{"id":259644,"date":"2024-04-15T12:00:34","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T11:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=259644"},"modified":"2024-04-13T11:02:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T10:02:07","slug":"elections-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-a-lesson-in-the-transformation-of-democracy-in-religious-autocracy-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/elections-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-a-lesson-in-the-transformation-of-democracy-in-religious-autocracy-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Elections in Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi\u2019s Bharat Hindutva: A Lesson in the Transformation of Democracy in Religious Autocracy (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">This paper is written as an objective analysis of the current political climate in India, prior to the general election, being the largest democracy in the world.\u00a0 Readers are invited to discuss any statements, perceived as biased and prejudiced, with the author.<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>\u00a0****************************<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u00a0\u201c<strong>The Contest:<\/strong> The upcoming Indian general election is a high-stakes battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a coalition of over a dozen opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress. Modi, who first came to power in 2014, is seeking a third consecutive term. His campaign centers not only around an economic reform, but more importantly, a Hindu nationalist agenda. If Modi wins again, he will match the record set by India\u2019s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru <a href=\"#_edn1\" name=\"_ednref1\">[1]<\/a>, for three consecutive terms.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>&#8220;The Process:<\/strong> India\u2019s election follows a multiparty parliamentary system. Voters will cast their ballots in seven sequential phases, with results announced on June 4. The winning party or coalition, securing at least 272 seats, will form the government and nominate the prime minister. The BJP\u2019s campaign emphasizes Modi\u2019s leadership, while the opposition aims to unseat him. As the world\u2019s largest democratic exercise, this election not only shape India\u2019s political landscape, but also the global political scenario.\u201d <a href=\"#_edn2\" name=\"_ednref2\">[2]<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_259649\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/POPULARITY-OF-MODI-IN-THE-INDIAN-DIASPORA-US-WITH-TRUMP-2.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259649\" class=\"wp-image-259649\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/POPULARITY-OF-MODI-IN-THE-INDIAN-DIASPORA-US-WITH-TRUMP-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/POPULARITY-OF-MODI-IN-THE-INDIAN-DIASPORA-US-WITH-TRUMP-2.jpg 367w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/POPULARITY-OF-MODI-IN-THE-INDIAN-DIASPORA-US-WITH-TRUMP-2-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259649\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Indian Diaspora in United States.<br \/>Trump welcomed Modi to the U.S. in September 2019, the two men attending the &#8220;Howdy Modi&#8221; event in Houston, Texas and walking around the packed NRG stadium hand in hand and waving to the crowds. Trump praised Modi as one of America&#8217;s &#8220;greatest, most devoted and most loyal friends,&#8221; while Modi said India had a &#8220;true friend&#8221; in the White House. &#8220;He has left a lasting impact everywhere,&#8221; Modi said of Trump, who he described as &#8220;warm, friendly, accessible, energetic and full of wit.&#8221;<br \/>In reciprocation, President Donal Trump kicked off a 36-hour trip to India, with a visit to the former home of independence leader Mohandas Gandhi, before heading to a rally in Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad in India, More than 100,000 people filled the world&#8217;s largest cricket stadium, which is also known as Motera Stadium, as almost everyone in attendance donned a white cap with the name of the event &#8220;Namaste, Trump&#8221; (&#8220;Welcome, Trump&#8221;) written on it, the Associated Press reported.<br \/>\u00a0Photo Credit Saul Loeb Getty Images<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This publication, Part 2, in a series to coincide with the forthcoming General Elections in India, discusses the popularity of Prime Minister Modi. The General elections will be held in India from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.<a href=\"#_edn3\" name=\"_ednref3\">[3]<\/a> The elections will be held in seven phases and the results will be announced on 4 June 2024. Narendra Modi has been the 14<sup>th<\/sup> Prime Minister of India since 2014 and remains a very prominent and polarising political figure during his time in office. His ratings and popularity tended to vary based on different factors and contexts. Among his supporters from the BJP party and Hindu nationalist base, Modi enjoyed very high approval levels, often in the 70-80% range in many polls and surveys. They appreciated his image of a strong leader, his emphasis on Hindu cultural values, and his economic development agenda. However, Modi also faced substantial criticism from opposition parties and segments of the population uncomfortable with his Hindu nationalist leanings and some of his government&#8217;s policies on issues like freedom of speech, treatment of minorities, and human rights matters. At the national level, his overall approval numbers in 2022-2023 hovered around 50-60% in many polls, which while healthy, did show some decline from his first term when his ratings were higher in the mid-60s. Economic issues like unemployment and inflation appeared to be a drag on his popularity to some extent. It is worth noting that polling can vary substantially based on sample, methodology and other factors. But in general, Modi remained a very influential and consequential figure in Indian politics who inspired both vehement support and opposition from different constituencies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Transformation of Democracy to Religious Autocracy in India Causing Communal Peace Disturbance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>India, a diverse and vibrant nation, has a rich history of democratic governance. However, recent developments have sparked debates about the trajectory of Indian democracy. The phrase \u201ctransformation of democracy to religious autocracy\u201d encapsulates these concerns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contextual Analysis<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Historical Perspective<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Indian democracy emerged in 1950, following independence from British colonial rule. