In a virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concerns about the model's repercussions on both domestic and foreign affairs in India. He argued that the beliefs propagated by this model still hold weight in influential sectors of the country, despite efforts towards reform. He also quoted an American policymaker's infamous misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947, and suggested that it may not have been entirely wrong.
India's Nehru Development Model: A Critical Reassessment
India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in shaping the country's economic and foreign policies during the post-independence era. Nehru's ideas and beliefs came to be known as the "Nehru Development Model." However, in recent years, this model has come under scrutiny for its perceived limitations and its influence on India's current affairs.
External Affairs Minister's Concerns
In a recent virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the model's impact on India's domestic and foreign affairs. He argued that the ideas promoted by this model continue to hold sway in influential circles, despite efforts towards reform.
Jaishankar pointed to the example of an American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947 as a lack of understanding of the country's complex political landscape. He suggested that this misinterpretation may not have been entirely inaccurate.
Criticisms of the Nehru Development Model
Critics of the Nehru Development Model argue that it:
Calls for Reform
In response to these criticisms, there have been calls for reforms to India's economic and foreign policies. Supporters of reform argue that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Nehru Development Model? A: A set of economic and foreign policy ideas espoused by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
2. What are the main criticisms of the model? A: Centralized planning, protectionism, neglect of agriculture, and non-aligned foreign policy.
3. What are the calls for reform? A: Economic liberalization, trade promotion, agricultural development, and a more active foreign policy.
4. What is the significance of the American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947? A: It highlights the potential for misunderstandings and the need for accurate assessments of India's political landscape.
5. What are the concerns raised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar? A: That the ideas of the Nehru Development Model continue to influence influential sectors in India, despite efforts towards reform.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.