HUNGER STRIKE BY SONAM WANGCHUK

SONUN WANGCHUK Demands accountability for NEET Paper leak and resignation of Education Minister via hunger strike

What is in the News?
Sonam Wangchuk is at the centre of national headlines following an indefinite hunger strike. He started the hunger strike on June 28, 2026, at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Having survived purely on salt water and losing significant body mass, he was forcibly removed by the Delhi Police from the Jantar Mantar protest site following High Court directions regarding his failing health. After 26 days of fasting, Sonam Wangchuk concluded the fasting on 23^rd July 2026 after Central government agreed on some of the demands in writing.

Context of the News
Soon after the emergence of the satirical online platform Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Wangchuk extended his support. He started a fasting protest seeking accountability from the central government for national examination paper leaks (specifically NEET and CBSE) and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On July 20, 2026, his fast sparked a massive real-world escalation as thousands of student supporters marching toward Parliament encountered heavy police blockades, station closures, and lathi charges.

Public opinion on Wangchuk is highly polarized, split into two sharply contrasting narratives.
His supporters project him as a technologist, a problem solver, a reformer, and a fighter for democratic values and justice. They appreciate his leadership in demanding accountability from the government.

His critics view him as a celebrity because of his extensive international connections and global accolades. His initiatives are viewed as having a political component. His father was a minister in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. His father was associated with Congress, and Wangchuk also has close linkages with the Congress party. Wangchuk has media visibility and access to senior government officials due to his celebrity status. His initiatives, including the recent fasting, are apparently aimed at the BJP-led central government, which is a political adversary to the Congress and other aligned opposition parties.

How to understand the News?
The CJP phenomenon was unexpected and not organic. It is not uncommon in Indian courts to hear critical and sometimes controversial remarks from sitting judges during adjudication. While dismissing a petition by an advocate who had filed a contempt petition against the Delhi High Court over delays in designating Senior Advocate titles, CJI Surya Kant criticized the petitioner for criticizing the system. He said, “"There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them? There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists, and other activists, and they start attacking everyone." These comments stirred controversy among the public and the youth in particular. An online reaction of establishing a parody organization by Abhijeet Dipke drew huge public support within hours. At present, more than 25 million people are following the social media accounts of CJP. The response caused disbelief among political parties, and many suspected a conspiracy and unseen players behind such a response. Many inferred the surprising support for CJP as indicative of leadership gaps and deficiencies in the leadership grooming process.

Sonam Wangchuk is a prominent social figure. His educational initiatives through the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) to improve the performance of dropouts, his involvement with Ice Stupas (artificial glaciers to conserve water), and sustainable solar mud buildings are widely appreciated. These initiatives are examples of impactful social interventions in the NGO sector.

Sonam Wangchuk is also a political personality. His public initiatives related to Ladakh autonomy and a fair examination system (in the context of leaked question papers of NEET) are political in nature. His association with Congress and its associated ecosystem is to be taken into consideration while assessing his political initiatives. The protests led by Wangchuk that demanded autonomy for Ladakh turned violent and caused national security concerns in government circles. Wangchuk was imprisoned under the National Security Act. Demanding accountability for the NEET paper leak and resignation from the education minister appeared to be natural reactions from an alert society and its leaders. However, the emergence of CJP and the alignment of Wangchuk and other leaders from the NGO sector with it indicated the involvement of politics around a real public concern. Support from political parties opposed to the governing establishment confirmed a political alliance.

Inadequacy in the approach of the Government. The demand for accountability for a serious lapse such as the NEET paper leak is in the public interest. Ideally, the government should proactively identify lapses, ensure accountability, and take measures to address the problem. The Government took swift action to identify the persons involved in the leak and initiated several measures to prevent leaks. The Government did not respond to the demand for resignation from the education minister. A call for a statement from the Prime Minister on the NEET paper leak was not considered. The Government followed legal directives in dealing with the fasting Wangchuk. The government did not proactively communicate its views to the public and demonstrate its engagement with the protesting public.

Protests may be propped up by anti-social and anti-national elements, as seen in neighbouring Bangladesh. The Opposition may be playing an anarchic game. If a political party or an agitating group is resorting to such tactics, it is the responsibility of the government to bring the relevant aspects to the notice of the public. Otherwise, such accusations remain within the perimeter of party politics and may be seen as a tactic of the Government to hide its failures.

The Opposition seizes an opportunity. The Opposition is playing its role of highlighting an alternate viewpoint on this issue. It is part of their duty to highlight the failures of the Government. It is seen that opposition parties are generally united in supporting the fasting by Sonam Wangchuk. Rallying around CJP and Sonam Wangchuk may be an opportunity seized by the opposition. It appears that the opposition is playing this game well within contemporary boundaries. The protests have succeeded in drawing the Government to follow-up actions. The Prime Minister has announced speedy judicial proceedings to punish the culprits.