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1949, enshrined democratic principles, including free elections, civil liberties, and separation of powers.<\/li>\n<li>Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, even before the limited franchise became a reality, recognized the inevitability of democracy in India due to factors like Western education, unity among diverse communities, and Indians assuming high offices of state <a href=\"#_edn4\" name=\"_ednref4\">[4]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The founding figures of Indian democracy understood the need for some level of authoritarianism within the constitutional framework to establish the nascent republic <a href=\"#_edn5\" name=\"_ednref5\">[5]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recent Trends<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Since 2014, when Narendra Modi assumed power, India has witnessed significant political shifts.<\/li>\n<li>Critics argue that India is drifting toward \u201celectoral autocracy,\u201d with erosion of democratic credentials.\u00a0Reports from institutions like the V-Dem Institute have downgraded India\u2019s democratic status <a href=\"#_edn6\" name=\"_ednref6\">[6]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The period between 1989 and 2014 (the coalition era) often serves as a backdrop for discussions on India\u2019s democratic deficit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Religious Dimension<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Religious practice is deeply ingrained in Indian society. Surveys indicate that religious individuals tend to believe in democracy more than non-religious ones.<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s democracy rests, to some extent, on the foundation of religious practice.\u00a0In a hierarchical society, religious and electoral practices serve as the primary \u201cpublic spheres\u201d where social interactions occur <a href=\"#_edn7\" name=\"_ednref7\">[7]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Challenges and Concerns<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>The transformation from a robust democracy to a religiously influenced autocracy raises several issues:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Communal Peace Disturbance<\/strong>: As religious identity becomes more prominent in politics, communal tensions escalate. Clashes between different religious groups disrupt peace and harmony.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Erosion of Secularism<\/strong>: The delicate balance between secularism and religious pluralism is at risk. Policies favouring one religion over others can undermine the secular fabric of the nation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Threats to Civil Liberties<\/strong>: Autocratic tendencies may curtail freedom of expression, dissent, and minority rights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Democratic Backsliding<\/strong>: The gradual erosion of democratic norms and institutions challenges the very essence of Indian democracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The transformation of Indian democracy into a religiously influenced autocracy is a multifaceted phenomenon. It demands critical analysis, public discourse, and vigilant efforts to safeguard democratic values while respecting religious diversity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hindu Support for Modi<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Modi came up in an arduous manner from the ranks of the disadvantaged, over decades.\u00a0 He is a brilliant strategist and a pious polymath, demonstrating his multiple innate attributes and qualities from a politician to a fully-fledged Hindu priest, well versed in Vedantic teachings, and practise as eloquently demonstrated during the consecration of the new Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, <a href=\"#_edn8\" name=\"_ednref8\">[8]<\/a> as well as the BAPS Hindu Temple<a href=\"#_edn9\" name=\"_ednref9\">[9]<\/a> in Abu Dhabi, UAE, an Islamic country.\u00a0 He has further placed individuals within the BJP, in key positions, each with their own branding and expertise, such as Yogi Adityanath<a href=\"#_edn10\" name=\"_ednref10\">[10]<\/a>, the Chief Minister and probably Modi\u2019s successor.\u00a0 Yogi being a Hindu monk, turned a politician, has brought in the aspect of Hindutva into India\u2019s political scenario, using his expertise to garner support of the majority Hindus in elections since 2014.\u00a0 In addition, he has a Muslim lady Shazia Ilmi, born 1970,<a href=\"#_edn11\" name=\"_ednref11\">[11]<\/a>\u00a0is an Indian politician and the national spokesperson of the\u00a0Bharatiya Janata Party\u00a0since July 2021<a href=\"#_edn12\" name=\"_ednref12\">[12]<\/a>, to ensure an apparent voice for the Muslim minority in India. He has also transformed the media in India, from the print, as well as the social and visual media, to an organ of total support for BJP in a do or die policy.\u00a0 His charismatic and charming personality has resulted in the masses identifying with him.\u00a0 He is also on an anti-corruption crusade across India, and especially where members of the opposition parties are holding key positions in different states, Modi has even had them arrested. He is also using the massive influence Bollywood firm stars<a href=\"#_edn13\" name=\"_ednref13\">[13]<\/a> have on the masses and using them as candidates in different, appropriate scenarios.\u00a0 Furthermore, realising the value of mass mobilisation, he has influenced the production of several current big budget Bollywood movies in support of Modi and pro BJP, swaying the voters.<a href=\"#_edn14\" name=\"_ednref14\">[14]<\/a> Practically, his supreme diplomatic skills in international politics, including the War on Gaza<a href=\"#_edn15\" name=\"_ednref15\">[15]<\/a>, has seen him playing both sides of the coin. He does not want to displease the \u201cMaster of the System\u201d, yet he espouses freedom.