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RSS ideologue calling demonetisation 'economic satyagraha' is a bit much

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Suraj Kumar Thube
Suraj Kumar ThubeDec 22, 2016 | 14:30

RSS ideologue calling demonetisation 'economic satyagraha' is a bit much

Calling the demonetisation drive a prime example of economic satyagraha is quite emphatic, to say the least.

While RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha claims that the demonetisation drive is a step against the ills of neo-liberalism, he seems to forget the fact that the present government is steeped in neo-liberalism — in both its ideas as well as administrative functioning.

According to him, neo-liberalism is an attack on our culture and political morality. But in calling "new technology" a hurdle to revise old ideologies, he fails to understand that Digital India, Make in India and moving towards cashless economy are all policies that conform to the neo-liberal order of the day. 

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A couple waits for a bank to open in Ahmedabad. (Credit: Reuters photo)

When the government is hell bent on its intrepid drive towards embracing the logic of the fourth industrial revolution, making a case for demonetisation as something against neo-liberalism seems a grossly far-fetched idea.

In today's hyper-globalised world, Sinha is almost envisioning demonetisation as something that typifies our age old "Swadeshi" culture and an incessant patriotic infatuation for the same. 

Clubbing it under the larger umbrella of "economic satyagraha" is making it more ambiguous and deeply specious. Like most of his claims, he believes there needs to be a whole-hearted effort to humanise the market in order to keep the forces of neo-liberalism at bay. All this sounds perfect, but only in a blissful utopia.

But can we consider demonetisation as a step to humanise the market while the system and all those sources generating black money are intact?

It almost construes that corruption, as seen from an individual's point of view, leaves no scope to highlight the more nefarious partner which is the system that sustains this kind of economy. 

Brushing aside the challenges and socio-economic ramifications pointed out by economists of the highest repute, Sinha seems confident that the common people have come out and supported the move despite the ongoing hardships. And based on what? A lousy app that was brought out to gauge people's sentiments?

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However, when we know that only a miniscule number voted for the scheme in a country of 1.2 billion people, to say there has been unflinching support from the masses defies all empirical logic.

Besides, if the post-implementation hardships were not unanticipated, why wasn't the government ready with a robust plan to counter the problems that we are currently facing. Nine months is long enough time to imagine the possible hindrances.

To complete the cycle of perfectly audacious claims, Sinha claims that the move has given people the chance to use their wisdom to articulate their opposition to neo-liberalism. Even if we assume that this drive is against neo-liberalism, are we (the people of India) ready to give up the global lifestyle which we now live? Where westernisation has become the inevitable norm, whether you like it or not, , is there really any scope for reviving the pristine past?

Last updated: December 22, 2016 | 18:17
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