Haryana and J&K Elections: A Battle of Cows, Corruption, and Convenient Narratives

 

Haryana and J&K Elections: A Battle of Cows, Corruption, and Convenient Narratives

The Same Old Tricks of the BJP to Hold on to Power in Haryana

 

As elections in Haryana approach (set for October 5) and Jammu & Kashmir wraps up its own, the air is thick with political maneuvering. Add to this the rumored change in the leadership of the RSS (because what’s an election without some internal drama?), and we have ourselves a perfect storm of political intrigue. The RSS—an organization with a reputation for doing its best to influence politics behind the scenes—may be seeing a leadership shuffle, but let’s be honest, this probably won’t shake the foundations of the BJP government. After all, what's a little leadership change in an organization that’s mastered the art of ideological puppetry?

Rumors are swirling that if Prime Minister Modi loses his grip on power, Nitin Gadkari could rise to the top of the BJP. But here’s the kicker—does anyone really think the BJP would survive long without Modi? Please. Gadkari might be a competent politician, but it’s clear that the BJP’s magic lies in Modi’s ability to play both the savior and the scapegoat with equal finesse. Sound familiar? It should—it’s the same game the Republicans in the U.S. played with Trump. Tossing Trump aside hasn’t exactly worked wonders for the GOP. Similarly, Modi, much like Trump, has made a career out of exposing and exploiting his party’s weaknesses while masterfully cloaking his own vulnerabilities.

But let’s not forget, Modi didn’t ascend to power on personal wealth like Trump. No, our Prime Minister found himself in the warm embrace of corrupt businessmen, the kind who would probably sell their grandmothers if it meant securing a government contract. Modi has been their instrument, carefully played, perhaps not unlike a drum, keeping the beat for those pulling the strings. The problem? India’s political system conveniently forgot to include a mechanism for recalling parliament members who are, well, openly corrupt. Oops.

And in a country where corruption is more of a tradition than an exception, it’s hardly surprising. Take the delightful case in Karnataka, where the Finance Minister and senior BJP leaders have had FIRs filed against them for their role in the Electoral Bonds scam. The case is well-documented—though it’s probably easier to find evidence of wrongdoing in Indian politics than it is to find a good cup of tea in Delhi. Naturally, the higher courts, under the apparent pressure of the central government, have swooped in to halt any meaningful investigation. Because why would you want justice when you can have more corruption?

India's grand infrastructure projects? A playground for shady deals and substandard work. We’ve lost lives, money, and even national prestige over these messes, but hey—at least they’re "building the nation," right? The real tragedy, though, is that this rampant theft has been conveniently shrouded in the guise of Hindutva. Yes, the same ideology that turns cows into holy animals and citizens into passive spectators. Why stand up for your rights when you can chew grass in peace, as the powers-that-be rob you blind?

This religious charade has worked brilliantly. People have been conditioned to believe that questioning the system, or heaven forbid, the holy cow, is practically blasphemy. Meanwhile, real issues like corruption, failing infrastructure, and the erosion of democratic values are swept under the rug. The masses are handed a simplistic narrative—one where cows are holy, and their suffering is their penance—while a select few laugh their way to the bank.

Yet, despite the religious smoke and mirrors, let’s not forget that even Islam, often demonized in this political climate, once led the world in science and architecture. But of course, we’re too busy dividing ourselves by faith to remember that governments are supposed to work for all their citizens, regardless of what they believe. Imagine that.

American democracy figured that out—well, sort of—250 years ago, though it took its sweet time allowing people of all races, genders, and colors to vote. India’s democracy was once hailed as a shining example for the world. But with the advent of “legalized corruption” and the monumental ability of the system to hide under its own laws, that glow has certainly dimmed. Today, we’re less the "world’s largest democracy" and more the "world’s largest democracy-turned-bureaucratic mess."

Yet, there’s a silver lining—or at least a faint glimmer of hope. Over the past decade, a movement against corruption has slowly taken shape. It began in Delhi, spread to Punjab, and now, with the elections in Haryana and J&K, there’s a chance for real political change. Imagine that—a system in which elected officials are held accountable, and the interests of the people, not just corrupt businessmen, take center stage. It sounds radical, doesn’t it?

So, while the powers at the center continue to sell their illusions and suppress the truth, perhaps these elections could be the start of something new. Or perhaps we’ll continue to chew our cud, content with the myths we’ve been fed. Either way, one thing is clear—India’s future lies in the hands of its voters, and it’s about time we started acting like it.