\u00a0 Indeed, a clever, astute, calculated brain, in global politics. However, the popularity of\u00a0Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u00a0among non-Hindus in India varies significantly based on regional and cultural factors, even in the prelude to the 2024 elections:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In the\u00a02019 parliamentary election, approximately\u00a049%\u00a0of Hindu voters supported the\u00a0Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which allowed the party to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha (India\u2019s lower house of parliament) and granted Prime Minister Modi a second term in office<a href=\"#_edn16\" name=\"_ednref16\">[16]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>The BJP received\u00a0high vote shares\u00a0among Hindus in the\u00a0Northern (68%)\u00a0and\u00a0Central (65%)\u00a0regions, which include Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.<\/li>\n<li>However, in the\u00a0East\u00a0and\u00a0South\u00a0regions, the BJP\u2019s support among Hindus was\u00a0lower, with\u00a046%\u00a0in the East and a mere\u00a019%\u00a0in the South.<\/li>\n<li>In the South, significant shares of Hindu voters (20%) expressed support for the\u00a0Indian National Congress (INC), which has led the country for most of the years since independence.\u00a0Regional parties also garnered votes among Southern Hindus <a href=\"#_edn17\" name=\"_ednref17\">[17]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Regional Differences and Attitudes<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Southern states\u00a0tend to have higher per capita income and faster economic growth than most Northern and Central states.<\/li>\n<li>Hindu nationalist sentiments\u00a0appear to have a smaller foothold in the South.<\/li>\n<li>While\u00a064%\u00a0of Hindus in India overall consider being Hindu as very important to their Indian identity, this share drops to\u00a042%\u00a0in the South.<\/li>\n<li>Similarly, the importance of the\u00a0Hindi language\u00a0to national identity is higher in the Central and Northern regions (87% and 71%, respectively) compared to the South (27%).\u00a0Hindi is more widespread in the North and Central parts of the country but less common in the South <a href=\"#_edn18\" name=\"_ednref18\">[18]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Overall Perception<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PM Modi\u00a0continues to be\u00a0highly popular\u00a0among the\u00a0Hindu community, with a mean score of\u00a03.13\u00a0out of 4.<\/li>\n<li>Among non-Hindus (including Muslims and other minorities), the mean score for PM Modi\u2019s performance is\u00a0lower, standing at\u00a02.33<a href=\"#_edn19\" name=\"_ednref19\">[19]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In summary, while Modi enjoys significant support among Hindus, his popularity among non-Hindus varies based on regional, linguistic, and cultural factors. These differences shape voting patterns and attitudes across India.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_259646\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/INDIAS-RELIGIOUS-DIVERSITY-2.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259646\" class=\"wp-image-259646\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/INDIAS-RELIGIOUS-DIVERSITY-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/INDIAS-RELIGIOUS-DIVERSITY-2.jpg 614w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/INDIAS-RELIGIOUS-DIVERSITY-2-300x141.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259646\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">India\u2019s Religious Diversity at a Glance.\u00a0 Since the BJP took power in 2014, many religious minorities face discrimination, persecutions,\u00a0 loss of religious freedom and removal from the citizenship register, based on religion. India is also a religiously diverse country. While Hindus comprise most of the India\u2019s population (79.8%), there is a significant Muslim minority population (14.2%). Christians and Sikhs account for 2.3% and 1.7% of the Indian population respectively, with Buddhists, Jains and others making up the remaining 2%. Being the largest democracy in the world, India is often viewed as a role model for other heterogeneous countries trying to transition to democracy. Yet India\u2019s own democracy remains fraught. The communal tensions that continue to undermine it have their roots in the traumatic process of partition from 75 years ago.\u00a0 The hastily administered bifurcation of the Indian subcontinent by its British colonizers was accompanied by the forced displacement of Muslims in Hindu-dominated areas to what had become Pakistan. Similarly, most Hindus settled in Muslim-majority regions were displaced to the newly created state of India. This mass migration was marred by rampant bloodshed, leading to between 1 million and 2 million deaths. While many Muslims shifted to Pakistan, a significant proportion of them stayed in India. Despite efforts made by the newly created Indian state to protect its minorities, Indian Muslims, along with other religious and ethnic minorities, have experienced recurrent discrimination and violence.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_259650\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BIDEN-AND-MODI-2022-2.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259650\" class=\"wp-image-259650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BIDEN-AND-MODI-2022-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BIDEN-AND-MODI-2022-2.jpg 961w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BIDEN-AND-MODI-2022-2-300x250.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BIDEN-AND-MODI-2022-2-768x639.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259650\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u201cCharming, but Strange Bedfellows\u201d: US President Joe Biden and India\u2019s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 leaders\u2019 summit in Bali in November 2022 The humility and charm is Prime Minister Modi\u2019s global Hallmark. \u00a0<br \/>Photo Credit: Associated Press<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Popularity of Prime Minister Modi amongst the Indian Diaspora<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u00a0enjoys immense popularity among the\u00a0Indian diaspora\u00a0living abroad, particularly in the\u00a0USA\u00a0and\u00a0UK. It is worthwhile to explore the reasons for this:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rockstar-Like Status in the USA<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whenever PM Modi travels to foreign nations, he engages in\u00a0diaspora diplomacy.