In an alarming trend dubbed "resort politics," lawmakers in India's Maharashtra state have reported being kidnapped and manipulated by their own political party to facilitate a government takeover. One lawmaker, Nitin Deshmukh, shared a harrowing experience of being lured under the guise of a friendly dinner, only to find himself whisked away in a car that led him to a hotel turned prison, where he reportedly faced restraint and drugging attempts.
This controversial strategy is spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After failing to secure power through elections, the BJP has resorted to isolating dissenting lawmakers in luxurious resorts, ensuring they remain out of the political fray long enough to support factional changes within state governments. Such tactics underscore a dark aspect of India's complex political landscape, exacerbating tensions and raising ethical questions on the nature of governance.
Deshmukh's ordeal highlights the extent and severity of political pressure faced by lawmakers in Maharashtra. Forced into isolation, he and others faced an uphill battle against manipulation aimed at destabilizing the current administration. Resort politics not only challenge the traditional democratic processes but also risk fostering an environment where power dynamics can shift through intimidation rather than public voting.
This controversial strategy is spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After failing to secure power through elections, the BJP has resorted to isolating dissenting lawmakers in luxurious resorts, ensuring they remain out of the political fray long enough to support factional changes within state governments. Such tactics underscore a dark aspect of India's complex political landscape, exacerbating tensions and raising ethical questions on the nature of governance.
Deshmukh's ordeal highlights the extent and severity of political pressure faced by lawmakers in Maharashtra. Forced into isolation, he and others faced an uphill battle against manipulation aimed at destabilizing the current administration. Resort politics not only challenge the traditional democratic processes but also risk fostering an environment where power dynamics can shift through intimidation rather than public voting.
