By Nazish Mehmood

In recent years, India has witnessed growing concerns regarding governance, transparency, and accountability under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Critics argue that the party has exhibited tendencies that not only compromise national interests but also weaken India’s institutions and standing on the global stage. Subramanian Swamy, a veteran politician and economist, has been an outspoken critic of the BJP, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting several troubling aspects of their governance that seem to prioritize political gains over the nation’s welfare.
One of the most alarming issues raised by Swamy is China’s encroachment on Indian territory. According to him, China has occupied 4,000 square kilometers of Indian land in Ladakh, yet the government has remained largely silent on the matter. Instead of addressing the issue with transparency, Swamy claims the BJP has chosen to downplay it.

“The Chinese crossed into what is undisputed Indian territory, took over 4,000 square kilometers, and now they’re building houses there. We have now signed an agreement agreeing to their takeover of that land, but they will not produce a map,” Swamy stated. This lack of transparency and inaction raises questions about the government's commitment to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity. The silence on such critical issues not only emboldens China but also leaves the Indian public in the dark about the country’s security. Swamy also alleges that India’s foreign policy under the BJP is being dictated by external pressures, particularly from China and Russia. He accuses the government of being blackmailed by these nations, compromising India’s ability to make independent decisions on crucial global matters.

“India is being blackmailed by Russia and China. The government cannot stand up to them. I know what the blackmail is, but I’m not going to say it on camera,” Swamy claimed.

This alleged vulnerability highlights a serious flaw in the BJP’s governance. Instead of building strong alliances with democracies like Japan, South Korea, and Australia, Swamy argues that the BJP has prioritized relationships with authoritarian regimes, which often operate based on self-interest rather than mutual trust. Such alliances, combined with India’s lack of a firm stance on key issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, undermine the country’s credibility on the global stage. For a nation aspiring to be a global leader, these inconsistencies in foreign policy are detrimental.

Another area where the BJP has faced criticism is its handling of the economy. Swamy has repeatedly pointed out how arbitrary policies and poor decision-making have weakened India’s economic foundation. He cites the example of the rupee’s declining value against the dollar, which, according to him, is a result of mismanagement by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under BJP rule.

“A dollar is 86.5 rupees today; it should be 8 rupees only. The Reserve Bank decides this arbitrarily. It is not a market decision but a number chosen by a few people sitting in offices,” Swamy remarked.

Such interventions not only distort market dynamics but also erode public trust in financial institutions. Despite claims of economic growth, the BJP’s policies have failed to address key issues like unemployment, inflation, and widening income inequality. The lack of transparency and accountability in economic governance further exacerbates these challenges.

One of the recurring themes in Swamy’s critique of the BJP is the centralization of power around Prime Minister Modi. Swamy argues that Modi has created an environment where dissent is stifled, and only sycophants are allowed to thrive.

“He doesn’t want anybody else around except sycophants. That’s where the problem has come,” Swamy said, referring to Modi’s style of leadership. This centralization of power not only undermines democratic processes but also weakens the ability of institutions to function independently. The BJP’s handling of various issues, from internal dissent to policymaking, reflects a governance model that prioritizes control over collaboration.

Swamy’s criticism extends to the BJP’s tendency to focus on political gains rather than addressing pressing national issues. For instance, he accuses the government of prioritizing electoral victories over meaningful reforms. This is evident in the way the party uses polarizing narratives to divert attention from governance failures.

At the core of Swamy’s critique is the belief that the BJP is failing to stand up for India’s interests, both domestically and internationally. From compromising on territorial integrity to mismanaging the economy, the party’s actions often appear to be at odds with its promises of building a stronger, self-reliant India.
“If your economy is improving so much as you claim, then why is the exchange rate going against you? Makes no sense,” Swamy pointed out, questioning the government’s economic claims.

Subramanian Swamy’s observations paint a troubling picture of the BJP’s governance. While the party has been successful in consolidating political power, its approach to governance raises serious concerns about India’s future. From territorial compromises to economic mismanagement and foreign policy vulnerabilities, the BJP’s actions suggest a prioritization of politics over national interests. For a nation with immense potential, these governance failures are a significant setback.

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-vfwZIy8Bk