<\/li>\n<li>In the\u00a0USA, he receives a\u00a0rockstar welcome\u00a0from the Indian community. During his recent visit, he was greeted with cheers, chants of \u201cModi, Modi,\u201d and a grand reception.<\/li>\n<li>Indian-origin individuals\u2019 throng to meet him, take selfies, and express their admiration.\u00a0The Federation of Indian Associations even flew a\u00a0250-feet long banner\u00a0over the Hudson River in New York to welcome him <a href=\"#_edn20\" name=\"_ednref20\">[20]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Indian Americans organized\u00a0Unity Marches\u00a0in various American cities, celebrating the spirit of unity and chanting patriotic slogans like \u201cHar Har Modi<a href=\"#_edn21\" name=\"_ednref21\">[21]<\/a>,\u201d \u201cVande Mataram<a href=\"#_edn22\" name=\"_ednref22\">[22]<\/a>,\u201d and \u201cVande America\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"#_edn23\" name=\"_ednref23\">[23]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>UK and Other Countries<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PM Modi\u2019s popularity extends beyond the USA. He has perfected the art of filling up\u00a0huge stadiums and grounds\u00a0abroad with patriotic fervour.<\/li>\n<li>Large sections of the\u00a0Indian diaspora\u00a0in countries like the\u00a0UK\u00a0also admire him.<\/li>\n<li>His speeches at events attended by the diaspora resonate with pride and enthusiasm, reinforcing their connection to India <a href=\"#_edn24\" name=\"_ednref24\">[24]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Distinguished Role of Indian Diaspora<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Indian diaspora represents only\u00a0<strong>1%<\/strong>\u00a0of the\u00a0US population, but its political and economic influence has grown significantly.<\/li>\n<li>Indian Americans, constituting more than\u00a0<strong>1.2%<\/strong>\u00a0of the US population, play an important role, including in\u00a0American politics <a href=\"#_edn25\" name=\"_ednref25\">[25]<\/a>, <a href=\"#_edn26\" name=\"_ednref26\">[26]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>PM Modi\u2019s outreach to the diaspora strengthens cultural ties, fosters economic collaboration, and reinforces India\u2019s global standing <a href=\"#_edn27\" name=\"_ednref27\">[27]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In summary, Prime Minister Modi\u2019s popularity among the Indian diaspora abroad remains strong, with enthusiastic support from both the USA and the UK.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Modi and South Africans<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u00a0has garnered attention and varying levels of popularity among different segments of the population in\u00a0South Africa, particularly among\u00a0Africans\u00a0and\u00a0people of Indian origin. Let\u2019s explore this further:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Indian Diaspora in South Africa<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>South Africa is home to a significant\u00a0Indian diaspora, with nearly\u00a01.2 million Indians\u00a0residing there.<\/li>\n<li>During the\u00a0Mandela era,\u00a0six out of the 16 cabinet members\u00a0in the South African government were of Indian descent.<\/li>\n<li>The proportion of\u00a0Seychelles\u00a0and\u00a0Mauritian Indians\u00a0was notably high, with\u00a070.1%\u00a0of the population in Mauritius having Indian origins <a href=\"#_edn28\" name=\"_ednref28\">[28]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Modi\u2019s Engagement with the Indian Community<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prime Minister Modi has actively engaged with the Indian community in South Africa.<\/li>\n<li>During his visits, he has mingled with members of the\u00a0<strong>Indian diaspora<\/strong>, fostering a sense of connection and pride.<\/li>\n<li>His interactions with the community have been well-received, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ties across borders.<a href=\"#_edn29\" name=\"_ednref29\">[29]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Shared Experiences and Identity<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Indian diaspora in South Africa shares a history of migration, struggle, and resilience.<\/li>\n<li>Their experiences, backgrounds, and cultural ties create a sense of longing for their roots.<\/li>\n<li>While historical amnesia may obscure their African origins, their history intertwines with India, shaping their identity and sense of belonging <a href=\"#_edn30\" name=\"_ednref30\">[30]<\/a>, <a href=\"#_edn31\" name=\"_ednref31\">[31]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Broader Context<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s relations with Africa have evolved over time, and the Modi administration has actively adjusted its African policies.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthening India\u2013Africa cooperation holds significance for India\u2019s great power confidence and influence in Africa.<\/li>\n<li>However, challenges such as trade imbalances and mutual trust continue to impact the speed of bilateral relations <a href=\"#_edn32\" name=\"_ednref32\">[32]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In summary, Prime Minister Modi\u2019s popularity resonates differently among Africans and people of Indian origin in South Africa, reflecting a complex interplay of history, culture, and shared experiences.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Modi and Maldives<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since\u00a0Dr Mohamed Muizzu\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_edn33\" name=\"_ednref33\">[33]<\/a> was elected president of the\u00a0Maldives\u00a0in September 2023, a wave of\u00a0anti-India sentiment\u00a0has swept the country. President Muizzu has made it clear that his government\u2019s allegiances now lie elsewhere. He boldly stated, \u201cThere will be no Indian troops in the country come 10<sup>th<\/sup> May 2023. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing.