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Can Political Quackery Do Any Good to Bihar?

by Editor's Desk
written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: Now that the dust on Bihar’s by-election campaign has settled, it is introspection time for Prashant Kishor, the poll coach who has now decided to become a player. Unlike sports, where burnt-out players decide to play coach, Prashant Kishor has chosen the reverse.

Coaches as Players

Coaches rarely make good players. Moreover, contrary to his claims, Kishor has not altered or modified the grammar of Bihar politics. The list of his star campaigners did not elicit much confidence, as discredited veterans of Bihar politics, like Monazir Hasan, found a place in Jan Suraj’s roll of honour. Monazir Hasan, it may be recalled, cut his political teeth during the so-called Jungle Raj.

Quackery in Politics

By choosing Jitendra Paswan, said to be a quack, as his Imamganj candidate, Prashant Kishor, in a way, defined his politics — the politics of quackery. American English defines a quack as “a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skills.” Apart from the penal provisions of the Medical Council Act, there are provisions for the punishment of quacks under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 420 (cheating), and Section 416 (impersonation).

Candidate Choices and Criminal Charges

Not only that, the man who promises to cleanse the state’s political doghouse has chosen candidates who, besides practicing quackery, enjoy an “unsavoury” image in their respective areas. Whether it be Belaganj or Imamganj, the Jan Suraj Party has fielded candidates facing serious criminal charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping. Both are turncoats as well, having contested previous elections as candidates for other parties.

First Impressions and Missteps

Political observers believe that Prashant Kishor, while making his electoral debut, put his wrong foot forward. He invited ridicule — perhaps rightly so — for changing candidates in Tarari and Belaganj. In Tarari, Prashant Kishor’s initial choice did not even fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Unlikely Allies and Limited Influence

With the help of discredited discards of Bihar politics and retired bureaucrats, even cosmetic change to the face of Bihar politics is unlikely. Credible accounts suggest that in Belaganj, Prashant’s candidate would at best be a poor third. In Imamganj, Prashant’s candidate may tilt the ongoing war between Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chiragh Paswan for the leadership of Bihar Dalits in favour of Chiragh.

Chirag Paswan’s Tacit Support

Ground reports say that the Imamganj candidate of Jan Suraj enjoys the tacit support of Chiragh Paswan’s followers. If Jitan Ram Manjhi’s daughter-in-law, Deepa Manjhi, is defeated, it would weaken Manjhi. A weak Manjhi means a stronger Paswan.

Funding and Transparency Concerns

The amount of money being spent by Prashant Kishor is also being viewed with genuine skepticism. Kishor has been heard boasting that he used to charge Rs 100 crores from his clients for election management. If that is true, Prashant Kishor should make public his Income Tax returns of the last ten years. Political probity requires at least this much transparency.

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India

Judgment Delivered, Litigation Continues

by Editor's Desk
written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: “Justice delayed is justice denied”—so goes the saying, yet justice delivered in instalments may feel equally unfulfilling. The recent judgment by a seven-judge constitution bench in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) case reversed a 57-year-old ruling, sparking celebration. However, this outcome can only be regarded as partial justice.

Judgement on Minority Criteria Left Unresolved

The seven-judge bench, led by the outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, defined the criteria for granting minority status to institutions. However, whether AMU meets these criteria has been left to a smaller bench to determine, leaving the matter unresolved.

Supreme Court’s Scope under Article 142

Without delving into technicalities, it’s worth noting that Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court broad and discretionary powers. The constitution bench could have used these powers to resolve the question of AMU’s minority character outright. The same article was invoked by the court in the Ayodhya case to allocate the disputed site, catering to majority sentiments.

Necessary Documents Already with the Bench

Interestingly, the constitution bench already had access to all required documents to assess AMU’s status. By referring the matter to a smaller bench, the Supreme Court seems to have contradicted its own concerns about rising litigation.

Justice Delivery and Divine Directions

If recent developments are to be believed, beyond the constitution and laws, “divine directions” have influenced judicial decisions. There is speculation about what might happen if members of the proposed three-judge bench seek divine guidance to ascertain AMU’s status.

Criteria for Determining Minority Status

The Supreme Court’s prescribed tests for an institution’s minority character include examining the origin and purpose of its establishment, along with the founding community’s involvement. This proof could encompass letters, funding records, and communications affirming that the institution was primarily intended to benefit the minority community.

