Neo-fascist regimes divert attention from crisis by targeting minorities: Prabhat Patnaik
Economist Prabhat Patnaik has said that neo-fascist regimes are systematically turning public anger against minorities and immigrants to deflect attention from deepening economic crises.
He was speaking on the second day of the EMS Smrithi event held at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall here on Saturday on the topic 'Neoliberalism and Neo-Fascism.'
'These governments deliberately create public resentment against religious minorities and migrant communities, scapegoating them for all national problems,' Prof. Patnaik said. 'It is a strategic diversion to hide their failure in addressing economic distress.'
On violent groups
He further observed that such regimes not only misuse state institutions for repression, but also rely on violent majoritarian groups to carry out attacks on minorities, creating an atmosphere of fear and division.
Pointing to a broader global trend, Prof. Patnaik noted that many nations, including India, are drifting toward neo-fascist rule. A key feature of this shift, he argued, is the growing nexus between corporate capital and authoritarian power.
Prof. Patnaik further elaborated on how global arms corporations are actively supported and promoted by neo-fascist powers, who attempt to forge arms trade alliances worldwide. 'Even when they fail to protect their own economy, they resort to imposing steep tariffs on other nations as a desperate measure to overcome economic turmoil,' he added, criticising the emerging tendency to disregard international trade agreements, particularly by the U.S.
'To counter this dangerous rise of neoliberal and neo-fascist forces, it is imperative to implement strong alternative economic policies,' he said. These alternatives, he pointed out, must challenge inequality, protect labour rights, and constitutionally guarantee essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and employment.
Prof. Patnaik called for progressive reforms like wealth taxes on the ultra-rich and inheritance taxes on passed-down assets, stressing that only a radical rethinking of the economic order can curb the rising tide of authoritarianism.
'Political struggle'
'Ultimately, this is not just an economic struggle—it is a political one,' he concluded. 'And the working class must lead the charge.'
Addressing a session on 'Global Warming and Climate Change' S. Abhilash, director, Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, Cochin University of Science and Technology, said the extreme weather events the world is facing today are not just natural calamities, they are the direct outcome of capitalist patterns of consumption.
Dr. Abhilash traced the roots of the climate crisis to the post-1860 Industrial Revolution, which triggered an unprecedented rise in fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. 'This shift has significantly accelerated climate change,' he noted.
China currently leads the world in total greenhouse gas emissions, but when measured per capita, the U.S. tops the chart, he pointed out.
In response to the mounting crisis, global climate summits are convened under the banner of Conference of Parties (COP). However, geopolitical setbacks like the U.S. withdrawal from the climate accord during Donald Trump's presidency have undermined the collective action, he remarked.
'Climate change is a global phenomenon but its impacts are felt at the local level,' said Dr. Abhilash, emphasising the need for grassroots-level interventions. The crisis, he warned, affects people's livelihoods, public health, and habitat systems, cutting across all aspects of life.
Excessive consumption
Highlighting the role of excessive consumption in worsening the crisis, he asserted that 'scientific solutions alone are not enough. What we urgently need are political solutions.'
