Syed Atiq ul Hassan<\/p>\n
Post election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s influence and policies have come under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. Despite the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) winning a majority in the last two national elections, Modi\u2019s ten-year tenure has been marked by actions aimed at transforming India into a Hindu state, deviating from the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The global media has documented instances of discrimination and violence against minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, during Modi\u2019s tenure as an Indian Prime Minister.
\nModi\u2019s controversial past, including the 2002\u2019s massacre of Muslims when Modi was the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat. The world has not been forgotten Gujarat riots and had already raised international concerns before he became the first time Prime Minister in 2014. However, major global powers largely remained silent, even as BJP and Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) extremists continued their Hindutva mission abroad, allegedly involving Indian intelligence in targeting their opponents. Recent incidents in Canada and Australia have further alarmed the international community, although Modi\u2019s promises and rhetoric have often placated foreign governments.
\nIn Australia, Modi sought to strengthen economic and defence ties, suggesting that India could replace China\u2019s role as Australia\u2019s primary partner. This led to significant defence agreements with Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, positioning India as a counterbalance to China. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese\u2019s historic visit to India resulted in several landmark agreements. However, Australian intelligence reported that Modi\u2019s government was using the Indian intelligence agency RAW to eliminate BJP and RSS opponents abroad, including Australia. This was highlighted by the arrest of Indian agents in Canada for the murder of Sikh leaders, with unresolved killings of Indians in Australia adding to the suspicion. The current visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Australia, coming soon after the Indian election results, suggests that both Australia and China are looking to renew their longstanding friendship. This may indicate a realization within Australian circles about the potential overstatements of Indian claims and promises to stronger nations regarding their stance against China.
\nAs Modi\u2019s government faced growing scrutiny, powerful nations like Australia, USA, UK, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries closely monitored the Indian elections. The results revealed that the BJP failed to secure a two-thirds majority, losing significant seats even in strongholds like Uttar Pradesh. Surprisingly, BJP lost the seat from Ayodhya where BJP built Ram Mundir by demolishing Babri Mosque.
\nThis indicated that majority of Indians preferred to maintain the secular character of India. Consequently, Modi had to form a coalition with parties that attract Muslim votes, revealing a complex political landscape.
\nFollowing the election results, global reactions have intensified. Australian media and political representatives have started to speak out, characterizing Modi as a bigoted Hindu nationalist responsible for severe human rights abuses against minorities. Australia\u2019s largest media network, through its Four Corners program, aired a report exposing BJP and RSS activities in Australia. The report accused Modi\u2019s government of political interference and targeting overseas opponents. Avani Dias, a former South Asia Correspondent for Four Corners, revealed that RSS cells have been established in Australia, and Indian authorities have threatened Indian Australians critical of the BJP with visa denials and other reprisals.
\nSimilar reports have emerged from Canada, where Hardeep Singh Najjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader, was killed last June (2023). These incidents underscore the international concerns about Modi\u2019s policies and actions.
\nObservers believe that the recent election results demonstrate the Indian electorate\u2019s political maturity, rejecting the BJP\u2019s extreme Hindutva agenda. In a diverse nation like India, home to various religions, ethnicities, and cultures, maintaining a secular country that ensures justice, equality, and human rights for all citizens is crucial for national unity and survival.
\nThe implications of these election results extend beyond India\u2019s borders. Countries that had entered into strategic agreements with India, seeing it as a counterbalance to China, are now reevaluating their positions. The Modi administration\u2019s promises of economic cooperation and defence partnerships had painted India as a reliable ally. However, the revelations of political interference and extraterritorial operations have raised questions about the reliability and ethical stance of Modi\u2019s government.
\nThe reaction within India has been mixed. Supporters of Modi argue that his policies are necessary to uphold India\u2019s cultural heritage and national security. They claim that the international criticism is an orchestrated effort to undermine India\u2019s sovereignty. On the other hand, critics argue that Modi\u2019s brand of nationalism is exclusionary and undermines the very fabric of Indian democracy. They highlight that India\u2019s strength lies in its diversity and secularism; principles that have been compromised under Modi\u2019s rule.
\nThe economic implications of the election results are also significant. With the BJP failing to secure a decisive majority, political instability could impact investor confidence and economic growth. The need to form a coalition government may lead to policy compromises and slower implementation of reforms. This uncertainty could affect India\u2019s ambitious infrastructure projects and its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
\nInternationally, the narrative surrounding Modi\u2019s leadership is shifting. Where he was once seen as a transformative leader capable of driving India\u2019s economic growth, he is now viewed with increasing scepticism. The allegations of political interference and human rights abuses are damaging India\u2019s image on the global stage. Countries that once saw Modi as a key ally in their strategic calculations are now reassessing their diplomatic ties.
\nThe impact of media reports, like those from Australia\u2019s Four Corners, cannot be understated. These reports bring to light the darker aspects of Modi\u2019s administration, challenging the narrative of progress and development that has been a cornerstone of his public image. The testimonies of Indian Australians facing threats from Indian authorities further complicate the situation, showing that the reach of Modi\u2019s policies extends far beyond India\u2019s borders.
\nIn conclusion, the recent election results have revealed deep fissures in India\u2019s political landscape and exposed the limitations of Modi\u2019s leadership. The BJP\u2019s failure to secure a decisive mandate is a clear indication that many Indians are wary of the party\u2019s Hindutva agenda. For India to maintain its global standing and ensure internal harmony, it must reaffirm its commitment to secularism and democracy. The international community, too, must hold India accountable to these principles, ensuring that strategic partnerships do not come at the cost of human rights and democratic values. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether India can navigate these challenges and emerge as a truly inclusive and democratic nation. <\/p>\n
The writeris a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, and writer. He is also the founding director of Halal Expo Australia and an international speaker on Halal Affairs. His email is shassan@tribune-intl.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Syed Atiq ul Hassan Post election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s influence and policies have come under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. Despite the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) winning a majority in the last two national elections, Modi\u2019s ten-year tenure has been marked by actions aimed at transforming India into a Hindu state, deviating […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[3404],"class_list":{"0":"post-413318","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-syed-atiq-ul-hassan"},"yoast_head":"\n