At a time when the world is reeling under the threat of a war —which, if not handled with restraint and pragmatism by stakeholders, could assume the proportions of a world war— as the chairman of the G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in tune with the ethos of Bharat. As the stature of Bharat is on the rise, forces inimical to its interests are ganging up to launch an onslaught to stop its progress. Although this is not new, the recent efforts are more organised and well-funded. Controversial US billionaire George Soros—whom External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had described as ‘old, opinionated and dangerous person’—has pledged $1 billion to fight emerging nationalist tendencies in countries like Bharat. He is allegedly bankrolling divisive forces, media outlets, and civil society organisations to build narratives of separatism, churn out atrocity literature and trigger social schism. A businessman, who benefited from the destruction of economies, is believed to have attempted the same destructive tactics in Bharat but in vain, thanks to its robust economic fundamentals.
The ‘Cutting South’ media conclave, organised by some pro-Islamist, pro-Left media and propaganda outlets such as Kerala Union of Working Journalists, The News Minute, Newslaundry, ‘Confluence media’ and some funders from Canada should be viewed from this perspective. The conclave was happening when Bharat is gearing up to organise various events in connection with G20.
Anti-India Narrative
A few days ago, on the eve of a G20-connected event which was to be held in Punjab, Pakistan-funded Khalistani elements created a ruckus vitiating the atmosphere. Their agenda was to show that Bharat under the Modi dispensation is in utter chaos and persecuted groups are demanding separation from the nation.
It is not a mere coincidence that around the same time Congress leader Rahul Gandhi gave a series of speeches in the UK wherein he called upon leaders of foreign countries to intervene in the domestic affairs of the country ‘to save democracy’ in Bharat. Although all these events may look unconnected, the message and narrative sent across is dangerous, to say the least.
The most worrying aspect of the ‘Cutting South’ conclave, with its avowed mission of separating South India from North, is that the coalition in power in Kerala has not only given it moral support but also men and material. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, some of his senior colleagues and Congress leader VD Satheesan took part in the event. The organisers tried to trap BJP leaders by hard-selling the event as a Global Media Festival. Fortunately, BJP leaders and several well-meaning journalists refused to be part of it.
PFI’s agenda behind conclave
The event was organised to give ideological inputs and impetus to the agenda of anti-India forces, including the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) of dividing Bharat and promoting secessionism.
Reports of NIA chargesheet on PFI’s ‘vision’ of creating an Islamic country in Bharat by 2047 should be seen in this perspective. PFI, according to the chargesheet, was planning to enhance jihadi capacities in South to turn it into a hub of Islamic terror activities so that in the event of an attack from Pakistan, its cadres could mount an attack on the Indian Army, making our country vulnerable. The chargesheet also mentioned how PFI was promoting and funding divisive forces to widen faultlines in the Hindu society. Dubious journalist Siddique Kappan, an associate of PFI, is facing trial in a UAPA case for attempting to create social tension in Uttar Pradesh. When Kappan was lodged in jail, the organisers of the conclave were busy pushing fake and pro-PFI narratives through their media outlets.
The most worrying aspect of the ‘Cutting South’ conclave, with its avowed mission of separating South India from North, is that the coalition in power in Kerala gave it moral support, men and material
PFI had managed to build common cause with secessionist forces, Maoists and urban Naxals which was evident during the anti-CAA protest. Khalistani elements provided fund and logistical support to Shaheen Bagh protests. Islamists like former JNU student instigated Islamists to cut Assam and
North East from the mainland by unleashing crowd and violent methods. In this context, it should be mentioned here that the preparations for the conclave had started, much before the ban on PFI. The social media page of the conclave had a distorted map of Bharat. The Chief Minister and organisers had tried to pull wool over people’s eyes by saying that the conclave was an event to “celebrate pro-people journalism” in Global South. If it were so, why slice out South India from North? The whole of Bharat is part of the Global South —not a truncated Bharat.
Already efforts to drive wedge between communities are underway in South Indian states. The recent incidents in parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu triggered by language chauvinists are part of the larger scheme.
It is unfortunate that Sharjeel Imam who advocated splitting of Bharat is languishing in jail while those called for vivisection of South are enjoying the patronage of political parties. It is high time the Centre turn its gaze on the South to prevent such outfits from pursuing their divisive agenda.
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