LK Advani warns us of the possible repetition of Emergency, 40 years after the event. Assuming that an Emergency amounts to the repeal of democratic rights in every sense, it is inconceivable that democracy can exist without secularism. Yet, Advani conveniently forgets to talk about threats to secularism.

Hence, one may be forgiven for feeling that the country is already going through an undeclared Emergency. Ghar Wapsi, Love Jihad and Mother Teresa's ‘contributions’ to religious conversion are part of our mainstream debate — even in Parliament. Nathuram Godse is all set to be rehabilitated. Muslims are denied jobs and houses. Dalit students are not allowed to debate the Modi government's ‘contributions’. Attacks against minorities have increased. Senior BJP politicians — Advani’s very own BJP — are out to give a religious colour to yoga.

The Modi government has issued more than a dozen ordinances in one year. The federal structure is being questioned by proposals such as a single tax regime, a single code for workers undermining trade union rights, a single motor vehicle law for the country and so on. No discussion on relaxing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is welcome. Going by debates in social media, it seems a large section does not mind an autocrat as their ruler. They want things to be in place. Isn’t this like the way Congressmen still argue that trains ran on time during the Emergency? Attacks on the media have increased. Witness the murder of social media journalist Jagendra Singh.

What we need is a commitment to secular democracy from the government, judiciary, media and senior politicians such as Advani.

Senior Assistant Editor

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