In the 1970s, when Indira Gandhi’s government was in a minority, she had to rely on leftist, communist-leaning parties to stay in power. These parties naturally expected important positions in the government, but instead of asking for ministerial roles, they cleverly demanded control over educational and cultural institutions. This move allowed them to bring about long-term changes without the restrictions of holding government office for just five years.
By taking charge of institutions like the film censor board, educational bodies, and the judiciary, the leftists were able to influence India’s future in more significant ways than they could through traditional government positions. They understood that the real power lay in shaping the education system and entertainment industry—two sectors that would have a profound impact on the nation’s mindset.
Similar to how the British dismantled India’s traditional Gurukul system and instilled a sense of slavery, these progressives aimed to influence the minds of the people by sowing the seeds of Hindu hatred and anti-national sentiments. Over time, this agenda began to take root.
This shift in power is evident today in places like JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University), where slogans like “Bharat tere tukde ho” and “Afzal hum shaminda hai, tere kaatil zinda hai!” are raised. The portrayal of cultural narratives in films, such as in Sholay, where a huge mosque is shown for a single Muslim family in Ramnagar, also reflects this cultural agenda. In the movie, a Thakur walks around with a lantern because of power shortages, while an electric horn blares the Azaan from the mosque. These contradictions are a result of years of subtle yet strategic cultural influence.
Despite not holding political power anymore, this group of progressives still maintains control over key sectors. As a result, they continue to wield significant influence over the national narrative, echoing the sentiment, “No matter what happens to the government, the system is ours.”
