Yash Pal Ralhan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been on a series of road shows in the southern Indian state of Karnataka ostensibly to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. However, some observers are questioning whether these road shows can actually address the national issues facing the country. The reality is that there are several pressing national issues that require the attention of the Prime Minister and his government, such as the ongoing unrest in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, the deteriorating economic situation, and the lack of progress on key reforms. The situation in Manipur, for example, has been steadily deteriorating in past few days, with violent clashes between different ethnic groups and the state government’s failure to address the underlying issues. While the Prime Minister has spoken out on the situation, many are calling for stronger action to address the root causes of the conflict. Similarly, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with continuing violence and unrest in the region. The upcoming G20 conference in the state is a cause for concern, as extremists may try to create a law and order situation that could attract international attention and support from Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Indian economy is facing significant challenges, with rising inflation, a slow recovery from the pandemic, and the government’s failure to implement key reforms. The Prime Minister’s attention is needed to address these economic issues and to ensure that India’s economic recovery is on track. In addition, there are several other national issues that require the Prime Minister’s attention, such as the implementation of key social welfare programs, improving healthcare infrastructure, and addressing environmental concerns. While road shows and political campaigns are an important part of the democratic process, they cannot be a substitute for addressing these pressing national issues. The Prime Minister and his government must prioritize these issues and take strong action to address them. Furthermore, there is a need for greater accountability and transparency in government. The PM’s portal for grievances of the common man, for example, is not actively working, and many complaints go unaddressed. This lack of responsiveness and accountability erodes public trust in the government and undermines the democratic process. While political campaigns and road shows have their place in the democratic process, they cannot be a substitute for addressing the pressing national issues facing the country. The Prime Minister and his government must prioritize these issues and take strong action to address them. At the same time, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in government, and for ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities, such as the disabled, are heard and their needs are addressed. Only by addressing these challenges can India move towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.
