Why Haven't the BJP Government Interfered in the Arnab Goswami Case?

The question hangs in the air: why hasn’t the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government taken any action against the Maharashtra government over the Arnab Goswami case? The BJP, known for its strong stance and support for Arnab Goswami, is often seen as a source of moral and political support. However, the political and legal landscape in India provides clear limits to such interventions.

The Limits of BJP Government Action

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as a national party, can certainly provide moral support to Arnab Goswami, which they have been doing. But when it comes to taking action against the Maharashtra government or interfering with police and judicial processes, the BJP is constrained by the divided powers of the Indian federal system.

The Indian Constitution clearly delineates the powers of the central government and the state governments. Crucially, the power to maintain law and order is within the purview of the state government. The central government, led by the BJP, is not entitled to intervene in such matters without the state's explicit request or unless a significant national issue is at stake.

State vs Central Relations in the Arnab Goswami Case

The Arnab Goswami case is currently being fought in the courts, and the matter of his arrest and subsequent judicial process is under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra state police. Any attempts by the central government to interfere could be seen as a violation of the state's autonomy and could be met with resistance from the Maharashtra government. The Modi government has publicly stated that they will not allow such criminals to spread hatred, even as they respect the ongoing judicial process.

Furthermore, if the Maharashtra government seeks assistance from the central government, such as through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), only then can the central government legally intervene. This process has not yet been invoked, leading to a situation where any action by the BJP government could be perceived as overstepping boundaries.

The Importance of the Judiciary in India

A key principle in India’s legal framework is the separation of powers. The judiciary, in particular, acts as a check on both the executive and legislative branches of government. Any action by the BJP government that hints at tampering with judicial processes would be a serious breach of this principle.

The case against Arnab Goswami involves allegations of causing wrongful death and spreading hate. While the BJP may have supported Arnab Goswami in the past, the current legal proceedings must be judged by the standards of the law, not political leanings. The BJP's reluctance to take direct action may stem from their need to uphold the rule of law and respect judicial processes.

Recalling Historical Context

There has been a recollection of the Raut-Fadnavis meeting, which highlighted the long-standing political tensions and the complex dynamics between the state and central governments. This meeting underscores the historical context of regional autonomy and national unity within India’s federal structure.

While the BJP led by Narendra Modi has helped Arnab Goswami in the past, the current context demands a different approach. The BJP must strike a balance between supporting its political allies and adhering to the legal and constitutional framework. The case against Arnab Goswami is one such instance where such a balance is being tested.

Conclusion: The reason why the BJP government has not taken any action against the Maharashtra government in the Arnab Goswami case is rooted in the constitutional framework of India and the separation of powers. This case serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges and complexities in state and central relations, highlighting the delicate balance between political support and judicial standards.