding high on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity, Hindutva and welfarism, and the Opposition hoping to put up a challenge with a struggling INDIA bloc. All these stories were recorded and analysed by Urdu dailies this week as they stepped up their coverage of the world’s largest electoral exercise. The dailies also focused on the disquiet among Muslims in the wake of the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, with a large section apprehensive it is the first step towards a National Register of Citizens (NRC). URDU TIMES Commenting on the Modi government’s move to notify rules for the CAA - which seeks to ease Indian citizenship for refugees belonging to minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, leaving out essentially Muslims - the Mumbai-based Urdu Times, in its editorial on March 14, says the move - right as the holy month of Ramzan began - has left Muslims across the country worried. “To grant citizenship to persecuted people of any country is right, as the government and its supporters have been insisting the CAA is all about,” the daily writes. “But the matter doesn’t end here. The most disturbing aspect of this play is that the law excludes Muslims from its ambit, which would have dangerous implications for the community if it is combined with any NRC plan since in that case, while a Pakistani or Bangladeshi Hindu would get Indian citizenship, an Indian Muslim would not get recognised as an Indian unless his or her papers are in order.” The editorial points out that a large section of people in India, especially the poor, do not have all the necessary documents. “This is true for all communities. But while a non-Muslim Indian would retain citizenship despite not having the required documents, this will not be the case for a Muslim (if the CAA is clubbed with the NRC). What would happen to such Muslims — would they be kept in detention camps?” the edit asks. “As Mamata Banerjee has said,this CAA ploy is aimed at creating unrest in the country.” The daily says the Muslim community should maintain restraint, even as legal remedies should be explored. Over 200 petitions have already been filed in the apex court to challenge the controversial legislation. “Another thing is, what is the guarantee that every non-Muslim who would get the Indian citizenship is a persecuted person? Pakistan’s ISI can push spies with doctored documents into our country. The point also remains that the government has not been able to ensure proper living, education and jobs for own citizens so far,” it says. ROZNAMA RASHTRIYA SAHARA Referring to Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee’s report favouring simultaneous elections, the multi-edition Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, in its leader on March 16, says the timing of the report and its content reflect the “seriousness” of the Modi government towards ensuring synchronised Lok Sabha, Assembly, municipality and panchayat elections in the country. The panel sought opinion on the proposal from 62 political parties, of which 47 sent their replies, 15 did not respond. “The BJP and its NDA allies supported it, of whom only the former and the Conrad Sangma-led NPP, which is in power in Meghalaya, are national parties,” the daily notes. “Those opposed to it include all the remaining four parties recognised as national by the EC - the Congress, CPI(M), AAP and BSP - as well as a slew of major regional parties from across the country.” The editorial states that if the government enforces one nation, one election plan despite the opposition to it, its consequences would be “disastrous for democracy and federalism”. Noting that the he argument of the BJP and its friendly parties is that 'one nation, one election' can save public resources and boost governance and development, the edit says that the move, nevertheless, is not in sync with the federal structure enshrined in the Constitution, that defines India as a Union of States. “The proposal would be a high-handed bid to rein in democracy by limiting the choices of voters. The conduct of various polls at regular intervals ensures perennial accountability of public representatives to their voters,” the daily writes. “The move will also hurt the prospects of the regional parties while relegating local issues to the margins since the polls and their narrative would be dominated by the national party in power at the Centre. It may result in one-party rule, leading to authoritarianism.” SIASAT The Hyderabad-based Siasat, in its editorial on March 17, takes note of the 44-day-long voting period and the abrupt resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel and says: “All political parties will now step up their preparations. In their public outreach they will make tall promises. The BJP has already named over half of its candidates.” In this light, the daily states, it is imperative to ensure that people are not taken for a ride by unscrupulous political players. “The ruling BJP indulges in the politics of polarisation. The Lok Sabha elections this time will be especially crucial and will have far-reaching repercussions for the country. The onus is on people to distance themselves from emotive issues and not get trapped in divisive politics.” The edit adds that the prevailing political situation in the country is fraught. “All kind of talk is making the rounds - from making the country Opposition-free to targeting the minorities, to changing the Constitution. Those indulging in such games do not face any legal or disciplinary action. No one should be allowed to violate the Constitution.” The daily says the poll season will see an escalation in hate speech, coupled with bids to disrupt communal harmony. “It is incumbent on the public to steer clear of such inflammatory moves. They should exercise their franchise calmly, in the interest of the country. Those committed to ensuring amity, equality and development besides upholding the Constitution and rule of law deserve to get their mandate,” it adds.
