Governance, inclusive growth not Modi's agenda: Civil society

A citizens' collective on Wednesday said contrary to its claims, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government no more has governance and inclusive growth on its agenda.

Presenting what it said was a report card on three years of the Narendra Modi government, 'Wada Na Todo Abhiyan' -- a platform claimed to have over 4,000 civil society organisations and individuals on board -- expressed alarm over what it dubbed as the "onslaught of the right-wing polity and increasing incidents of lynching".

"Governance and inclusive development remain the NDA government's unkept promises and there is a sharp rise in inequity. A dichotomy exists between the government's policies and implementation," said a 'Citizens' Report' on three years of the BJP rule.

The report is an anthology of reviews from nearly 60 experts from various fields, and gives an account of how the government's policies and initiatives, including the November 8 demonetisation, impacted society, including the Dalits, women, minorities, and tribals ever since the BJP-led NDA came to power in May 2014.

Rights activist John Dayal said the "perpetual election campaign mode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the aggressive hate rhetoric of the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh combine", have kept religious minorities under deep stress across the country.

"Modi has never focussed on these during his radio talks 'Mann ki Baat'," Dayal said while referring to rise of cow vigilantism that has led to several killings.

"The hallmark of this government is there in no accountability. They (anti-socials) can get away with anything. They can lynch people in the name of cows and no one will say anything," said Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Bezwada Wilson.

Abhiyan convener Thomas Pallithanam said he was alarmed over the government's hate rhetoric and undermining of constitutional bodies, and called for the civil society to play a proactive role to protect democracy.

"When you don't field a single Muslim candidate in the (Uttar Pradesh assembly) polls and still declare 'Sabka saath sabka vikas', when investigative agencies give clean chit to saffron terrorists, amply displays the government intent," said Pallithanam.

Right To Information activist Anjali Bhardwaj questioned the Modi government's commitment to fight corruption.

"The status of anti-corruption institutions and legislation is a clear indication that the BJP is reneging with impunity on its poll promise of fighting corruption," said Bhardwaj.

She accused the Modi government of intentionally not implementing the Whistle-Blowers Protection Act and the Lokpal law.

--IANS

and/tsb/vt