Challenges Faced by AMU’s Supporters

Supporters of AMU’s minority status seem confident, but they may underestimate the intense scrutiny of legal experts. As AMU’s donation records reportedly do not specify donors’ religious affiliations, reliance might fall on Islamic names, a method that could face complications due to shared names between communities.

Religious Ambiguity Surrounding Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the university’s founder, was reportedly labeled a “kafir” (infidel) by some Muslim clerics for his advocacy of Western education. This included opposition from poet Akbar Allahabadi. Such a history may raise questions about his religious stance, adding complexity to the AMU’s claim.

A Lengthy Judicial Process Ahead

India’s justice system, often criticized as “adjournment-centric,” tends to move at a slow pace. Many won’t be surprised if the smaller bench takes years, possibly decades, to reach a decision on AMU’s minority status. As the saying goes, “Kal kisne dekha hai” (Who has seen tomorrow?). For now, we find ourselves in the interval of the ongoing “legal soap opera” surrounding AMU.

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India

Twist in Waqf Property Management: Backward Muslims Demand Greater Participation

by Editor's Desk
written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: In a significant development concerning the Waqf Property management debate, the backward Muslim community has asserted its right to be involved in managing Waqf properties. These endowments, established to serve the underprivileged through welfare initiatives such as education, healthcare, and personal support, are a vital resource for charitable aid.

Purpose of Waqf Al Aulad: Preserving Heritage

Waqf properties serve not only as sources of community support but also help maintain family property through what is known as “Waqf Al Aulad.” In this form, while heirs have management rights, they cannot sell the property, ensuring it remains within the family and its original purpose intact.

Proposed Amendments in a Letter to JPC Chairman Challenged

Ali Anwar, a prominent leader of backward Muslims and a two-term Rajya Sabha member, has voiced opposition to certain amendments proposed in the Waqf Bill. In his letter to Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Anwar criticizes provisions such as the increased authority given to District Collectors and the limited representation of backward and Dalit Muslims.

Call for Inclusive Representation in Waqf Management

In addition to demanding inclusion for backward and Dalit Muslims, Anwar emphasizes the need for women’s representation in Waqf management. He argues that the proposed digitization of Waqf properties may lead to increased complexities and legal disputes.

Scale of Waqf Properties in India: Over 4.9 Lakh Assets Valued at Rs 1.2 Lakh Crores

With 4,90,021 Waqf properties across India, estimated at Rs 1.2 lakh crores, Waqf Boards are among the country’s largest landholders, ranking after the Indian Army and Railways. This immense wealth highlights the need for responsible and community-centered management.

Fears of Minority Disempowerment in Waqf Property Management

The proposed bill could fundamentally alter the nature of Waqf property management by reducing minority participation. Anwar’s letter argues that this will deprive the Muslim community of rightful control over its religious and charitable assets.

Argument for Muslim-Led Waqf Property Management

Drawing parallels with Hindu religious endowments managed solely by Hindus, Anwar contends that Muslims should retain complete authority over Waqf properties. He cautions that under the guise of reforms, the very nature of Waqf properties was being altered to the disadvantage of the intended beneficiaries of the Waqf property. 

Sachar Committee Findings: Better Waqf Management Could Transform Muslim Socioeconomic Conditions

Referencing the Sachar Committee report on Indian Muslims’ status, Anwar stresses that efficient Waqf property management could uplift the socioeconomic and educational standing of the Muslim community in India.

Proposed Amendments Are Worse Than the Problem, Asserts Ali Anwar

In his closing remarks, Anwar criticizes the proposed amendments, calling them a “remedy worse than the disease.” The backward Muslim community has requested a meeting with JPC members to present their concerns effectively.

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Business & CommerceGeopolitical Affairs

Trump’s Victory: A Turning Point in Geopolitics & Global Economics

by Editor's Desk
written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: As Donald Trump returns to the White House, opinions are sharply divided. While some view his victory as a setback for democracy due to his defiance of electoral mandates, Trump’s resilience in regaining the US presidency is undeniable. Whether people like him or not, his presence and policies will inevitably shape the global landscape.

Trump’s Potential Influence on the Ukraine Conflict

Trump’s victory could reshape the Ukraine conflict. Known for his opposition to the US’s financial involvement in the war, Trump may push for a diplomatic resolution. This stance, however, doesn’t necessarily translate to his approach toward other geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis.

Limited Hopes for Resolution in Israel-Palestine Conflict

Trump’s stated commitment to peace in his victory speech notwithstanding, his consistent support for Israel might hinder any balanced solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. 

