The resounding silence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the face of critical issues and conflicts has become an unsettling testament to the hypocrisy and disregard demonstrated by his government towards the suffering of the people. From the Wrestlers Protest, where athletes desperately pleaded for justice against sexual harassment and rape by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a six-time MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close aide of Modi, to the crisis in Manipur, marred by violence, destruction, and the horrifying incident of two Kuki women being paraded naked and gang-raped, Modi’s lack of empathy and accountability is all too evident.
The Wrestlers Protest and Sexual Assault by Brij Bhushan Singh:
The harrowing case of the Wrestlers Protest has laid bare the plight of athletes who sought justice against sexual harassment and rape by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a prominent and influential figure within the BJP. The courageous voices of the athletes, demanding accountability, clashed with the wall of silence from Modi’s government. The apparent reluctance to address these grave allegations raises serious concerns about political interference, undermining the pursuit of justice and perpetuating a culture of impunity for those in power. To this date, PM Modi has not spoken a word on this entire incident, though he was the first one to post pictures with the athletes when they won medals. The silence is an answer in itself that how much attention and importance the government wants to give towards the victims of sexual assault. And their reluctance to deal with their own people who share the same values and support to bring him into power. On the assurance of Home Minister, Amit Shah, the wrestlers protest was stopped but what we recently found out is very alarming. An interim bail granted to Singh, following a hearing at the court, has only added to the perception of unequal treatment within the Indian justice system. The mere requirement of furnishing a bail bond of ₹25,000, despite the seriousness of the charges, raises questions about the priorities and commitment of the judiciary in protecting the rights and safety of women. When the bail was granted, Singh, was approached by Media, and it was witnessed that a female journalist who asked him a question regarding rape allegations was pushed and assaulted.
The Crisis in Manipur:
Amidst the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, characterised by escalating violence and destruction, more than 250 churches have been torched, and over 100 lives have been lost, pushing the region to the brink of civil war. In the midst of this chaos, the horrifying incident of two Kuki women being paraded naked and subjected to gang-rape shook the nation’s conscience. Yet, Modi’s silence remained deafening, with no public response or active intervention in the conflict-ridden region. Such inaction speaks volumes about the apparent indifference to the suffering and injustice faced by the people. What’s more disheartening is that, when asked and questioned to the Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh, it was known that the incident took place on 4th May, 2023, and the first FIR was filed on 18th May, 2023 and that got registered on 21st June, 2023. Moreover when an anchor questioned him over his ignorance despite being the CM of the state, the chief minister replied curtly, “You have to see the ground reality. There are hundreds of similar cases and that is the reason why the internet is shut off in the state.” Such a shameful attitude is shown by the person responsible for the law and order of the entire state. This type of political leadership is a massive threat to peace in the nation, and they don’t deserve any right to be in that position.
Lack of Empathy and Accountability:
The conspicuous silence from Prime Minister Modi on these critical issues exposes the lack of empathy and accountability within his government. While boasting about their accomplishments, the government has seemingly chosen to turn a blind eye to the distressing realities affecting the nation. It can be noted that the National and State Government both belongs to the BJP, and still such thing had happened. This selective silence points to the prioritisation of political gains over the welfare of citizens, leaving many feeling abandoned and betrayed by their elected leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent muteness in the face of crucial issues has highlighted the hypocrisy and indifference of his government. The Wrestlers Protest and the crisis in Manipur underscore the urgent need for genuine leadership that demonstrates empathy and transparency. The nation deserves leaders who actively address injustices and conflicts, ensuring that no one is above the law and that justice prevails for every citizen. It is high time for Modi and the BJP government to listen to the cries of the people, take concrete action against the prevailing injustices, and exhibit true leadership that upholds the rights and dignity of all citizens. Only then can India move towards a more just, inclusive, and compassionate future.
The leadership of PM Modi has left India’s citizens feeling a profound sense of shame, ending this with a quote which reflects the values of those in leadership, “The horror of gang rape reveals the darkest depths of humanity’s capacity for cruelty, and the inability to act and stay mute when sexual assault is happening or has happened is one of the gravest crimes against compassion and justice.”