Governments need to demonstrate swift action in the immediate aftermath of a systemic failure such as the NEET paper leak. When public and student protests appear to be growing, it is the responsibility of the Government to address the concerns of agitators. Resignation of the education minister is clearly one of those options. It is fair if the Government prefers another option. However, the Government cannot be seen as not doing enough or not being proactive in addressing the problem and engaging with the public. Partisan bickering is a distraction to good governance. Good governance suffers and quality public life is denied to the public when public affairs are managed by people who are not efficient. This can be addressed only when political parties approach leadership grooming with seriousness.

Ajeet Bharti - A Social Media Influencer

Ajeet Bharti is an independent Indian journalist and an author. Previously, He has worked for Times Of India, Economic Times, IANS before becoming the founding editor for Op-India (Hindi). After that he created DO Politics and worked for two years to make it a brand. At present he heads AB4K Media where he creates his signature content on political, social, Dharmic and other events of the day. 

He writes in social media and is a prominent social media influencer.  He writes articles, books, social media snippets, and creates videos. He has a unique journalistic style of effectively communicating various perspectives on issue of current affairs. His ability to respond quickly to issues of current affairs with an Indian and civilizational perspective is appreciated widely among general public and prominent circles. 

His outspoken perspectives on administration, legislature and judiciary have created public debate, controversies and attracted administrative and judicial actions on him. He has a huge following and is a prominent voice of decolonized Indian PoV.  

Ajeet Bharti's media focus is defined by a Hindutva-centric, nationalist, and anti-establishment perspective. While he is broadly aligned with Right-Wing (RW) ideology, he is known for being "unapologetic" and frequently criticizes the very organizations he is often associated with when he feels they compromise on core principles. His critique on RSS and BJP,  policies of Governments on Hindus and Hinduism, Dalits, Caste and Social Harmony are widely watched and discussed. 

Dilip Mandal - A profile

Dilip Mandal is a senior Indian journalist, social activist, and author.  Mandal has over three decades of experience in the media industry. He served as the Managing Editor of India Today (Hindi) until May 2014. He has held senior editorial and production positions at several major news outlets, including Aaj Tak, Zee News, Star News, and CNBC Awaaz. He has been a consultant and regular contributor to platforms like The Print and Round Table India, writing extensively on politics, social policy, and caste. Dilip Mandal has authored several books that focus on media criticism and caste dynamics in India. 

Media Ka Underworld: His most famous work, which critiques the lack of diversity and the influence of vested interests in Indian newsrooms.

Unsocial Network: Explores the impact of social media on Indian society and how it bypasses traditional media gatekeepers.

Chautha Khambha (Private) Limited (4th Pillar Private Limited): A collection of essays on the "privatisation" and corporatisation of the fourth estate.

Corporate Media : Dalal Street: Focuses on the relationship between big business houses and mainstream media outlets.

Jativar Jan-ganana: Sansad, Samaj aur Media (Caste Census: Parliament, Society, and Media): Advocates for a caste-based census and examines media resistance to the idea.

He is primarily known for his advocacy on caste-based representation, Dalit-Bahujan rights, and his critical analysis of the lack of diversity in Indian media. Mandal is a vocal critic of "upper-caste hegemony" in mainstream media. He frequently advocates for reservations and the democratization of information through digital Dalit-Bahujan platforms. Dilip Mandal’s work primarily analyses the intersection of corporate interests, media representation, and social hierarchy.

He was appointed as the Media Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in August 2024. His role involves creating pro-Dalit and pro-OBC narratives for the government, representing the administration in public debates, and performing public relations work. In his current role, Mandal uses platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to bridge the gap between Dalit-Bahujan politics and the BJP's national narrative. While once a sharp critic of the BJP, he has more recently been described as a "pro-Modi voice," supporting initiatives like the election of President Draupadi Murmu as a milestone for tribal representation. Since his appointment as a Media Advisor to the government in 2024, his social media commentary has shifted toward defending government policies while continuing to critique traditional power structures.

His appointment as media advisor initially faced pushback from some right-wing circles due to his past criticisms of Hindutva politics, leading to reports that the appointment was temporarily put on hold before being formalised.

In early 2025, he stoked controversy by claiming that Fatima Sheikh (an 19th-century educator) was a "fabricated character" he had created, which led to The Print withdrawing his previous articles on Fatima Sheikh. Mandal triggered a major debate by claiming the 19th-century educator Fatima Sheikh was a "fabricated character" he had personally created for an article years earlier. This led to outlets like The Print withdrawing his past work on her while investigations proceeded.

His anti-Brahmin thought process is evident in his writeup. For example, in a tweet on 29th April 2023, he projected Upanayana / Janeu / Yagyopavit is discriminatory. He argued that Upanayana and Yagnopavit as a caste marker and bestowing it to an innocent upper caste child make them feel superior over others. And he said this is hierarchical, hegemonic becomes his primary socialisation and he concluded that it is problematic. 

