Posts

Showing posts from July, 2024

Disappointing First budget, Modi govt fails to inspire the nation

Image
Never in the history of India has such a dull budget presented by any finance minister. The BJP govt started its third term with this budget. It offers nothing to everyone. It is a general belief that the Middle Classes support the BJP as it is known for supporting economic development and does not merely rely on distributing freebies to garner votes during elections. It is true that the BJP supports the process of globalization, liberalization, and privatization. Due to this commitment, the BJP lost power in 2004. After that, no government in India dared to mention the Ministry of Disinvestment.  The nation was hopeful that the BJP government would provide some relief to taxpayers. The tax rates were expected to be lowered for the salaried classes, who are the primary taxpayers in India. However, the budget did not meet these expectations. This has left the largest support base of the BJP, the middle class, feeling deeply disappointed.  Secondly, India is an aspirational nation. It ha

How Improved Indo-Pak Relations Could Transform Pakistan’s Future

Image
Pakistan has unnecessarily suffered due to its unholy obsession with Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last seven decades, all Pakistani rulers ensured that their entire existence is only about trying to seize territory from India that they believe should be part of Pakistan. There is no doubt that many sensible people realize the absurdity of Pakistani claims.    If Pakistan achieves trade normalization with India, it will reap many immediate benefits. Pakistan can trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar through a land route. Pakistani trucks can crisscross through India to deliver goods to these nations and bring back stuff Pakistan needs. Needless to say, Pakistan’s exports would boom, and its business community would make a lot of money. Trade among nations helps everyone.  Pakistan is predominantly a Muslim nation, and there are a lot of Muslims in many Indian states, including in Jammu & Kashmir. They can start family ties again and indulge in marriages with Indian nation

Excited opposition vs. dismissive Modi regime: The return of the INC

Image
The 2014 elections marked a significant shift in Indian politics. Narendra Modi was in his third term, and the people of India have decided to make him the Prime Minister. He had a full majority. The opposition was decimated. The parliament did not have any leader to oppose the newly elected government. The BJP’s relentless campaign against Rahul Gandhi and the dynasty he represents destroyed his public image beyond recognition. And then his lack of command over any Indian language did not help either. He failed to connect to the masses and continued to commit simple errors that the BJP used to the tilt to dismiss him as a joker who has been propped in the Congress party only because he comes from an illustrious Nehru-Gandhi family. The people were so frustrated with the Congress-led UPA regime that ruled India between 2004-14 that Modi came back with a thumping majority.  As the saying goes, nothing lasts forever. The good days of Narendra Modi are finally over with the 2024 general e