\u00a0The Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"#_edn34\" name=\"_ednref34\">[34]<\/a>. This statement came after a spat between the two neighbouring countries, where Muizzu referred to India as a \u201cbully\u201d of smaller countries in the region.\u00a0 In response, India\u2019s Minister of External Affairs,\u00a0Subrahmanyam Jaishankar <a href=\"#_edn35\" name=\"_ednref35\">[35]<\/a>, pointed out that \u201cbig bullies don\u2019t provide $4.5 billion in aid,\u201d alluding to the substantial financial assistance the Maldives still receives from India<a href=\"#_edn36\" name=\"_ednref36\">[36]<\/a>. Interestingly, President Muizzu\u2019s government recently announced an agreement with\u00a0China\u00a0to receive free \u201cmilitary assistance.\u201d China also gifted the Maldives 12 ambulances. This marks the formal establishment of defence ties between the two countries, a move that has surprised many observers. The Maldives, despite being a small archipelago, holds strategic importance due to its location in the\u00a0Indian Ocean. It lies along a crucial east-west shipping lane that carries all of China\u2019s oil supplies from the Gulf.\u00a0Additionally, there is a significant\u00a0US naval base\u00a0in the vicinity<a href=\"#_edn37\" name=\"_ednref37\">[37]<\/a>.\u00a0 In contrast, the previous Maldivian government, under President\u00a0Mohamed Solih, had been more aligned with New Delhi. Over the past five years, India surpassed China as the Maldives\u2019 biggest economic backer, providing funding for hospitals, schools, airports, and other infrastructure projects.\u00a0However, President Muizzu\u2019s recent actions signal a shift in the country\u2019s foreign policy, raising tensions in the region and challenging India\u2019s influence in the Indian Ocean\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid\" ><sup>1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0 Despite these developments, India and the Maldives continue to engage in dialogue.\u00a0Recently, Prime Minister\u00a0Narendra Modi\u00a0held a \u201cproductive\u201d meeting with President Muizzu on the sidelines of the UN\u2019s COP 28 climate summit, emphasizing the need to deepen their partnership <a href=\"#_edn38\" name=\"_ednref38\">[38]<\/a>. The relationship between the two nations remains dynamic, influenced by geopolitical factors and strategic interests.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_259645\" style=\"width: 588px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/G20-SUMMIT-DELHI-2023-2.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259645\" class=\"size-full wp-image-259645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/G20-SUMMIT-DELHI-2023-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"578\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/G20-SUMMIT-DELHI-2023-2.jpg 578w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/G20-SUMMIT-DELHI-2023-2-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259645\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman with a warm embrace in Delhi as a host of the 2023 G20 Summit. The two leaders met, exchanged handshakes and a hug at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam convention center in Pragati Maidan.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>The Bottom-Line <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Bottom Line is that India, as the world&#8217;s most populous nation readies for general elections that begin on 19yh April 2024, politicians face a sobering reality. India is the fastest-growing major economy, but there are still not enough white-collar jobs for its educated youth.<a href=\"#_edn39\" name=\"_ednref39\">[39]<\/a>\u00a0 <strong>Educated and Unemployed: India\u2019s Angry Young Voters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In India, the story of educated yet jobless youth is one of frustration and dashed hopes.\u00a0As the country gears up for general elections starting on 19<sup>th<\/sup> April 2024, politicians confront a stark reality:\u00a0India boasts the fastest-growing major economy, yet there remains a dearth of white-collar jobs for its educated youth <a href=\"#_edn40\" name=\"_ednref40\">[40]<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Some key points:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Demographic Challenge<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over\u00a0half of India\u2019s 1.4 billion people\u00a0are under the age of 30.<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0potential workforce is expanding demographically, but job opportunities are not keeping pace.<\/li>\n<li>Many new jobs are in the agricultural sector, which doesn\u2019t align with the aspirations of educated youth <a href=\"#_edn41\" name=\"_ednref41\">[41]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Unemployment Rates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0International Labour Organization\u00a0estimates that\u00a029% of India\u2019s young university graduates\u00a0were unemployed in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>This rate is nearly\u00a0nine times higher\u00a0than for those without a diploma, who often find work in low-paid service or construction jobs <a href=\"#_edn42\" name=\"_ednref42\">[42]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Government Jobs as a Lifeline<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For many educated youths, a\u00a0government job\u00a0is seen as the ultimate goal.<\/li>\n<li>These jobs offer stability, benefits, and a path to marriage and family life.<\/li>\n<li>However, the competition is fierce, with many applicants vying for limited government positions\u00a0<a href=\"#_edn43\" name=\"_ednref43\">[43]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Migration and Frustration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The lack of high-paying private sector jobs drives some to seek opportunities abroad.<\/li>\n<li>There\u2019s an\u00a0urge to emigrate illegally, hoping for better prospects in countries like the United States or Canada\u00a0<a href=\"#_edn44\" name=\"_ednref44\">[44]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Government Efforts and Criticisms<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prime Minister\u00a0Narendra Modi\u00a0has attracted global tech giants to set up in India, but this success hasn\u2019t translated into the manufacturing jobs that people demand.