In early May of 2026, Ajeet Bharti, an active social media contributor, posted a tweet attributed to Dileep Mandal which interpreted Bengal win as defeat of Muslim, Savarna and Nehruvian coalition. Dileep Mandal is accused of misinterpreting the Bengal win and attributing his personal agenda of anti-Savarna stance to the BJP. He recently claimed that the 2026 West Bengal election results represented a "social verdict" from SC/ST communities, noting the BJP's sweep of reserved seats as a rejection of parties that "patronise" marginalized groups. 

Strengthening Civic Responsibility to Counter Radicalisation

The recent blast in Delhi, carried out by Islamic terrorists, has caused at least 12 casualties. Many of the terrorists were Indian citizens radicalized by handlers both inside and outside India. The violent attack is an assault on the identity of India and the diversity it sustains. The Indian Government and security agencies are doing their duty by unearthing the plot and punishing the culprits. However, civil society also has a role to play in this fight against intolerance.

It may be noted that terrorists behind Delhi-like violence are identified as Islamic terrorists because of their stated motivations for the attacks and their adherence to the Islamic faith. A large number of Muslims across the country condemn terrorism. However, this has not been sufficient to isolate terrorists and eliminate terrorism. There are several reasons for this. First, terrorists exploit cohesiveness within the Islamic community to conceal their ill-motivated activities. Second, the arrested terrorists are typically practicing Muslims who use Islamic insignia. It is not easy to distinguish the minuscule number of Islamic terrorists from the vast majority of Muslim citizens, as both may use similar language, attire, and other lifestyle elements.

In order to contribute to the solution, Muslim citizens need to take more proactive steps. Muslims should not approve of, ignore, or remain silent about illegal or uncivilized activities if they observe them in their surroundings. They should discourage such behaviour and report genuine concerns through lawful channels. Protecting the community’s moral integrity is an act of faith as well as a civic responsibility. They also need to be vocal in expressing opposition to terrorist acts, especially when engaging with members of other communities.

Terrorist organizations often rely on narratives of injustice, exploitation, or inequality faced by Muslims. Even when these issues are exaggerated or manipulated, they become powerful tools for radicalisation. Owing to community cohesion, many Muslim citizens endorse these narratives knowingly or unknowingly to varying degrees, which can inadvertently aid terrorist organizations. Therefore, Muslims should avoid endorsing sweeping narratives that portray the community as universally oppressed or targeted. Such broad, emotive narratives create an ecosystem of grievance that radical groups exploit to recruit vulnerable individuals. Community leadership needs to guide youth toward constructive citizenship, critical thinking, and confidence. It should help remove fear, resentment, or a sense of isolation that could otherwise benefit terrorist networks.

After every incident, Muslim citizens need to reflect individually and as a community to identify the narratives and patterns contributing to radicalisation. They need to take precautionary steps that are visible to members of other communities. Conducting awareness programmes within the community, engaging with local authorities, and maintaining open communication with other communities can help reduce misunderstanding and strengthen social cohesion.

India is a unique country that nourishes diversity in the truest sense. The Indian Constitution provides security, justice, and equality to all citizens without regard to religious identity. Indian ethos has enabled the implementation of the spirit of the Constitution on the ground. The majority of Indians have imbibed values that naturally accommodate broader civilizational ideals. In such an environment, it should not be difficult to end Islamic radicalism.

 

Indian Economic Status - February 2025

Indian Economic Growth Rate, GDP and Government size

India's GDP growth for FY 2025-26 to be in the range of 6.3% to 6.8%. The total government expenditure for FY 2025-26 is ₹47.66 lakh crore (₹47.66 trillion). India's nominal GDP for FY 2025-26 is projected to be around ₹330 lakh crore (₹330 trillion). Central Government Expenditure: ~14.5% of GDP. Including expenditure of State Governments, the total Public Expenditure is around ~27-30% of GDP

Inflation Rate

As of December 2024, India's year-on-year retail inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 5.22%. The CPI is decreasing with 5.48% in November 2024 and 6.21% in October 2024. From April-December 2024, the average CPI inflation was 5.4%. This rate is above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term target of 4%. Government believes that the CPI would ease to 4.5% in 2026. 

Policy in response to inflationary trend

In response to these inflationary trends, the RBI has continued to maintain the repo (repurchase rate - lending rate of interest by RBI) rate at 6.50% after an increase in 2023.  However, it reduced the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4%, injecting liquidity into the banking system to support economic growth. (repo rate increase reduces cash availability and hence reduces the inflation. Similarly, CRR increase reduces cash with banks and hence reduces the inflation - Economic growth increases with increase in cash availability - repo rate decrease and/or CRR reduction). On 7th February, the RBI decreased the Repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This is reduction in repo rate after 5 years and change in repo rate after 2 years. The reduction in repo rate is viewed as commitment of RBI to foster growth and its preparedness to manage inflation. 

