Fabricating history BJP-style

Of the BJP-led NDA government’s many sins, one of the most profane was appointing Murli Manohar Joshi to the cabinet with responsibility for human resources, education, science, and technology.  Notable fiascos from his tenure include revising history in CBSE textbooks, fees at IIMs, introducing an astrology degree, and rampant politicization of scientific and educational organizations.  His was stupidity driven by the illusion of intellectual supremacy, an incurable malaise in comparison to stupidity derived from ignorance. 

Even if Allahabad University has never apologized for granting Joshi a doctoral degree and a faculty position, the city rejected his politics by voting against him in the 2004 elections.  Joshi has shifted to Varanasi this year but, hopefully, the reports of it being a difficult fight will prove right and the constituency will see him for the demagogue he is.

This editorial was sparked by an interesting rebuttal of the introduction in the BJP’s election manifesto, which was authored by a team led by Joshi.  Kudos to the Hindu!  As an aside, for those who think the Hindu is biased, the same issue carries an assertive piece on the existence of the Indus script.

Media as it should be

Media is a powerful influencer of electoral opinion.  It is no different in India where the 15th General Elections are underway.  With many Indian newspapers, magazines, and television channels explicitly reflecting their owners’ political leanings, honest reports and probing questions are difficult to find.  However, NDTV and the Hindu stand out as exemplary media outlets.  It was delightful to see BJP President, Rajnath Singh, squirm as NDTV’s Nidhi Razdan grilled him on the BJP’s refusal to drop Varun Gandhi following his hate speech and the resulting incarceration.  Razdan was relentless and challenged Singh on the BJP’s (lousy) track record at handling terrorism as well as the on-going dissidence within what aspired to be “a different party”.  More here.