Awakening of India - 1947

Delhi – Prime Minister's Office, South Block – 2nd May 1948

Reports covered Arjun Mehra's desk like a map of India's transformation: blueprints for the Ashoka Group's hidden factories, border situation, updates on integration of new territories, and many more. The nation buzzed with construction and consolidation.

Yet as he built the physical framework of his new India, Arjun's mind turned to subtler instruments of power, the courts and the press.

Especially the press and media as a whole, whose ability to far beyond than to just report the daily affairs to the people.

As he was lost in his thoughts, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel entered the office. He brought with him another task that was completed.

The task was none other than "Bharatiya Jana Dal", which was their carefully cultivated opposition party.

"The Jana Dal is taking shape, Arjun," Patel reported. "No shortage of nationalist fervor among them. They're eager to campaign publicly, so as to offer a conservative vision for India.

It provides a... healthy outlet for patriots who might not align with our more centralist views, just as you intended."

Arjun nodded as he his gaze focused on the government buildings visible through his window. "Good. Political theater is necessary. But I'm also thinking about other institutions, Sardar-ji.

Those that still act as 'independent' voices, perhaps unintentionally challenging the unity and speed that we require."

Patel followed his gaze. "You mean the press?"

Arjun turned, a faint smile touching his lips. "And courts as well. They're the last remnants of British design in our system.

Their ideas of 'independence,' of 'unfettered scrutiny'—admirable in theory, but inconvenient when a nation attempts unprecedented transformation at unprecedented speed."

Patel grunted, understanding mixed with surprise. "But they haven't openly opposed you. The victory over Pakistan, UNSC seat, Bapu's passing, public mood overwhelmingly supports you.

And so they've largely fallen in line, perhaps awed by your success or reluctant to undermine the general public sentiment."

"Reluctance is temporary, Sardar-ji," Arjun replied, his smile fading into cool analysis. "Awe is always fleeting, never permanent.

True control isn't merely about the absence of critics, it's ensuring none can ever truly arise or effectively challenge the state's core direction. We're building a democracy that works for India, not against it. These institutions must be aligned, however subtly."

He paused, then laid out his directives with quiet authority. "The judiciary is crucial. While we respect the rule of law, we cannot afford legal challenges that delay vital national projects—land reform, industrialization, strategic infrastructure.

Their interpretations must be conducive to national progress.

I need your influence, Sardar-ji, in ensuring the right individuals are appointed to key benches, particularly High Courts and the Supreme Court. Loyalists. Pragmatists. Men who understand the broader national interest."

Patel's mind already sifted through names, calculating alliances within the legal fraternity. Judicial appointments had always been influenced, but it seems like this young Prime Minister sought a deeper, and more systematic alignment.

"Create channels, subtle and discreet," Arjun continued. "When critical policies are challenged, the courts must rule in ways that uphold the state's will, while always within the brackets of legal rectitude."

"As for the press," Arjun's tone shifted, "they shape the public opinion. While we encourage vigorous debate and local reporting, the core narrative must remain consistent.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting does its work through the National Publicity Unit and Media Censorship Board. But I need an indirect layer of influence."

He leaned forward, gaze intense. "Identify key editors, influential journalists, newspaper owners. Establish discreet channels. Encourage them to align editorial lines with the national mission.

Colonialism had already casted long shadows over the minds of many Indians, it's the job of our press to slowly erase those shadows.

Frame criticisms not as fundamental opposition, but as constructive suggestions for minor adjustments. Emphasize the long-term vision and the necessity of unity."

"Also, we don't need overt censorship every day, Sardar-ji. That's crude and obvious. We need a self-censorship, a shared understanding of what constitutes 'the public good' from Delhi's perspective.

The narrative must flow naturally, appear to be the spontaneous voice of a united nation, even when carefully guided."

Patel nodded slowly, his lifetime of political pragmatism acknowledging the logic. This wasn't about silencing dissent but rather co-opting it, molding it, and ensuring even the illusion of independence served the ultimate master.

"It will require delicate handling, Arjun," Patel stated heavily. "These institutions are steeped in British notions of independence. We can expect resistance, especially when it comes to courts."

"Resistance, when detected, will be dealt with accordingly, Sardar-ji," Arjun replied, his smile thin and cold. "Those who still cling to outdated ideals, who prioritize abstract principles over national progress, won't be able to retain their positions for long.

Their careers will falter, along with their influence. Others, who are more pragmatic, will understand the necessity of aligning their interests with the rising tide of new India.

We'll offer them incentives, opportunities, and the understanding that their continued relevance depends on cooperation."

Arjun's smile widened. "In fact, please ask Director Krishnamurthy of CBI to raid the houses of judges with 'controversial' past dealings. Our people should know that even those who command law—or think they do—won't be spared by the laws either."

Patel, with his rich experience, immediately saw through the scheme Arjun was crafting—a classic way to make examples of a few to warn the others.

He slowly shook his head with a slight smile. "CBI raids, huh?"

"Yes," Arjun confirmed. "Sometimes the most effective message is sent through actions rather than words.

A few well-timed investigations into financial irregularities, questionable property deals, or family connections to problematic elements, all perfectly legal, all perfectly justified. The message will be clear: independence comes with responsibility to the nation."

Patel understood the elegant brutality of it.

"But what if those who pretend to cooperate for better opportunities and then turn on us later on?"

"No worries. Their past actions will be investigated by IB of course. No one can hide their past, while pretending to be a changed person. Not to mention, their progress will be watched regularly, like every 6 months or so.

By this, we can ensure that incompetent people doesn't manage to hold the positions that might hold back Bharat's progress."

Finally, Arjun stood up. "The physical framework is taking shape, Sardar-ji. And now, the judiciary and press will be carefully woven into the fabric of our democracy. Every pillar of the state, visible or invisible, will serve the sole purpose of building a stronger Bharat."

He moved to his wall map, tracing the bold saffron borders with his finger. "After all, democracy is not just about elections. It's about creating a system where the people's will aligns naturally with the nation's needs.

Where dissent is channeled constructively rather than destructively and where freedom serves a purpose rather than chaos."

Patel rose to leave, carrying with him a deeper understanding of the pervasive control Arjun sought.

"Oh, and one last thing," Arjun called as Patel.

"The international press will be monitoring our domestic institutions closely.

Ensure that any... adjustments we make appear to be natural evolution rather than extension of central control. World must see an emerging democracy, not an emerging authoritarianism."

Patel paused at the doorway. "What if they did?"

"Then I guess we'll have to be more creative in our explanations," Arjun replied with a smile. "Fortunately though, the world still has many pressing concerns. A stable India that pays its debts and honors its treaties , will rarely attracts unwanted scrutiny."

As Patel left, Arjun returned to his desk.

It seems that for him, the price of glory was eternal vigilance and the orderly alignment of everything that might stand in his way.

But unlike the crude dictatorships emerging elsewhere in the post-colonial world, Arjun's India would maintain the appearance of freedom while ensuring the reality of control.

It was, he reflected, perhaps the most sophisticated form of governance ever attempted—democracy perfected through invisible management, liberty channeled through enlightened guidance, dissent transformed into constructive energy.

The only one close enough, would perhaps be the United States of the 21st century.

[A/N: Talking about US, is it just me or Elon's newly proposed 'American Party' can possibly be similar to 'controlled' opposition in future? What do you think?