Debt 

As of the fiscal year 2024-25, India's central government debt is estimated at 57.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This ratio is projected to decline to 56.1% in 2025-26. The government has outlined a fiscal consolidation roadmap aiming to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to approximately 50% by March 31, 2031. In absolute terms, the national government debt reached approximately $2.14 trillion USD in September 2024 (Rs 160 lakh crores). 

Unemployment rate

India's unemployment rate is at 7.8%.  A slight increase from 7.7% in November 2024 (in three months). In absolute terms, the number of unemployed individuals rose from 34.7 million to 35.6 million during this period. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted a significant improvement in employment over recent years. The unemployment rate decreased from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, indicating progress in job creation. It's important to note that unemployment rates can vary between urban and rural areas. For instance, in the July-September 2024 quarter, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above in urban areas was 6.4%, down from 6.6% in the previous quarter. The unemployment rates mentioned here are reported by Government and Government approves agencies. However, there seems to be lack of clarity when numbers from different sources are compiled and compared. This appears to be mainly due to the change in the way the unemployment is calculated.

Income levels

The mean income is about 15K/month. The median income,  representing the income that divides the population into equal half, is around ₹8,000 per month. The mode income, the most frequently occurring income in the population, is around ₹8,000 per month. The lower-middle-class segment had an average monthly income of approximately ₹33,000, with monthly expenses around ₹19,000. 

Extend of Subsidies

Approximately ₹4.57 trillion (₹4.57 lakh crore) are allocated for major subsidies. Food Subsidy is about ₹2.03 trillion, Fertilizer Subsidy: Allocated ₹1.67 trillion, Rural Employment (MGNREGA): Allocated ₹860 billion. While food subsidy increased by 60 billion rs, the fertilizer subsidy decreased by 40 billion rs.  

Regional Economy - Karnataka

Karnataka's economic contribution to India's GDP is significant. In the fiscal year 2024-25, Karnataka's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to be ₹28.09 lakh crore. Given India's projected nominal GDP of approximately ₹330 lakh crore for the same period, Karnataka's GSDP accounts for about 8.5% of the national GDP. 

In terms of government expenditure, Karnataka's budget for 2024-25 estimates a total expenditure of ₹3.71 lakh crore. This represents approximately 1.1% of India's total GDP.

Good Governance 

Good governance depends on resource management and corruption. India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 as its overall score dropped a point to 38, according to a Transparency International report released on Tuesday (February 11, 2025). According to Center of Media Studies, Overall poll expenditure is expected to reach a staggering Rs 1.35 lakh crore for 2024 Parliament elections. Govt expenditure 50lakh crore and GDP is 350lakh crore.  

Pressure to mobilize resources to elections drive public corruption.  Politicians will get an opportunity to access government resources and also influence the private entities to support them.  According to one estimate, the extent of corruption in India could be could be around 20lakh crore. Corruption also reduces compliance to the rules and regulations causing inconvenience to the public in many ways.  

Gnanavapi Complex Survey

Gyanavapi Complex where a mosque exists from 17th century is being surveyed by ASI under the supervision of courts.  The first day of the survey lasted around seven hours and the ASI team mostly captured the layout and images of structures inside the complex. DGPS survey equipment is being used. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology will also be used informed Vishnu Shankar Jain, a lawyer with the survey team. Remains of fragmented idols have been found in the debris.  It is said that 5 Kalash, 2 ft  Trishul, 5 ft idol are found at Gyanvapi. It is likely that idols would be discovered during the survey, according to lawyer Sudhir Tripathi, who is accompanying the survey team. 

Muslim groups unsuccessfully attempted stalling the survey.  They submitted in the court that the survey would “reopen wounds of the past”, admitting to the forceful conversion of the nature of the complex.  

All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi felt that a narrative would be set in favor of Shiv temple revival once the report on the ongoing operation arrives.  

He said RSS and BJP would play a key role in setting narrative of equating mosque at Gyanavapi complex with the Babri Masjid.  (6/8/2023)

Facets of Manipur Violence 2023

            

Manipur has two regions - hills and valley. Valley has 10% of area of Manipur. Remaining 90% area of Manipur is hill regions. Valley is in the central portion of Manipur and the Hills surround the Valley.    Manipur has a population of about 3 million people. 53% of them are Meitis and about 40% of them Kukis.  Kukis live in hilly regions and Meitis in Valley regions.  Meiti people include majorly Hindus and also Muslims, and  Buddhists. Kukis are Predominantly Christians and Naga people.  

In Manipur Legislative Assembly, there are 60 seats.  Out of them 19 are reserved for STs - i.e., Nagas and Kukis.  Forty are unreserved general constituencies. Out of these 40, 39 seats are won by Metei candiddates in the last election. 