CPI general secretary Binoy Viswam, who addressed the valedictory, spoke about the 'Growth of Communal Politics in Kerala.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Naveen flays delay in pulling chariot
Bhubaneswar: Expressing anguish over the 'terrible mess' in the conduct of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri this year, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Saturday prayed to the almighty to forgive those responsible for the development. Patnaik, who is recuperating at a hospital in Mumbai after surgery, in a post on X said: 'We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath's) chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State.' Patnaik also mentioned that it is hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' (procession on the way to Shree Gundicha temple), a moment that left countless devotees shaken. 'And now this year, we witnessed Lord Jagannath's chariot standing at the Singhadwar (Lion's Gate of the 12th-century shrine) till 7.45 pm, only to move a few metres before the day ended,' Patnaik said in a long social media post. 'That understandably has left lakhs of devotees, who came from all over the world to witness this unique event, completely disenchanted and disillusioned,' the former chief minister said. Patnaik said hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management. 'All we can do is pray: May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope it leads to deep introspection by all in government,' he said.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Naveen Patnaik slams Odisha govt's ‘incompetence' over stampede, BJP hits back
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday lashed out the state government over a stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri that claimed three lives. Later, the BJP-led government slammed the BJD for making political remarks. People during the annual 'Rath Yatra' festival celebration, in Puri, Odisha.(PTI) Naveen Patnaik extended condolences to the families of the devotees who died in the stampede, and said he was praying for the recovery of those injured. "Today's stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the #RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government's glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees," Patnaik wrote on X. Three people were killed and over 50 were injured in the stampede. The incident took place near Gundicha Temple in Puri, about three kms away from the main Jagannath Temple. Chaos ensued after trucks carrying Charamala wood (considered sacred) arrived near the temple, where over 1,500 devotees were seated, eyewitnesses said. However, a detailed probe into the stampede is yet to take place. As Naveen Patnaik slammed the state government over an alleged mismanagement, he also alleged there was no government staff present to control the huge crowd when the accident happened. "The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to "Mahaprabhu's wish", a shocking excuse that masks the administration's complete abdication of responsibility," Patnaik further wrote on X. Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik has urged the government to ensure that key Rath Yatra rituals like Adapa Bije, Bahuda and Suna Besha take place smoothly. Over 700 devotees have been hospitalised with complaints of suffocation and nausea after the stampede. None of the three chariots could be pulled even halfway from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple as a massive crowd surged. Senior police officials have visited the site, and minister Harichandan has assured that the government will conduct a detailed probe. BJP hits back Without naming Patnaik, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan responded to the criticism, and reminded the BJD how it made mistakes in the management of the festival when in power. "In the past, the BJD government made mistakes and insulted Lord Jagannath. Since 1977, the chariots have always reached the Gundicha Temple on the second day," Harichandan claimed. He also said the BJD was making political statements 'while recovering from jaundice,' and warned that those doing politics the festival will face consequences, 'if not today, then tomorrow'. (With PTI inputs)


India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik condoles Puri stampede victims; says Odisha Govt's
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday extended his condolences to the victims of the 'devastating incident' that took place early this morning during the Jagannath Rath Yatra near the Gundicha Temple in Puri. Talking to 'X', Patnaik prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede. 'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident', Patnaik said. Hitting out at the Odisha Government, the former Odisha Chief Minister termed it as a 'abysmal failure' of the crowd management system during the Rath Yatra. He stated that the incident has 'exposed' the government's 'glaring incompetence' in ensuring a peaceful festival for the devotees. 'Today's stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the Rath Yatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government's glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees', Patnaik's X post said. The BJD chief said that the eyewitnesses reported that the initial response for the stampede came from the relatives of the victims whereas there was no government 'machinery' present to manage the 'surging' crowd. 'Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees' relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty', he said. Furthermore, the BJD leader asserted that delay in pulling of Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was attributed as a shocking 'excuse' which masks the administration's complete abdication of responsibility. 'The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to 'Mahaprabhu's wish', a shocking excuse that masks the administration's complete abdication of responsibility', Patnaik's X post read. The BJD chief stated that 'blatant callousness' has undeniably contributed to the tragedy. 'While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals', Patnaik said. Odisha law minister Prithviraj Harichandan earlier today told ANI that three people died and at least six people sustained injuries near the Gundicha Temple during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Odisha Minister said, 'It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action. DGP has been sent to the spot.'Three people have passed away because of suffocation in the huge gathering. Six to seven people are injured. I am moving to Puri. I am monitoring the situation over the phone. We are trying our best to manage the crowd. Additional police have been deployed. The reasons for the incident are being investigated,' Harichandan said. 'The situation is now under control and the people are having darshan...', he said. Meanwhile, Odisha DGP YB Khurania has reached the Gudicha Temple to assess the situation. (ANI)