The Indian National Congress, in yet another desperate attempt to remain relevant, has once again chosen to stoke unrest and hinder the nation’s progress. Its open endorsement of minority Muslim organizations threatening nationwide agitations against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act by the BJP-led NDA government is both irresponsible and divisive. Such actions not only undermine democratic governance but also challenge national unity and stability.
The Congress party has a long history of using divisive tactics to secure its political survival. From the time of India’s partition, it has played the appeasement card, often at the cost of the majority’s interests. While Pakistan was declared an Islamic nation following its creation, Congress, in an attempt to placate certain sections of the Muslim population, declared India a secular state. Over the decades, it systematically encouraged the formation of minority-centric institutions, such as the Personal Law Board and Waqf Board, which were designed to safeguard the interests of a specific community rather than promoting a uniform legal framework for all Indians.
This flawed approach has had long-term consequences. The Congress-led government, through education policies and historical distortions, allowed a selective narrative to flourish, weakening the cultural and historical consciousness of the Hindu majority. The appointment of historians with vested interests, such as Romila Thapar, further contributed to this distortion, systematically eroding the nation’s civilizational roots.
Over the years, the Congress party has cultivated a strong vote bank among minority communities. This was evident when former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while serving under the influence of the Congress high command, declared that Muslims had the “first claim” on India’s resources. Such statements reinforced the perception of preferential treatment and fuelled resentment among other sections of society.
Despite its historical blunders, the Congress managed to retain political influence due to the complacency and tolerance of the Hindu majority. However, the political landscape changed drastically with the rise of Narendra Modi and the BJP, who emphasized national unity, economic progress, and an end to appeasement politics. The party’s decisive victory in 2014 and subsequent re-election in 2019 reflected a strong public mandate against Congress’ divisive politics.
Faced with electoral irrelevance, Congress has attempted to regain ground through disruptive tactics. The Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the prolonged farmer protests against agricultural reforms were clear examples of orchestrated unrest. These movements received financial backing from external sources, including billionaire activist George Soros and various international NGOs with vested interests in destabilizing India.
Despite these efforts, the Modi government effectively countered these threats, maintaining law and order without yielding to politically motivated pressures. The 2024 general elections further exposed Congress’ declining influence, as the electorate largely rejected its brand of politics. Even in states where the party had some foothold, it suffered humiliating defeats in assembly elections post-2024.
With its reduced political standing, Congress is now attempting to exploit the issue of the Waqf Board Act and the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to fuel communal unrest. However, global and domestic factors indicate that these attempts may not bear fruit. The return of Donald Trump to power in the United States has signalled a shift in international policies, with his administration likely to crack down on NGOs that misuse foreign funds to destabilize democratic nations like India. This could significantly curtail the financial resources available for orchestrating large-scale protests.
The Modi government must take a firm stand against any attempts to disturb national peace and economic progress. Opposition-led state governments that fail to control unlawful protests must be held accountable. Given the economic slowdown caused by previous agitations and the pandemic years, India cannot afford further disruptions. If necessary, the government should introduce stringent legislation to prevent prolonged road blockages and ensure that protests do not bring the country to a standstill.
Additionally, the judiciary must play a responsible role in safeguarding constitutional rights while ensuring that public order is maintained. If courts permit protests, they must impose clear time frames and restrictions to prevent indefinite disruptions to public life and economic activity. A well-balanced legal approach, supported by strong governance, will ensure that national progress is not hindered by politically motivated unrest.
India’s growth trajectory cannot be held hostage by the disruptive politics of an outdated and desperate opposition. The Modi government must remain unwavering in its commitment to national stability, economic development, and social harmony. The judiciary, as the guardian of the Constitution, must ensure that democratic rights are exercised responsibly, without infringing on the nation’s overall well-being. No political party should have the power to stall the country’s progress for its own gain. Ensuring a strong, united, and peaceful India must be the guiding principle for both governance and judicial oversight.
