The goats of India, but there is no alternative.

"Even as the wheels are coming off the Republic of India, conversations in polite and not-so-polite circles now have a refrain that is the surest sign of an impoverished democracy. Whenever the topic of BJP and Narendra Modi's future comes up, the refrain is: 'There is no alternative'," wrote Pratap Bhanu Mehta. Youth unemployment is rising, inequality is rising, there is still repression in Kashmir two years after Articles 370 and 35a were repealed, and "The state makes everyone feel so secure: It can snoop on anyone, threaten anyone, and control the information order. 'But But But', the chorus still rings out, 'There is no alternative'." Under Article 370 the state of Jammu and Kashmir was an autonomous region with its own flag and laws, except in defence, foreign affairs, finance and communication, and Article 35a reserved government jobs  and services and the right to buy property for permanent residents of the state, BS. Earlier this year Mehta resigned from his professor's post at Ashoka because, "After a meeting with the founders, it has become abundantly clear to me that my association with the university may be considered a political liability," TOI. Following him Arvind Subramanian also resigned his post in support. Ashoka University was set up as a liberal institution with private donations but, "By bending when asked, they may have inaugurated a slide, and surrendered the possibilities of the university's rise," TIE. The craven surrender by everyone has been noticed thousands of miles away. US President Joe Biden complained that the Indian press is "better behaved" than the US media, TOI. One American reporter said, "The Indian press is ranked 142nd in the world, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), for press freedoms." Modi imposed a severe lockdown on the whole nation in March 2020 with just 4 hours notice when there were only 500 cases in the entire country, India.com. But earlier this year Indians were "sickened by him addressing tens of thousands of people at state election rallies and letting Hindu devotees congregate for a festival (Kumbh Mela)", even "as bodies piled up in mortuaries and crematoriums, and desperate cries for hospital beds, medical oxygen and coronavirus tests flooded social media", Reuters. Thousands of Hindus died. However, amidst all the carnage the Central Vista projects in the capital Delhi was proceeding at full speed with an "opulent mansion for the 70-year-old premier, which was quietly slipped into the plans after they had been approved", Daily Mail. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is being used vindictively and the Act denies bail to accused so that they have to spend years in prison despite being innocent. "Indeed a 2% conviction rate shows how, in an overwhelming number of UAPA cases, it is the process that is the punishment," wrote Gautam Bhatia. "Jobs have been lost, incomes have shrunk, fuel prices have risen, but the dominant narrative on the campaign trail is about religion and the Hindu-Muslim divide," wrote Rajdeep Sardesai. And yet, Hindus are dying and being beaten up in the name of Hinduism. No wonder the Moguls and the British ruled us for over 1500 years. Whoever rules, Hindus are sacrificial goats. Jai Shree Ram.