India Elections: Decline of Political Sagacity

Now that the general elections are already underway, and almost all political parties have released the list of their candidates, we can expect another round of hectic political campaign across the country. Armed with the manifestoes containing their socio-economic policies and political preferences, all political parties are now out in the open to woo the voters to their line of political thinking.

The Indian electorate is not new to elections; it has been through many such exercises in the past. Political parties and their leaders have their own ways to get around the common people with their election-time promises and plans. And this time also, one can expect much the same in terms of political promises that will raise people's hope for a better tomorrow, particularly at a time when the country is reeling under economic recession with its disastrous consequences on people.

Electioneering is a serious business for political leaders; it is the legitimate occasion for them to build a rapport with the masses. And their oratorical skills come handy to get their messages across to people on whose support they can make it to legislative bodies. In most cases, political leaders maintain decency and decorum during political campaign, and any deviation from the politically correct language and gestures is taken note of not only by the Election Commission but also by the general public. In a sense, it is quite a healthy and welcome trend today in India that political discourses are scrutinized for their content and style, because, in a communally sensitive country like ours, any misadventure even from an obscure leader can ignite communal fire.

What is ironical, however, is that, in spite of such censorship in place, we have had no shortage of such venom-spitting leaders belonging to all political parties; in fact, they are an increasing tribe who lose no chance to take political mileage even of a tragic situation. What they leave behind in the process is, more often than not, wanton destruction of precious human life, damage to public and private property, and above all creating communal divide that has progressively weakened our country. Divisive language and sectarian propaganda under the guise of nationalism have become the hallmark of some political parties which have played havoc to the hitherto well-knit neighborhoods across the country. Where people of different creeds once lived together in harmony and fellowship, some self-appointed guardians of Indian culture and ethos have sown the seeds of suspicion and mutual hatred in the name of religion, and we have already begun to harvest the fruits.

As for instance, Mangalore in Karnataka played host to the pranks of Mr Muthalik and his Rama Sene; they took upon themselves the onus of protecting the desi culture, and they thought it is perfectly within their rights to bash up people if they dared to defy their fatwa. Their totally condemnable acts invited country-wide rage and protests; and people from all walks of life sent an unequivocal message to them that it was not within Rama Sene's brief to dictate its version of nationalism to fellow Indians.

If Muthaliks was indeed an affront to our collective consciousness, what Varun Gandhi said recently at an election rally at Philiphit in Uttar Pradesh was reprehensible. He exhibited a total disregard for democratic norms and civilized forms of living in a country that is patently pluralistic and diverse. His message that some sections of Indian society do not fit into his idea of India is nothing short of sabotaging our collective efforts to build a cohesive nation. What is appalling is his brazenness in holding on to what he is reported to have said at an election rally; he seems to be enjoying every bit of his Saffron avatara in Indian politics.

The EC has done just the right thing by sending advisories to the BJP not to field him as a party candidate. In addition, criminal cases have also been filed against Varun Gandhi for his provocative speeches, and although he tried to evade the arm of law, he eventually gave in. The BJP, though ambivalent towards Varun Gandhi initially, came to his support with a view to project him as its poster boy in U.P. But what will come of it? We will have to wait and watch how the common people would react to the gimmick of politicians like Varun Gandhi who belongs to the next generation leaders of the country.

While it is most desirable that our political parties make room for younger leaders, it is equally important and necessary that they are imbued with the true spirit of nationalism which takes all sections of society along. Any narrow and sectarian approach as exhibited by Varun Gandhi, can bring disastrous consequences on the unity and integrity of the nation. National elections must never be misused to create disaffection among citizens, and if anyone indulges in it, then that would be biggest disservice one can do the country.

Dr Babu Joseph is Spokesperson, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)