Meiteis cannot buy land in the hill regions. But Kukis and other ST groups can buy lands in the valley. After the military coup of 2021 in Myamnar, there is an influx of large number of refugees into Manipur.  These refugees have affinity to Kukis. However, in the valley, influx has created concern among Meiteis.  

In April, Government authorities cleared three illegally built Churches in Imphal East district.  Christian groups were upset with the decision. In the beginning of 2023, the State Government also initiated removal of illegal immigrants from reserve forest areas. Eviction drive in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal was viewed with religious color. 

In Manipur, there are at least four valley-based armed groups, several Naga groups and nearly 30 Kuki armed insurgent organizations. The proliferation of armed groups — at one point estimated to stand at around 60.  Arms sale, narco trading and human trafficking are being employed to sustain anti-establishment momentum. Armed groups have political clout and influence election outcome. No political party in the state can refute the allegations of seeking support from the armed groups. 

Manipur violence started with the HC verdict extending the ST status to Meiti Community in Manipur on 23rd April 2023.  Specifically, violence started with burning of gym on 28th April at Sadbhavana Mandap.  Burning continued on 30th with torching of Forest Range Office. Anglo-Kuki war centenary gate was burnt on 3rd May. In Churachanpur, several villages are burnt by Kuki groups.  Meitei groups retaliated in Imphal valley areas. 

The violence has resulted nearly 100 deaths and the burning of at least 1,500 buildings. More than 35,000 people are displaced and more than 300 relief camps are being operated in the state.

The Manipur government issued a shoot at sight order on 4 May. By the end of 3 May, 55 columns (70x55=3850 troops) of the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army were deployed in the region and by 4 May, more than 9,000 people were relocated to safer locations. By 5 May, about 20,000 and by 6 May, 23,000 people had been relocated to safe locations under military supervision.The central government airlifted 5 companies  (600 troops) of the Rapid Action Force to the region. Nearly 10,000 army, para-military and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed in Manipur. On 4 May, the Union government invoked Article 355, the security provision of the Indian constitution, and took over the security situation of Manipur. As of 14 May, the total military build up in Manipur stood at 126 army columns (8820 troops) and 62 companies of paramilitary forces (7440 troops).  According to one report about 40000 central government security personnel are deployed in Manipur. 

On July 19, a video went viral showing two Kuki women, one aged in her 40s and one in her 20s being stripped, paraded naked on the streets, slapped and sexually assaulted by apparently Meitei men.The women were forcibly taken away from the police station when they were fleeing the violence hit areas by a mob. The younger victim were gangraped and one of the victims' father and teenage brother were killed by the mob while trying to protect the victim. Despite the complaint being lodged no action was taken by the police for more than 2 months until the video emerged. 

A BJP MLA has appealed SC against the recommendation from HC for reservations to Meiteis.  About 10 Kuki MLAs inlcuding eight BJP MLAs have demanded separate administration to the Kuki community.  BJP vice president from Mizoram has resigned from BJP alleging state supporting demolition of Churches.  An Archbishop from Kerala has criticised Modi of sponsoring violence in Manipur and destroying Christian communities of Manipur. Religious divide has caused Manipur violence and it is being disguised as tribal, political and caused by administrative lapses.  

                           

Related posts

Understanding Manipur – mediasyndicate

Indian Budget 2023-24 - Introduction and Reactions

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 provides a legal framework to stabilize the budgeting process in India.  However, the act is not complied with by any of the governments and the act has been amended to relax its requirements for specific years as well as in general terms.  A committee is formed in 2016 which provided a report in 2017 with specific recommendations to amend the act.  The act is not amended further. The discussion on FRBM amendments is an ongoing discussion. The philosophy of the FRBM is to limit the debt, fiscal deficits and the revenue deficits. There are many suggestions and specific targets to be reached on these parameters.  There are also roadmaps for achieving these targets in steps over a period of a few years.   Roughly speaking, a target of 40% of GDP of debt is provided for central government. A target of 60% of GDP as debt for General Government is provided.  The fiscal deficit is expected to be on a reducing trend with at least 0.5% reduction per year and optionally about 0.2% reduction in revenue deficit.  A fiscal deficit of 3% of GDP and a revenue deficit of anything less than 2% of GDP may be considered as a good economic condition.

Economy is on growth path with about 6.5% real growth in GDP and over 10.5% growth in Nominal GDP. While the Government size is about 15% of the GDP, Fiscal Deficit is about 5.9% and Primary deficit is about 2.4%.  The revenue receipts amount to 58.5% of Government size, Capital receipts are at 41.5%.  Interest servicing is 24% of the total revenue of the Government.

India’s debt would be 16.9trillion Rupees and India is giving the interest for this debt at a rate of 7%.  Total debt of India is about 375% of the total governmental revenue and about 56% of the GDP.  Compared to the previous year, the debt is increased by over 5% of the GDP estimates.

