Is It Fair to Arrest Narendra Modi for Failing to Fulfill Promises?

When promises are made, they are often seen as a sign of good faith and hope for the future. However, not all promises can be legally enforced, and failing to keep a promise does not necessarily equate to cheating or a criminal offense. The question of whether Narendra Modi should be arrested for failing to fulfill his promises regarding the recovery of black money from foreign banks, particularly during the demonetization period, warrants a nuanced discussion.

Understanding Promises and Legal Implications

Promises, while significant, are not enforceable contracts in the legal sense. Promises made during an election campaign are akin to aspirational statements. They may influence voter decisions but do not serve as legal obligations unless explicitly detailed and ratified in a binding legal document. Failure to meet such promises does not amount to a cognizable offense and cannot be the basis for arrest. The concept of an election jumla or slogan reflects this nature of campaign promises, which are often idealistic and unbounded by strict legal parameters.

The Demonetization Era and Black Money Conversion

Demonetization, a policy implemented by the Government of India, aimed to eliminate black money and curb the use of counterfeit currency. Since then, numerous strategies have been employed to facilitate the conversion of black money into white. Strategies such as:

Banking: Encouraging citizens to deposit their black money into banks. Divestiture: Encouraging property transactions to legalize holdings. Investment: Promoting the flow of black money into legal investment channels. Darogana Yojana: A scheme to help people declare black money without fear of legal repercussions.

These initiatives underscore the goal of making black money transparent and contributing to a fairer economic system. The focus should be on the progress made towards these goals rather than holding individuals accountable for lofty promises that may have been unrealistic.

Lessons from Political History

It is indeed fair to note that many political leaders across the board have failed to meet their campaign promises. Even before Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, numerous elections saw candidates make grand promises that were often left unfulfilled. For instance, Congress leaders during their tenure have also left behind a record of unfulfilled promises and underperforming democratic governance. Modi's BJP can be viewed in this broader historical context.

Comparing Political Legacies

The comparison between the BJP under Narendra Modi and previous political parties is complex. While some critics argue that the BJP's policies have failed to meet certain expectations, it is also critical to recognize the steps taken towards achieving transparency and economic reform. For example, Modi has initiated significant economic and governance reforms, including attempts to curb black money through various channels.

Moreover, comparing the BJP to other parties purely based on promises made is unfair. While it is true that certain parties have been involved in corrupt practices, the question remains whether failing to meet campaign promises should result in criminal action. This line of thinking perpetuates a double standard, where opposition parties are held to higher standards than governing ones.

Conclusion: A Critique and a Call for Balance

The arrest or legal action against Narendra Modi for failing to meet his election promises would be an overreach of justice. Politicians, even those in power, are often judged on the basis of their promises, but not all of these are legally binding. The focus should be on the progress made and the steps taken towards transparency and economic reforms, rather than on litigation based on unfulfilled election jumlas.

As voters and citizens, it is important to hold politicians accountable for their actions, but also to understand the complexities of governance and the challenges faced in implementing policy. The idea of arresting a politician for failing to meet an election promise is misplaced and highlights a broader issue of expectation management in politics.