In a controversial practice dubbed “resort politics,” several lawmakers in Maharashtra claim to have been kidnapped and coerced into supporting a rebellion against their state government, highlighting a troubling intersection of political ambition and intimidation under Prime Minister Modi’s BJP.
The Underbelly of "Resort Politics": A Closer Look at Power Struggles in Maharashtra
The Underbelly of "Resort Politics": A Closer Look at Power Struggles in Maharashtra
Reports reveal the dark tactics employed by political parties in India, as lawmakers allege coercion and abduction in a bid for power.
In India’s politically tumultuous landscape, a practice known as "resort politics" has emerged, characterized by the coercive tactics used by political parties to seize control over state governments. Recently, allegations have surfaced involving lawmakers from Maharashtra who claimed they were kidnapped and held against their will by members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
One such case is that of Nitin Deshmukh, a lawmaker representing a Maharashtra district, who describes a chilling experience following a routine assembly voting session. Invited under the pretense of a dinner with a senior party official, Deshmukh found himself entangled in a deceptive scheme aimed at destabilizing the Maharashtra government. Instead of heading home, he was whisked away to a location outside state lines, subjected to confinement in a resort-like setting, and further restrained and drugged when he attempted to escape.
These events reportedly formed part of an orchestrated strategy by the BJP, which has faced difficulties winning elections against rival parties. With apparent disregard for democratic principles, the BJP has turned to isolating opposing lawmakers in luxury hotels to manipulate electoral outcomes and force governmental collapses. This controversial method raises grave concerns regarding the ethical practices within Indian politics and the lengths to which some factions will go to secure power.
Deshmukh's experience mirrors those of other Maharashtra lawmakers, all of whom underscore the coercive normalization of "resort politics." Critics argue that this practice undermines the democratic framework in India, revealing a disconcerting blend of political clout and intimidation. As the BJP continues to navigate its path amid fierce competition in various states, the revelations from Maharashtra prompt broader discussions on governance, integrity, and political ethics in a country where power dynamics remain complex and often contentious.