The fiscal deficit is still higher from the spirit of the FRBM act although the government is able to reduce the fiscal deficit in 2023-24 to 5.9 percent of GDP from 6.4% budgeted for 2022-23, 2021-22 was 6.7%.  Even the opposition appears to be satisfied with the declining trend of the fiscal deficit even though the actual deficit is way above the desired level of 3% or less.  The Debt is also not within the limits of the FRBM spirit. It may be noted that it is not in the declining trend too.

Major share of the economic activity is taken by services sector with more than 50% of the share (55%). Industry has a share of 31% of the GDP and the agriculture sector has the remaining share of 14%.  Growth wise, Industry is in the forefront with 11.8%, next is services with 7% and the agriculture is growing at the rate of 4%.

 Indian workforce is about 50Crores. Just above 50% of the workforce is self employed.   12.1 crores are employed in industry.  Agriculture workforce 40%, industry 25% and Services 35%. Inflation is running at 4%-5% and the unemployment is at 7%.

The government size of 15% of the GDP appears to be decent.    There is a perception that the cost of living  is not decreasing.  Modern facilities are available but at a higher cost.  Public infrastructure is boosted with higher capital expenditure. However, optimal spending may not be there.  Further, the operating efficiency and financial discipline during execution are not visible. Speed of execution is not seen in many occasions.  The question that whether government is balancing the social good v/s good economic practices is answered by referring to reduction in funds on MGNREGA and subsidies. Opposition point to the reduction in MNGREGA funds to argue that social good is neglected where as supporters of the Government point to the reduction in subsidies to say that budget is economically sound.

Tax rates are reduced in the Budget and for a person getting an annual revenue of 15lakhs the difference between the old and the new tax structure without considering any deductions is about 37500 Rupees.  Allocation for the Ministry of Education for the next financial year is ₹1,12,898.97 crore. Over 8% increase in the allocation compared to the previous year.  This is the highest allocation for the education sector so far.

 

“the actual expenditure was substantially lower than budgeted last year, and alleged that this was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategy of headline management -- "over promise, under deliver". - Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh

 

“changes in the income tax slabs will not help anyone. This Budget does not address India’s unemployment issue” - Mamatha Banjerjee

“Delhi had been meted out “step-motherly” treatment in the Union Budget “yet again”. “The people of Delhi paid Rs 1.75 lakh crore in income tax last year. Out of that, only Rs 325 crore has been given to Delhi for development work. This is completely unjustified,” – Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

“There are some good things in Union Budget 2023 but there was no mention of MNREGA, poor rural labour, employment and inflation,” – Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor

“There has been little change in the Union Budget over the last 8-9 years. Taxes increased, money is not being spent on welfare schemes and subsidies.  Taxes are being collected for some crony capitalists and big businessmen.” - Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

“pro-corporate” budget that was only in the interest of  Adani, Ambani and Gujarat. This is a pro-corporate budget. All interests of Adani are fulfilled in this budget, but the common man has been ignored,” - Congress leader K Suresh 

“it would be better if the budget is for the country rather than for the party.  whenever the Centre talks about the figures of beneficiaries of schemes, it must remember that India is a vast country of about 130 crore poor, labourers, deprived, farmers who are yearning for their Amrit Kaal. This year’s budget is also not much different. No government points out the shortcomings of last year and makes new promises again, while in reality the lives of more than 100 crore people are at stake as it was before. People live by hope, but why false hope?,” Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.

"This budget will be called 'Naam Bade Aur Darshan Chhote Budget' (big on announcements and short on delivery). No effort has been made in this budget to find a solution to massive unemployment. Inflation is hurting every household and the common man is in trouble. There is nothing in the budget that would reduce prices of items of daily use. Overall, the Modi government has made life difficult for the people. The country's economy has been deeply hurt," Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

 

“increasing people’s purchasing power with job generation and boosting the growth of domestic demand. This budget fails to meet this situation. On the contrary, it squeezes the government expenditures to reduce the fiscal deficit while giving further tax concession to the rich. …mere 7 per cent when the increase in nominal (with inflation) GDP over the same period is estimated to be 10.5 per cent. Thus, as a percentage of GDP there is a reduction in government expenditure. If interest payments are excluded then this expenditure is only 5.4 per cent more than last year. Once the implicit inflation rate of 4 per cent and increase in population of around 1 per cent are accounted for, this so called “people-centric” budget only mounts further attacks on the livelihoods of the vast majority of our population” – Budget analysis by CPI,Marxist

Fact Check: Islamic Ritual before distribution of Food

News: Practice of Spitting on Food before it is being served in practiced by a section of people

·         There are videos in the public domain showing Muslims spitting on food before it is being served.  The descriptions say that it is a pious Muslim tradition to add saliva to the food after reciting some Quranic verses before distributing it. 

