Unmasking BJP's Assault on Democracy: The Viriato Fernandes Saga -- By Nisser Dias.

CAPTAIN VIRIATO

In the simmering cauldron of Indian politics, where power, ideology, and democracy collide, a recent episode in Goa's political landscape has exposed the BJP's ruthless tactics and disdain for democratic norms. The target of their ire? Viriato Fernandes, the consensus candidate for the south Goa parliamentary seat, who has become a thorn for the BJP.

Viriato had stated a mere fact, that Goa was still under Portuguese rule for 14 more years after India’s independence. That Goans were not part of the decision-making during the drafting process of the Constitution after India’s independence and hence it was imposed on us. A historical fact.

However what began as a routine electoral contest has morphed into a battleground of ideologies, with the BJP launching a relentless onslaught against Fernandes, desperate to tarnish his reputation and salvage their electoral prospects. But their smear campaign reeks of desperation and reveals the depths to which they are willing to sink to maintain their stranglehold on Indian politics.

Fernandes, a voice of reason amidst the cacophony of political rhetoric, dared to speak truth to power. He merely echoed historical realities when he highlighted the fact that Goa languished under Portuguese rule for 14 years after India's independence, with liberation only achieved through the blood, sweat, and tears of Goan freedom fighters. Yet, the BJP, in its characteristic fashion, twisted his words, painting him as anti-national and unpatriotic.

Imported CM of Goa

But let us not be deceived by their hollow accusations and political theatrics. The BJP's hypocrisy knows no bounds. While they feign outrage at Fernandes' remarks, they conveniently overlook their sordid past.

The RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the BJP, has long harboured contempt for the Indian Constitution, dismissing it as a relic of Western influence devoid of India's cultural essence. Their disdain extends beyond mere words to the very symbols of our nationhood. The Tricolor, the revered national flag, was once scorned by the RSS, which championed the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron colour flag) as a more suitable emblem of Indian identity. Such blatant disregard for national symbols speaks volumes about the BJP's commitment to the idea of India.

But perhaps most alarming is their insidious agenda to rewrite the Constitution itself, to pave the way for their vision of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. Their leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cohorts, have openly advocated for constitutional amendments that would undermine the secular fabric of our nation and disenfranchise millions of citizens.

UNMASKING

Make no mistake; the BJP's assault on democracy is not a mere political skirmish but a concerted effort to subvert the very foundations of the Republic of India.

Their obsession with power knows no bounds, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious goals. In the face of such brazen authoritarianism, it falls upon us, the guardians of democracy, to stand firm and resist their onslaught. We must reclaim the true spirit of our nation, built on the principles of pluralism, secularism, and social justice. The battle for India's soul rages on, and the stakes could not be higher.