Mughal mindset
Conspiracy theorists thrive all over the subcontinent; we in Pakistan are not alone. The latest from across the border is that Prime Minister Modi has alleged that a conspiracy was afoot to influence the recent elections in Gujarat. Evidence? An innocuous dinner party at suspended Congressman Mani Shankar Aiyar’s home, with an eclectic list of invitees. Besides former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr Aiyar had invited former Vice President Hamid Ansari and Pakistan’s High Commissioner Sohail Mahmud. Mr Modi singled out Dr Singh and the Muslim invitees for his ire, forgetting the fact that the others in attendance are pillars of the South Block Establishment, namely Kanwar Natwar Singh, Satinder Lambah, Sharad Sabharwal and TCA Raghavan – all of whom have served on the Pakistan desk, and implemented the state’s policies to the letter.
It’s possible, that behind Mr Modi’s attack on Mani Shankar’s “conspiracy” is his irritation at the latter’s personal attack on the PM: “he is a neech kissam ka admi”. This is a remark laden with the stains of history and culture. Mr Modi in turn attacked the slur as indicative of a “Mughal mindset”, ie the superior attitude of high-caste overlords towards their underlings. Peace between the communities and nations of the subcontinent remains elusive with these poisonous passions running deep.
Off the record
A couple of days ago, the Top Gun shared his candid views in an off the record aside, with tribesmen of our Frontiers. The occasion was a discussion on FATA reforms – the Top Gun indicated that there were two theories about the recent dharnas led by radicals. One was that it was “their” handiwork, the other that it was the government’s plan to embarrass “them”. As far as he could tell, the Top Gun maintained, the origins of the protest were clouded in mystery. He went on to say that he was opposed to such activity because “it gives the country a bad name and undermines people’s confidence”.