·         It is also told that, even the commercial establishments owned by Muslims have adopted this practice.  It is also told that Muslims managing the road-side restaurants in towns, cities and high-ways, who are seen as tasting eateries and beverages before selling them are also following this practice.

·         Many Islamic Scholars in online Islamic websites, in response to the questions by devout Muslims, have provided explanation on the validity of this practice in Islam.

 

Fact check by  @medsyn

To determine if a practice is Islamic, there are a couple of rules. First is if it is available in Quran. Second is if it is available in Sunna. Sunna includes credible biography of Messenger and the Hadiths (things recorded by companions of Muhammad).  References to rituals related to food are not available in Quran. However, they are available in Hadiths. 

But before visiting these sources, it is better to understand the explanations available in the public domain from the contemporary Islamic Sources.  The acts that are seen in the video are said be an act of Dua – that is a prayer to God with a request, a supplication or a request.  Along with the prayer, the action involved is said to be blowing.  Some people say that it is blowing air, some say it is blowing water. But, the water is not seen in the video. The purpose of Dua with blowing is for prosperity of food that is being prepared.

According to devout Muslims, the contemporary explanations are to be matched with Quran and Sunna for confirmation.  In the, Hadiths, there are references of Prophet Muhammad purifying the food.  In one specific reference, dough and a meat pot from the house of a companion of the Messenger was added with saliva of the Messenger as an act of purification. 

In a slightly different context, Muslims follow Ruqyah – an exorcist practice of pre-Islamic era. However, the prayer that is recited by Muslims is from Quran. This practice is approved by the Messenger. And here, a patient or a person who is affected by Jinn may be treated by invoking the name of Allah, smearing the mixture of soil and saliva (or water) with the act of blowing.

Saliva is also used in Islam to ward off the evil.  During prayers, if the believers are disturbed by Satan, the Muslims are advised to spit saliva to their left three times. 

Prophet Muhammad was respected very much by his companions. So much that there are references that his companions used to take the water used by the Prophet for washing for their own personal use.  His companions used to fight for this water and they used to smear the little water they get on to their bodies. 

Not just that, one Hadith mentions that, his devout companions would even collect the spittle of the Prophet Muhammad and smear it on their bodies.  

Prophet Muhammad has also approved Ruqyah being performed by some of his companions. It may be safely interpreted that purification of food may also be performed by his companions during his time and at present times. 

Many Islamic websites address this question from the believers who would like to know the validity of use of saliva in Islamic rituals.  These websites give long answers and many times to specific questions. For example, one answer exclusively attempts to answer the use of saliva to ward off satan, another answer deals with Ruqyah.  Yet another answer explains the purification of food. The conclusion in these websites is that there is no harm in blowing some light saliva.

Based on these references and contemporary explanations, it appears that blowing air over food before distribution with air, water or saliva is not barred in Islam.  And, many may be practicing this ritual either in religious gatherings or in commercial establishments.  

Hadith References:

Muhammad bin Ar Rabi:  Messenger took a mouthful of water from a bucket ejected on Muhammad bin Ar-Rabi in his house.

Urwa:  He had gone to the kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and An-Najashi. But, he has never seen any of them respected by his followers as much as Muhammad is respected by his followers. If he spat, the spittle would be taken in the hand of one of the Messengers companions. He would rub it on his face and skin. If Messenger performed ablution, his companions would struggle to take the remaining water for their ablutions.

Jabir bin Abdullah: Wife of Jabir bin Abdullah gave dough to him the Prophet, and he spat in it and invoked for Allah's Blessings in it. Then the Prophet proceeded towards our earthenware meat-pot and spat in it and invoked for Allah's Blessings in it.

Abu Said Al-Khudri:  Chief of a tribe that was not following Muhammad was stung by a scorpion. They asked the companions of the Prophet medicine or anybody who can treat with Ruqya. The Prophet's companions asked payment and the tribe agreed to pay a flock of sheep. One of the Prophet's companions recited al-Fatiha surah, gathered his saliva and spat at the snake-bite. The patient got cured and his people presented the sheep.  Then, followers asked Messenger whether is lawful. To this question, Messenger smiled and approved the practice.  He permitted taking  the flock of sheep and asked for a share for himself.

Aisha: Messenger used to treat via Ruqya with name of Allah, and applying a mixture of the earth of land with a slight shower of saliva. He also approved this treatment from some of his companions.

Meeting of RSS leadership and Muslim intellectuals - September 2022

 A meeting between RSS and Muslim intellectuals is held about one month before its announcement on 22nd September 2022.  

Mulsim intellectuals include former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi, ex-Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, former AMU vice-chancellor and Lt Gen (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, RLD leader Shahid Siddiqui, and businessman Saeed Shervani. From RSS side, Mohan Bhagwat and Sah Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal were present. The meeting was held at Udaseen Ashram, the Delhip RSS office. 