<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0World Bank\u00a0warns that India, along with other South Asian nations, is\u00a0not creating enough jobs\u00a0to match its growing working-age population<a href=\"#_edn45\" name=\"_ednref45\">[45]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the midst of economic growth, the plight of educated yet jobless youth remains a pressing issue.\u00a0As they head to the polls, these young voters carry their frustrations and aspirations, hoping for change that will transform their prospects <a href=\"#_edn46\" name=\"_ednref46\">[46]<\/a>,<a href=\"#_edn47\" name=\"_ednref47\">[47]<\/a>.\u00a0 In addition, Washington is concerned about India\u2019s \u2018slide into illiberalism\u2019, but it \u2018doesn\u2019t weaken the US-India ties, much less impact its future trajectory.<a href=\"#_edn48\" name=\"_ednref48\">[48]<\/a>\u00a0 The US\u2019 concerns arose after India arrested a senior Indian opposition politician and is set to implement a religion-based citizenship law.<a href=\"#_edn49\" name=\"_ednref49\">[49]<\/a>\u00a0 New Delhi last month summoned a US diplomat\u00a0to protest Washington\u2019s remarks\u00a0over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after a US State Department spokesperson said they were closely following the situation and encouraged a \u201cfair, transparent and timely legal process\u201d.\u00a0 Kejriwal, leader of the opposition Aam Aadmi Party, was arrested on March 21 on allegations of corruption linked to an alleged alcohol excise scam. Several other senior members of his party have also been arrested in relation to the case. India\u2019s Ministry of External Affairs lodged a \u201cstrong objection\u201d over the US diplomat\u2019s remarks and chided the US for not being \u201crespectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others\u201d. It also rejected US concerns that the implementation of a religion-based citizenship law would be \u201cmisplaced, misinformed and unwarranted\u201d, after New Delhi announced on March 11 the rules for the\u00a0Citizenship Amendment Act<a href=\"#_edn50\" name=\"_ednref50\">[50]<\/a>\u00a0and promised its implementation before the country\u2019s coming national elections.\u00a0 These as well as other concerns, are major hurdles which are not only bound to cause major Peace Disruption, but also the new government in India will need to address and overcome, as it enters the election period.\u00a0 The risk of losing international allies are the Bottom Line for Indian Politics in 2024 and beyond. The acid test will be if Modi can maintain his charming popularity, with his charismatic persona.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_259648\" style=\"width: 495px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/YOUNG-JOBS-3.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259648\" class=\"size-full wp-image-259648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/YOUNG-JOBS-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"485\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/YOUNG-JOBS-3.jpg 485w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/YOUNG-JOBS-3-300x269.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259648\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the numerous Election Challenges for Prime Minister Modi in the 2024 General Elections in India: Unemployed youths fill application forms to access job openings in the private sector in Hyderabad, India. Photo Credit: AFP<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref1\" name=\"_edn1\">[1]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jawaharlal_Nehru\" >https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jawaharlal_Nehru<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref2\" name=\"_edn2\">[2]<\/a> Personal quote by author, April 2024<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref3\" name=\"_edn3\">[3]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/bharatiya-janata-party-pseudo-peace-propagation-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-part-1\/\" >https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/bharatiya-janata-party-pseudo-peace-propagation-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-part-1\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref4\" name=\"_edn4\">[4]<\/a> Singh, T. (2023). The Authoritarian Roots of India\u2019s Democracy. Journal of Democracy, 34(3), 133\u2013143<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref5\" name=\"_edn5\">[5]<\/a> Singh, T. (2023). The Authoritarian Roots of India\u2019s Democracy. Journal of Democracy, 34(3), 133\u2013153<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref6\" name=\"_edn6\">[6]<\/a> BBC News. (2021, March 15). \u2018Electoral autocracy\u2019: The downgrading of India\u2019s democracy<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref7\" name=\"_edn7\">[7]<\/a> Chhibber, P. (n.d.). Religious Practice and Democracy in India. Cambridge University Press<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref8\" name=\"_edn8\">[8]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/01\/the-consecration-of-the-new-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-a-glimmer-of-peace-in-a-sea-of-darkness\/\" >https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/01\/the-consecration-of-the-new-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-a-glimmer-of-peace-in-a-sea-of-darkness\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref9\" name=\"_edn9\">[9]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_NWzAmwqQYw\" >https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_NWzAmwqQYw<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ednref10\" name=\"_edn10\">[10]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/bharatiya-janata-party-pseudo-peace-propagation-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-part-1\/\" >https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/bharatiya-janata-party-pseudo-peace-propagation-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-part-1\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref11\" name=\"_edn11\">[11]<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/news.biharprabha.com\/2012\/08\/the-biography-of-sazia-ilmi-a-prominent-team-anna-member\/\" >http:\/\/news.biharprabha.com\/2012\/08\/the-biography-of-sazia-ilmi-a-prominent-team-anna-member\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref12\" name=\"_edn12\">[12]<