The Hindu Editorial Analysis - 16th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Democratic Alliance (NDA)

Why in News?

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) years are often, in mainstream media, lauded as years with a generous welfare agenda.

For the UPA decade (2004-2014), we include five major programmes as “UPA schemes”. These are the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) 2005 and four schemes of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013: the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meals (MDM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and maternity entitlements (provided through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) that operationalised very belatedly in 2017.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is a centre-right political coalition in India, led primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Here is an overview of the NDA’s history and key developments:

1. Formation and Initial Years (1998-1999):
   • The NDA was formed in May 1998 as a coalition government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with the BJP as the major party. It comprised regional parties like Samta Party, AIADMK, and Shiv Sena, among others.
   • The government faced an early collapse in 1999 when the AIADMK withdrew its support. However, the NDA managed to regain stability and went on to win the 1999 general elections with an expanded majority.
2. “India Shining” Campaign (2004):
   • In the 2004 elections, the NDA’s campaign was centered around the slogan “India Shining,” which sought to highlight the rapid economic growth and development under their governance.
   • Despite this campaign, the NDA faced a defeat, winning only 186 seats in the Lok Sabha, compared to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by the Congress, which secured 222 seats.
3. Reasons for Defeat:
   • The defeat in 2004 has been attributed to various factors. Some commentators suggested that the NDA’s focus on urban development and failure to connect with rural masses played a role.
   • Others pointed to what they perceived as divisive policy agendas, which may have alienated certain sections of the population.
4. Return to Power (2014):
   • The NDA made a strong comeback in the 2014 general elections. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the BJP secured a majority on its own and formed the government.
   • Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister on May 26, 2014.

It’s important to note that while communalism is the ideological foundation, communal violence is an unfortunate consequence that can occur when tensions escalate and result in violent clashes between religious communities. Addressing communalism is crucial for fostering harmony and social cohesion in diverse societies.

The Gujarat Riots of 2002 are indeed a dark chapter in the history of India. The events surrounding the burning of the Sabarmati Express and the subsequent violence highlight the deep-seated communal tensions that have at times erupted into violence in the country.

Key Points about the Gujarat Riots (2002):

1. Godhra Incident: On February 27, 2002, the Sabarmati Express, carrying Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya, was stopped near Godhra. An altercation between the passengers and locals escalated, leading to the burning of four train coaches. Tragically, 59 people, mostly Hindu pilgrims, lost their lives.
2. Escalation of Violence: The Godhra incident triggered widespread violence, particularly in Gujarat. Over the next three days, mobs targeted Muslim neighborhoods, seeking what they perceived as retribution for the train attack.
3. Loss of Lives and Injuries: Official figures state that 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus lost their lives in the violence. Additionally, 223 people were reported missing, and approximately 2,500 individuals were injured. Independent rights groups contend that the actual numbers may be higher.
4. Controversial Response: The response of the state government led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi was a subject of much controversy. Critics argued that there was a delay in deploying security forces to quell the violence, while others accused the government of not doing enough to protect the victims.
5. Impact on Society: The 2002 Gujarat Riots had a profound impact on the social fabric of the state and the nation as a whole. It exacerbated communal tensions and left deep scars in the affected communities.
6. Legal Proceedings and Controversy: The events of 2002 continue to be a subject of legal and political debate. Various investigations and court cases have sought to address accountability for the violence.

The Gujarat Riots remain a stark reminder of the challenges posed by communalism and the importance of fostering unity, understanding, and tolerance among India’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.

The Gulbarg Society Massacre, along with the Naroda Patiya Massacre, are deeply tragic events that occurred during the 2002 Gujarat riots. These incidents serve as painful reminders of the violence and loss of life that can occur when communal tensions escalate.

Key Points about Gulbarg Society and Naroda Patiya Massacres (2002):

1. Gulbarg Society Massacre: This horrific event took place on February 28, 2002, in the Gulbarg Society, a Muslim neighbourhood complex in Chamanpura, Ahmedabad. Rioters attacked the complex, setting houses on fire and brutally assaulting residents. Many lost their lives in this tragic event.
2. Naroda Patiya Massacre: Occurring on the same day in Naroda, Ahmedabad, this incident is considered one of the largest single cases of mass murder during the 2002 Gujarat riots. It resulted in a significant loss of life, with the majority of victims being from the Muslim community.
3. Commission of Inquiry: In response to the widespread violence, the Gujarat state government set up a commission of inquiry to provide a platform for citizens to make recommendations and suggest reforms. However, there was criticism of the government’s handling of the riots, with concerns raised about the media’s role in exacerbating tensions.
4. Nanavati-Mehta Commission: This commission, established by the Gujarat government, was tasked with investigating the Gujarat violence. Its report detailed the events surrounding the burning of the Sabarmati Express and the subsequent communal riots, providing important insights into the tragic incidents.
5. Supreme Court Monitored Inquiry: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court of India appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough investigation into the Gujarat riots. The SIT’s findings were later scrutinized by the Supreme Court, which expressed satisfaction with its investigations.

These events remain somber reminders of the need for continued efforts to promote communal harmony, tolerance, and understanding in society. Additionally, they underscore the importance of ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.