With an Israel-centric policy, Trump’s administration may struggle to address Palestinian interests—a crucial element in achieving stability in the Middle East.

India’s Perspective: Hope and Caution in US-India Relations

For India, Trump’s win signals a mix of optimism and caution. While Trump shared a positive rapport with Prime Minister Modi during his first term, the “America First” policy raises potential hurdles, especially in trade and economic ties. India’s economic and strategic positioning may face challenges under a renewed Trump administration.

Trade Tensions Resurface with “America First” Policy 

Trump’s “America First” stance could strain trade relations with India. His previous term saw the imposition of tariffs on Indian goods, including steel and aluminum, and the revocation of India’s preferential trade status. A similar approach this time could lead to trade disputes, though India’s potential as an alternative to China might offer some economic opportunities.

Implications for Indian Job Seekers & H1B Visa Policy

The US job market may become more challenging for Indian aspirants under Trump’s restrictive H1B visa policy. With an unlikely increase in visa caps, only highly skilled professionals may secure US-based jobs. Yet, Trump’s rhetoric doesn’t always align with policy outcomes, leaving room for cautious optimism among Indian job seekers.

Trump’s Domestic Policies: Immigration, Economy, & Crime

Domestically, Trump aims to enforce stricter immigration measures, proposing to limit asylum and create compensation funds for victims of “migrant crime.” His economic policies focus on protectionism, including tariffs on foreign goods, and tax cuts aimed at middle-class and wealthy Americans, likely prioritizing domestic over international concerns.

The Unpredictable Potential of Trump’s Return

Predicting the exact impact of Trump’s return to power is challenging. His policies may bring both challenges and opportunities for the global and domestic landscape. One certainty remains: his administration will usher in change, with hopeful eyes watching to ensure it is not for the worse.

Pollsters on Both Sides of the Globe Missed the Mark

In a humorous aside, it’s worth a mention that US pollsters, like their Indian colleagues, largely missed predicting Trump’s comfortable victory. Polling data suggesting a close race notwithstanding, Trump’s win highlighted the unpredictable nature of electoral outcomes in actual democracies.

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Geopolitical Affairs

It’s Now or Never for Kamala Harris!

by Editor's Desk
written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: As the US nears the final hours before electing its next president, all eyes are on Kamala Harris, the Democratic challenger to former President Donald Trump, arguably one of the most controversial leaders in recent White House history. It is now or never for Harris!

The question in everyone’s mind: Will Kamala make history as the first female president of the most powerful country on the planet? This billion-dollar question has captivated audiences around the globe.

So far, luck has been on Kamala’s side. Under usual circumstances, she might not have secured nomination for the presidency by Democratic Party. As Joe Biden’s former running mate, however, she rose to prominence within the Democratic Party, especially after Biden’s somewhat forced withdrawal from the race, largely attributed to the influence of former President Barack Obama and other senior party figures, along with top financiers of the party.

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is among the most closely watched and impactful in recent American history. This election unfolds against a backdrop of heightened partisan tensions, pressing national concerns, and an increasingly polarized political landscape, escalating significantly since 2020. Crucial policy differences on economy, healthcare, climate change, and immigration have made this a defining moment for U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

While Kamala Harris has rarely acknowledged her Indian heritage—her mother hails from Tamil Nadu—she remains a preferable candidate from the Indian perspective. Despite occasional gestures, Trump has taken a notably anti-India stance on trade and immigration throughout his campaign.

As things stand, America is deeply polarized. Trump has significantly tapped into the sentiments of rural, less-educated white Americans, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These “swing states” play a decisive role in shaping the election outcome, as they have shown neither predictable nor consistent support for any one party.

Historically, U.S. elections have focused more on pressing issues than emotional appeal. However, in this election, Trump has established an emotional connection with a segment of white voters, though key issues remain central.

For many Americans, the economy is a top concern. Inflation, wage growth, job creation, and tax policy are focal points, with Harris and the Democrats emphasizing job growth and infrastructure development, while Trump and the Republicans advocate tax cuts and deregulation for economic growth.

Healthcare is another major issue. Harris seeks to build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aiming to make healthcare more accessible, while Trump proposes reforms emphasizing market-based solutions to reduce costs.

Climate change, a critical issue, sees Democrats pushing for renewable energy and carbon reduction. Conversely, many Republicans, including Trump, emphasize energy independence and caution against regulations that may impact industries like oil and gas.

As the world watches with bated breath, the outcome of this election will have profound implications not only for the United States but also for the global community.

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