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shazia_Ilmi\" >https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shazia_Ilmi<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref13\" name=\"_edn13\">[13]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/umbc.edu\/stories\/bollywood-is-playing-a-role-in-indias-elections\/\" >https:\/\/umbc.edu\/stories\/bollywood-is-playing-a-role-in-indias-elections\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref14\" name=\"_edn14\">[14]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/features\/2024\/3\/9\/bollywood-take-over-pro-modi-films-swamp-indian-voters-ahead-of-election\" >https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/features\/2024\/3\/9\/bollywood-take-over-pro-modi-films-swamp-indian-voters-ahead-of-election<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref15\" name=\"_edn15\">[15]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/editorial\/lost-voice-on-indias-abstention-on-the-gaza-vote-at-the-un\/article67477119.ece\" >https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/editorial\/lost-voice-on-indias-abstention-on-the-gaza-vote-at-the-un\/article67477119.ece<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref16\" name=\"_edn16\">[16]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/magazine\/india\/story\/20200817-mood-of-the-nation-pm-modi-still-king-of-indian-politics-with-78-per-cent-approval-rating-1708943-2020-08-07\" >https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/magazine\/india\/story\/20200817-mood-of-the-nation-pm-modi-still-king-of-indian-politics-with-78-per-cent-approval-rating-1708943-2020-08-07<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref17\" name=\"_edn17\">[17]<\/a> <a 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href=\"https:\/\/www.firstpost.com\/explainers\/pm-narendra-modi-us-popular-indian-americans-diaspora-12768712.html\" >https:\/\/www.firstpost.com\/explainers\/pm-narendra-modi-us-popular-indian-americans-diaspora-12768712.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref24\" name=\"_edn24\">[24]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outlookindia.com\/national\/modi-madness-among-indian-diaspora-and-the-west-puts-spotlight-on-india-too-news-233544\" >https:\/\/www.outlookindia.com\/national\/modi-madness-among-indian-diaspora-and-the-west-puts-spotlight-on-india-too-news-233544<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref25\" name=\"_edn25\">[25]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/nri\/migrate\/indian-diaspora-has-distinguished-itself-across-the-world-pm-modi\/articleshow\/86447425.cms\" >https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/nri\/migrate\/indian-diaspora-has-distinguished-itself-across-the-world-pm-modi\/articleshow\/86447425.cms<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" 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href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2023\/10\/1\/who-is-mohamed-muizzu-maldivess-pro-china-president-elect\" >https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2023\/10\/1\/who-is-mohamed-muizzu-maldivess-pro-china-president-elect<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref34\" name=\"_edn34\">[34]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid\" >https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref35\" name=\"_edn35\">[35]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S._Jaishankar\" >https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S._Jaishankar<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref36\" name=\"_edn36\">[36]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid\" >https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref37\" name=\"_edn37\">[37]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid\" >https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/mar\/07\/big-bullies-maldives-turns-away-from-india-as-calculating-china-woos-it-with-aid<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref38\" name=\"_edn38\">[38]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/india-maldives-to-set-up-core-group-to-further-deepen-ties-as-pm-modi-meets-new-maldivian-president-muizzu\/article67598378.ece\" >https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/india-maldives-to-set-up-core-group-to-further-deepen-ties-as-pm-modi-meets-new-maldivian-president-muizzu\/article67598378.ece<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref39\" name=\"_edn39\">[39]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-za\/news\/other\/educated-and-unemployed-india-s-angry-young-voters\/ar-BB1lu8A3?rc=1&amp;oci\" >https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-za\/news\/other\/educated-and-unemployed-india-s-angry-young-voters\/ar-BB1lu8A3?rc=1&amp;oci<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref40\" name=\"_edn40\">[40]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/ck\/a?!&amp;&amp;p=49f3a48555cfd3b8JmltdHM9MTcxMjg4MDAwMCZpZ3VpZD0wOWJkOGFlOC0zZmI2LTZjZWYtMmI5MS05ZWExM2UyODZkM2MmaW5zaWQ9NzkzMw&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=09bd8ae8-3fb6-6cef-2b91-9ea13e286d3c&amp;psq=educated+and+unemployed%3a+india%5c%27s+angry+young+voters&amp;u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXNuLmNvbS9lbi16YS9uZXdzL290aGVyL2VkdWNhdGVkLWFuZC11bmVtcGxveWVkLWluZGlhcy1hbmdyeS15b3VuZy12b3RlcnMvYXItQkIxbHU4QTM&amp;ntb=1\" >https:\/\/www.bing.com\/ck\/a?!&amp;&amp;p=49f3a48555cfd3b8JmltdHM9MTcxMjg4MDAwMCZpZ3VpZD0wOWJkOGFlOC0zZmI2LTZjZWYtMmI5MS05ZWExM2UyODZkM2MmaW5zaWQ9NzkzMw&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=09bd8ae8-3fb6-6cef-2b91-9ea13e286d3c&amp;psq=educated+and+unemployed%3a+india%5c%27s+angry+young+voters&amp;u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXNuLmNvbS9lbi16YS9uZXdzL290aGVyL2VkdWNhdGVkLWFuZC11bmVtcGxveWVkLWluZGlhcy1hbmdyeS15b3VuZy12b3RlcnMvYXItQkIxbHU4QTM&amp;ntb=1<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref41\" name=\"_edn41\">[41]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/jobs\/fresher\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/articleshow\/109232851.cms\" >https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/jobs\/fresher\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/articleshow\/109232851.cms<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref42\" name=\"_edn42\">[42]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newindianexpress.com\/nation\/2024\/Apr\/12\/indias-rising-voter-demographic-the-agony-of-educated-yet-jobless-youth\" >https:\/\/www.newindianexpress.com\/nation\/2024\/Apr\/12\/indias-rising-voter-demographic-the-agony-of-educated-yet-jobless-youth<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref43\" name=\"_edn43\">[43]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.sun.mv\/88696\" >https:\/\/en.sun.mv\/88696<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref44\" name=\"_edn44\">[44]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/scroll.in\/article\/1060710\/youth-unemployment-is-a-major-problem-in-india-so-why-is-it-absent-from-national-politics\" >https:\/\/scroll.in\/article\/1060710\/youth-unemployment-is-a-major-problem-in-india-so-why-is-it-absent-from-national-politics<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref45\" name=\"_edn45\">[45]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/jobs\/fresher\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/articleshow\/109232851.cms\" >https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/jobs\/fresher\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/articleshow\/109232851.cms<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref46\" name=\"_edn46\">[46]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/asia\/south-asia\/article\/3258758\/educated-jobless-and-angry-indias-young-graduates-drown-despair-even-economy-booms\" >https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/asia\/south-asia\/article\/3258758\/educated-jobless-and-angry-indias-young-graduates-drown-despair-even-economy-booms<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref47\" name=\"_edn47\">[47]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-za\/news\/other\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/ar-BB1lu8A3\" >https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-za\/news\/other\/educated-and-unemployed-indias-angry-young-voters\/ar-BB1lu8A3<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref48\" name=\"_edn48\">[48]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/week-asia\/politics\/article\/3258657\/here-stay-us-india-ties-bound-shared-interests-wont-be-marred-recent-incidents-analysts-say?campaign=3258657_70972f9c-f915-11ee-b2bc-02cf01f3e550&amp;module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&amp;pgtype=article\" >https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/week-asia\/politics\/article\/3258657\/here-stay-us-india-ties-bound-shared-interests-wont-be-marred-recent-incidents-analysts-say?campaign=3258657_70972f9c-f915-11ee-b2bc-02cf01f3e550&amp;module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&amp;pgtype=article<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref49\" name=\"_edn49\">[49]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.voanews.com\/a\/india-muslims-see-discrimination-in-new-religion-based-citizenship-law\/7531377.html#:~:text=Practitioners%20of%20the%20designated%20religions,will%20be%20eligible%20for%20citizenship\" >https:\/\/www.voanews.com\/a\/india-muslims-see-discrimination-in-new-religion-based-citizenship-law\/7531377.html#:~:text=Practitioners%20of%20the%20designated%20religions,will%20be%20eligible%20for%20citizenship<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#_ednref50\" name=\"_edn50\">[50]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/latest\/news\/2024\/03\/india-citizenship-amendment-act-is-a-blow-to-indian-constitutional-values-and-international-standards\/#:~:text=The%20CAA%20removes%20barriers%20for,or%20before%2031%20December%202014\" >https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/latest\/news\/2024\/03\/india-citizenship-amendment-act-is-a-blow-to-indian-constitutional-values-and-international-standards\/#:~:text=The%20CAA%20removes%20barriers%20for,or%20before%2031%20December%202014<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>______________________________________________<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2024\/04\/bharatiya-janata-party-pseudo-peace-propagation-in-narendrabhai-damodardas-modis-bharat-hindutva-part-1\/\" >Read Part 1<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Hoosen-Vawda-e1618716350456.jpeg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-183185\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Hoosen-Vawda-e1618716350456.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a>Professor G. Hoosen M. Vawda (Bsc; MBChB; PhD.Wits) is a member of the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/\" ><em>TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><em><br \/>\n<strong>Director<\/strong>: Glastonbury Medical Research Centre; Community Health and Indigent Programme Services; Body Donor Foundation SA.<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Principal Investigator<\/strong>: Multinational Clinical Trials<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Consultant<\/strong>: Medical and General Research Ethics; Internal Medicine and Clinical Psychiatry:UKZN, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Executive Member<\/strong>: Inter Religious Council KZN SA<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Public Liaison<\/strong>: Medical Misadventures<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Activism<\/strong>: Justice for All<\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>Email<\/strong>: <\/em><a href=\"mailto:vawda@ukzn.ac.za\"><em>vawda@ukzn.ac.za<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This paper is written as an objective analysis of the current political climate in India, prior to the general election, being the largest democracy in the world.\u00a0 Readers are invited to discuss any statements, perceived as biased and prejudiced, with the author.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":259649,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[2197,392,2884,759,335,1638,109,249,70],"class_list":["post-259644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transcend-members","tag-biden","tag-elections","tag-hindus","tag-india","tag-muslims","tag-narendra-modi","tag-politics","tag-trump","tag-usa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259644"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259644\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259655,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259644\/revisions\/259655"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/259649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}