The recent bomb blasts in Kerala serve as a stark reminder that the spectre of conflict is never far removed from the realm of politics. This tragic incident, along with its subsequent implications, has cast a significant shadow over the political landscape in India, particularly by igniting a Centre-State tussle. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has accused a Central minister of exploiting the tragedy to tarnish Kerala’s reputation as a place of peaceful coexistence. This development occurs at a pivotal juncture for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as they intensify their focus on the Hindu-Muslim divide and the threat of Islamic extremism in India, positioning this as their key electoral strategy for the 2024 general elections. The recent Hamas attack on Israelis aligns conveniently with the BJP’s electoral agenda, although it’s important to note that the Kerala blasts themselves are not directly related to these political preparations. Religion is a factor in this ongoing political saga. Some have drawn connections between the Kerala blasts and the Israel-Hamas War, citing similarities in the initial letters of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and “Jews.” Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, who was initially in New Delhi protesting the “Israeli attack on Gaza,” has returned to Kerala and vehemently criticized the role of social media in this situation, though his use of the term “unfortunate incident” has drawn criticism.
With the National Investigation Agency (NIA) now involved, the political discourse surrounding these blasts is likely to heat up. The fact that a Hamas leader virtually addressed the Muslim-majority district of “Malappuram” just before the blasts has added fuel to the political fire. Some are even speculating about the possibility of the blasts being linked to solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. The BJP is already casting doubt on the credibility of the sole individual who surrendered, claiming responsibility for the blasts. From this point forward, it will be a contest between the NIA and the Kerala Police, with the state having its version of ‘Godi Media.’ One significant point of contention is the Modi government’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict compared to the Biden administration’s stance. While the United States, represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, has expressed a clear position on the conflict, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense and the need for Palestinian safety and dignity, the Modi government has been more reticent. This lack of unequivocal condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by the Indian government has led to accusations of duplicity.
It’s worth highlighting that this conflict has implications beyond Kerala, as the 2024 elections in both India and the United States draw nearer. The handling of the Israel-Hamas War is poised to be a decisive factor in the electoral outcomes in both countries. While the Biden administration is forthright in its position, the Modi government’s opacity on this matter raises questions about its commitment to peace and its stance on terrorism. The Kerala blasts and their subsequent political fallout underscore the intricate interplay between conflicts and politics, both at home and on the global stage. The challenge now is to navigate these complex issues with transparency and diplomacy, recognizing the broader implications for national and international relations. Ultimately, the world is watching, and the actions taken today will have lasting consequences for both national and international affairs.
