Satyapal Menon

Predictableare the ways that a dispensation under siege reacts to a backlash over its incapabilities, improprieties, incapabilities and insouciance. The Indian government - read as ruling political establishment at the Centre - has expectedly unleashed its proxy propaganda and vindictive blitzkrieg to transform the narrative related to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) initiated upsurge against NEET scandal. Not unexpectedly, the fabrication division of the establishment is working overtime to manufacture disinformation against the non-violent and innovative agitation by the proactive youth of the country.

After succumbing to the demand of the youth and beating a hasty and clumsy retreat - consequent to the failure of supressing the agitation through coercion and intimidation- the ruling political establishment- the National Democratic Alliance, specifically the BJP - is now in a retaliation mode. The latest reports indicate investigations into the antecedents of youth leaders and their linkages to political parties. Inevitably, the target and objective of the propaganda machinery of the establishment, and its machinations, is to create a narrative against political parties that are inimical to its own agendas. News reports reflect that the besieged government is desperately attempting to portray the agitating youth as desperadoes sponsored and funded by political parties. To obfuscate the truth, stories are being planted to create the impression that the agitation was pre-planned and contrived and not a spontaneous response of anger and frustration.

Such interpretations and claims are convenient for the government, since the touted reason that it is politically sponsored - is more convenient than the latter cause and effect - that it is spontaneous and simultaneous outburst by the youth of the country. It is not difficult to fathom the psychology of archaic mindset and dogmatic politicians holding the country’s reins. It is not in tune with the needs, aspirations and ambitions of the youth in the country. It also reveals an irrational mindset, which views youth as malcontents and attempts to decimate dissent and discontent. While the ruling party is on a denial mode - see no truth, hear no truth, avoid inconvenient truth -- underestimating and undermining the undercurrents could prove to be counterproductive.

Threats by the government to investigate ‘money trails’, and imputation of political funding, will eventually prove to be ridiculous and superfluous, since there is nothing illegal in providing monetary support to an apolitical outfit for its’ fight against the NEET deception. In the aftermath of the agitation that shook and activated the conscience of the nation - specifically the youth - there were also reports pointing to devious means to muzzle and muffle the heightening clamour through pressure tactics. Despite successive defeats and depletion of its arsenal to subdue and stifle the agitation, the truth seems to be too bitter and unpalatable for the ruling party. According to reports, those who had displayed banners displaying critical and satirical slogans against the government are being targetted and singled out for special treatment. Such vindictive actions are reflective of an incorrigible psychosis, impenetrable to reform. The perpetrators are perhaps nursing delusions that the uprising by the youth can be uprooted and ended through coercive tactics.

On the contrary, this could be the beginning of the end for oppressive and suppressive regimes. And, consequently, such an end will usher in the beginning and dawn of a new and reinvigorated era for the young generation and steered by the young generation.

(The writer is a senior journalist and media educator)