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Correspondent

21 August 2024 at 3:50:16 pm

Real Fascism

The systematic attempt by sections of the so-called ‘left liberal’ elite in the Western, in alliance with Islamic outfits, to suppress RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at Madison Square Garden exposes the performative nature of Western ‘free speech’ discourse. For decades, Western institutions have preached pluralism, yet the moment when the head of a major Hindu civilisational organisation seeks to engage with its diaspora, the entire apparatus of Western left-liberal and activist networks...

Real Fascism

The systematic attempt by sections of the so-called ‘left liberal’ elite in the Western, in alliance with Islamic outfits, to suppress RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at Madison Square Garden exposes the performative nature of Western ‘free speech’ discourse. For decades, Western institutions have preached pluralism, yet the moment when the head of a major Hindu civilisational organisation seeks to engage with its diaspora, the entire apparatus of Western left-liberal and activist networks mobilizes to enforce ideological censorship while working itself to a frenzy in conjuring the bogey of ‘saffron terror.’ Western democracies have positioned themselves ad nauseam as the ultimate guardians of open dialogue and pluralism, championing free speech as a non-negotiable cornerstone of human rights. This commitment routinely falters when applied to perspectives that challenge Western liberal orthodoxy or the interests of established political blocs. The coordinated opposition against Bhagwat’s international engagements by coalitions of left-liberal political groups and Islamist organizations exposes a selective framework where democratic rights are treated as privileges reserved exclusively for specific ideologies The coordinate suppression of American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), whose X account was targeted and temporarily taken down via automated abuse, is a case study in such censorship. The political manoeuvres around Bhagwat’s event highlight the stark double standards of figures like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has consistently targeted democratic Hindu institutions with labels like “fascist” and “exclusionary” while maintaining a notable silence when radical or anti-Hindu rhetoric emerges from political allies or interfaith gatherings. When figures like Mamdani and various Western activist coalitions mobilize to delegitimize Hindu gatherings, they demonstrate that their allegiance is not to universal free expression, but to an ideological gatekeeping that brooks no genuine pluralism. The same Western activist networks and academic institutions frequently platform, tolerate or explicitly defend radical Islamist movements, framing their rhetoric under the umbrella of “anti-imperialism” or protecting “minority expression.” Bodies such as the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), led by figures like the Pakistani Asif Mahmood, routinely weaponize human rights reporting against India and Hindu organizations, operating with an institutional bias and a complete lack of credibility. While Western cities regularly host extremist ideologues, controversial political dissidents and radical preachers under the banner of broad constitutional protections, Hindu civil society groups are met with security threats, algorithmic botting and open political hostility. This convergence of Western left-liberal political networks and Islamist advocacy groups functions as a cartel of speech control. They embrace free expression only when it serves as a vehicle for their own ideological hegemony. It seems the real fascism of our era does not march in uniform but speaks in the language of Western liberalism, operates through algorithmic suppression and brooks absolutely no dissent.

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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