While Bhagwat appointed four senior functionaries (Krishna Gopal, Indresh Kumar, Ramlal and Manmohan Vaidya) to keep in touch with the Muslim community on a regular basis, Muslim intellectuals, journalists, writers and professionals would continue to participate in this discussion. 

Mr. Bhagawat told that people were unhappy about cow slaughter and words like kafir (used for non-Muslims). Muslim intellectuals questioned the frequent vilification of Muslims, particularly the propaganda about their population and practice of polygamy, reinforcing negative stereotypes about the community. There was a consensus in the meeting that for the progress of the country, communal harmony is a must. RSS leader told the Muslim intellectuals that they dont have any issue with Madrasas. 

The five intellectuals who met Bhagwat on behalf of the Muslim community had come together a year ago to launch an Alliance for Education and Economic Development of Underprivileged – an organization that has been working in education, particularly on bringing madrasas into mainstream modern education.

Muslim intellectuals had first sought a meeting with the RSS when the Nupur Sharma incident took place to remove toxic atmosphere. However, by the time the meeting was fixed, it was already a month since the Nupur Sharma incident, and it had died down quite a bit. So Muslim intellectuals discussed matters of communal disharmony between the two communities.

While RSS prachar pramukh Sunil Ambekar declined to comment on the meeting, a source in the Sangh said Bhagwat gives such appointments to whoever asks for them.

India Budget - 2022-23

Finance Minister at the beginning of the speech expressed empathy towards those who had to bear adverse health and economic effects of the pandemic.  She noted that the present year is Amrit-Mahotsav of freedom and also termed the next 25years towards 100^th year of independence as Amritkaal.  This year Budget speech refers to the Amritkaal many times.  Amritkaal according to BJP government is complementing macro-economic growth with micro level welfare, promotion of digital economy, technology enabled development, energy transition & climate action and helping crowd-in private investment with the help of public capital investment.  FM claims that the vision of Amritkaal is drawn in the budget 2021-22.  The government says that productivity linked incentive in 14 sectors for achieving Atma-Nirbhar-Bharat has potential of creating 60lakh jobs and additional production of 30lakh crore during next five years.  The budget lays priorities on PM Gatishakti along with Amritkaal objectives.  PM Gatishakti is an approach towards sustainable economic growth based on development of roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways, and logistics infrastructure.  This is complemented by Energy transmission, IT communication, Bulk water and Sewerage, and Social infrastructure.  The approach is powered by clean energy and synergises effort of all stakeholders – state and central governments and private sector. 

While multi-modal capacity building is via infrastructure development, inclusive development is via crop procurement, promotion of natural farming, reduction in oil seeds, and tech promotion initiatives.  Skill development, river linking, universalization of education, health initiatives, housing. To achieve this, capital expenditure (CAPEX) is increased by 35.4% to 7.5lakhCr (2.9%of GDP).  The budget with these objectives has a total expenditure of 39.45 lakh crore. The size of the government is around 15.3% of GDP with an estimated GDP of 258 lakh crores.  Revenue receipts is about 55.9% of the government size, and capital receipts is about 44.1% of the government size.  Tax revenue is 49% of the revenue and Borrowings is about 42% of the revenue.  About 23.8% of the revenue is being spent on interest payments.  The fiscal deficit is 42% of revenue (or 6.4% of GDP) and primary deficit is about 18.2% of revenue (or 2.8% of the GDP).   The government expects 11.1% of economic growth in the next year whereas India has registered economic growth rate of 9.2% and this is highest among the nations of the world.  As rightly pointed out by FM, this reflects the robustness of Indian economy.  The export growth is about 16% and import growth is at 29.4%. 

In the recent years, the borrowings have increased from 5.4 lakh crore in 2017 to 16.6lakh crore in 2022 budgets.  The increase was annually about 8000crore except for a big jump of 7lakh crores in 2021 budget due to pandemic.

Indian economy has three main components – agriculture contributing 18.8%, industry contributing 28.2% and services sector contributing 53% of the GDP. Last year, these sectors have recorded growth rates of 3.9%, 11,8% and 8.2% respectively. The consumption has grown at the rate of 7%.  The balance of payments position of India is in good shape with 634B$ (42lakh crore). Inflation is at 5.6%.

The budget is generally considered as not populist.  Mohandas Pai considers approach of the government as cautious and conservative in calculating taxes.  He thinks that government could have given some relief with realistic assessment in taxation. 

While Rahul Gandhi called it as zero-sum budget, MK Stalin termed the budget as anti-federal and anti-people.  Chidambaram has stated that per capita income/expenditure and outlay to key sectors have declined, and unemployment rate has increased.  He criticised the focus of longer term of 25 years in the annual budget as misplaced priority and mockery at the people.