Is Modi Responsible for the Mess in Tamil Nadu and Beyond?

The question of whether Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, is responsible for the current state of affairs in Tamil Nadu has been a topic of much debate. Many critics often attribute various issues to his leadership, suggesting that his actions or inactions are the root cause of problems. However, a closer examination reveals that the responsibility lies more with the local political landscape and judicial decisions than with the central government.

The Role of Local Politicians

It is crucial to recognize that the primary responsibility for the current state of affairs in Tamil Nadu lies with the state politicians. They have not fought cases with the seriousness required, which resulted in a Supreme Court (SC) decision upholding PETA's argument. This situation falls under the purview of state governance and should be addressed through state-level reforms.

For instance, when it comes to the protection and rights of Tamil people living in Singapore or Malaysia, it is not Modi's responsibility to intervene. The central government is not expected to interfere in matters that are specifically under the jurisdiction of state governments or other independent nations.

SC Decisions and Their Impact

The Supreme Court has made several high-profile decisions that have directly impacted various states in India. One such case involves the decision regarding Jallikattu, a traditional Tamil sport, and the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. These issues were not created during Modi's tenure and were sub-judice (i.e., before a court of law) before he took office. The Supreme Court's decisions in these cases have set legal precedents that states need to adhere to.

Furthermore, the recent back-and-forth regarding Pongal, a traditional Tamil festival, is a subject that has been managed by state governments for decades. The practice of designating holidays is a state-specific decision. During the Congress regime, only Independence Day and Republic Day were mandated holidays, while other holidays were state-specific. The same issue arose when the UPA regime designated Sanskrit Day as a celebration.

The Case of Sanskrit and School Curriculum

A recent concern in Tamil Nadu is the addition of Sanskrit to the school curriculum as part of the new education policy. This has caused some political controversy and resistance. However, this recommendation came from a committee and was not solely Modi's decision. Many political parties in Tamil Nadu oppose this inclusion, emphasizing the need for local languages and cultural identity.

Modi, as the Prime Minister, has often been tasked with implementing policy recommendations made by various committees and governmental bodies. While he can influence these recommendations, he cannot be held solely responsible for them. It is important to distinguish between executive actions and the implementation of policy suggestions.

In conclusion, while the central government plays a significant role in guiding national policy, much of the day-to-day governance and decision-making falls under the purview of state governments. It is essential to attribute responsibility accurately and understand the complex interplay between national and state policies.

Key Takeaways:

The responsibility for issues in Tamil Nadu lies more with state politics and judicial decisions than with the central government. Central government cannot interfere in sub-judice cases or state-specific decisions like holidays and traditional festivals. Modi is responsible for implementing policy recommendations made by various committees, but he is not solely responsible for these recommendations.

For further reading on these topics, I recommend consulting official government documents and judicial rulings.