Just the Beginning

[VoodooNova]

The rapid arrests of state-level leadership led to concern among the federal legislature. "Would they be next?" was a common thought, even with Prime Minister Modi. He managed to get the National Emergency passed to facilitate the arrests, but the implied agreement between him and the President appears to be non-existent. An error in his judgement, he thought, which would be the end of his career.

The Prime Minister was watching ANI in his office, with a few aides, on the latest developments. Chief Ministers in a majority of the states have been arrested, or have resigned their post. Coalitions are breaking down as local representatives are taken into custody. President's Rule is taking hold across the country. Narendra Modi knew his time as Prime Minister was coming to a close. His aides will be taken with him, or be free, he thought.

On the Television

"President's Rule now exists in all states. Governors have been forcibly removed and Chief Ministers have been taken into custody. Nearly all were on corruption charges. However, all were arrested on the charge of treason. In a joint statement by the Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Chief of the Air Staff, the military fully backs the President to bring the country back to its rightful path..."

Prime Minister's Office

His aide appeared to want to speak on the comments, but Modi hushed him. He heard shuffling outside. "Get on your knees and put your hands up," he told them as his door broke open and several armed police officers spilled into the room. Two shots ring out, all sound goes quiet; a red stain formed on the teak floor as an aide laid motionless. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, you are under arrest for committing treason against the Republic of India," Modi heard as he felt his arms forced behind him and metal against his wrist. Hopelessness appeared in the eyes of the others. Two more shots ring out.

"...through grit, determination, and a new beginning, we shall thrive under Empress Thottumkal's leadership for all people of India."

 

[VoodooNova]

Asin Thottumkal finished preparation of her speech. The take over, while seemingly cliche to history, was nearly complete. The state governments were filled with supporters. Bharta Khanda will be a reality. The Empress would pull her calling from the people, for their representatives listened to their concerns and allowed her to lead. She would draw her power from the military and populist ideals, tempered with reality.

Standing at the top of the steps of Rashtrapati Bhavan, to a crowd typically seen at inaugerations and major national holidays, was a stoic, yet happy, woman. Soon to be one of the largest empires in Asia, she took two steps towards a podium bearing the emblem of the nation.

"India, our nation of rich culture and history, has lost its way. Guiding her were: bureaucratic red tape, designed to prevent all from enjoying the protections and benefits afforded to them by the government. Corrupt officials seeking to line the pockets of their families, promoting nepotism and favoritism, brought poverty and elitism to the forefront. The attempted internal influence of colonizers who continue to try to assert themselves here and across Asia.

That, I promise you, ends today.

Gone are the days of Caste. Gone are the influences of religion on state officials. Gone are the days of consequence-free actions taken by government officials. There will be accountability. Where you're born, and to whom you are born to, will no longer affect the rest of your life. This will be a strong cultural change, but one that must happen within a generation. India will be ruled as a secular nation, one for its people.

Throughout our history, India saw its peak when the people are united. Once again, India will be united as one. The power vested in me, given and allowed by each of you in this nation, will guide us all to glory. We have already achieved our goal of rooting out the corrupt and the disloyal in our own ranks. The charge to victory will not end their, yet we will not act as the colonizers of old. We will not seek to influence internal workings of other nations. We will focus on our own protection and well-being. We will work with those who believe the same for their own country and for Asia.

What I ask of each and every one of you is to become the best citizen you can be. We must all serve our fine nation. Whether it is military service or assisting those in your local community, we must all do our part. I ask each of you continue to educate yourselves. Read history. Understand history. Understand what drives us today and what drives others around the world. I ask each of you live abroad for a time, if only to connect and learn about other cultures way of being. It will only make you, and us, better. You will always be welcomed home.

Today is the beginning of a revolution and an evolution of the Indian nation. We are no longer a nation for the elite, but for each person looking to make a decent way for their families. We are no longer The Republic of India, but Bharata Khanda. Bharata Khanda, the name which marks a new era of our glorious nation."

Empress Asin Thottumkal smiled and waved to the cheering crowds. She took a step back before returning to her residence. On her mind was a ruling document. The constitution still had to be completed. The convention was nearly complete, yet her final touches had to be made.

The news would spread across Bharatan social media. The Republic was no more. Freedom, however, was still alive and well for all.