A Victory Tainted by Controversy
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday evening was a spectacle marked by both celebration and controversy. While Modi's supporters hailed his return to power as a triumph, his critics pointed to the numerous controversies surrounding his recent election campaign and his record in office.
One of the most contentious issues was Modi's use of the Sengol, a traditional Tamil symbol, during his campaign. Critics accused him of appropriating the symbol for political gain and distorting its historical significance. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in particular, was vocal in his criticism, accusing Modi of fabricating history to appeal to Tamil voters.
Despite the controversy, Modi's NDA coalition secured a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, albeit falling short of an outright majority for the BJP itself. This has led some to question the legitimacy of Modi's mandate, particularly in light of the allegations of electoral malpractices and the divisive rhetoric employed by his party during the campaign.
Ramesh further criticized Modi's visit to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, on the morning of his swearing-in. He pointed to Modi's silence on the issue of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Gandhi, and his alleged attempts to downplay Gandhi's legacy. This, according to Ramesh, exposes the hypocrisy of Modi's claims to be a follower of Gandhian principles.
The controversy surrounding Modi's swearing-in ceremony highlights the deep divisions within Indian society and the challenges that the new government will face in uniting the country. While Modi's supporters celebrate his victory, his critics remain wary of his intentions and his ability to govern effectively. Only time will tell whether Modi will be able to bridge these divides and fulfill the promises he made to the Indian people.