A deep polarisation has taken hold of India’s political landscape, leading to an unfortunate situation where some individuals derive pleasure from the criticism directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Former US President Barack Obama’s suggestion that Indian democracy is fragile and his comment that “India may start pulling apart…” adds fuel to this disheartening phenomenon.
While it is easy to assign blame solely to the ruling party or the opposition, the truth is that other factions too bear a shared responsibility for the polarisation that plagues India. In a parliamentary democracy, the prime minister holds the critical role of representing all citizens, regardless of their political preferences. Modi is my prime minister, even if I haven’t voted for the BJP.
This article aims to explore the reasons for the divide, and the imperative for the prime minister to act as the leader of all Indians.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the current political landscape in India is the emergence of a group of individuals who possess a pathological urge to witness the failure and faltering of our nation. It’s not because they are not patriotic. This mindset stems from their deep-rooted animosity towards PM Modi, the BJP/RSS and the government.
Domestic actions have international repercussions. I hear from friends across the Gulf of their dismay at rising Islamophobia in India &the PM’s unwillingness to condemn it, let alone act decisively against it. “We like India.But don’t make it so hard for us to be your friends”. https://t.co/Bj9es8fbfS
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 18, 2022
The hatred is so intense that they relish negative coverage on India and economy in global publications. They take delight in India being cursed at international forums, and they even criticise the BJP and Modi for tragic deaths of Indian soldiers , as seen in the context of conflicts with neighbouring countries such as China. They rejoice when Modi stumbles on the stairs and make memes on that. Check the comments on this tweet to understand the problem.
This disturbing trend goes beyond political opposition or ideological differences. It transcends rationality and showcases a deeply ingrained pathology within a section of individuals. It is alarming to witness such a detachment from the well-being and progress of our nation. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue and working towards solutions, these individuals derive satisfaction from any perceived setback or challenge faced by India. Their mindset reflects a dangerous form of negativity that undermines the collective spirit and unity necessary for our nation’s advancement.
Furthermore, this pathological urge criticising India or the Indian economy just to criticise Modi is not only detrimental to the national interest but also to the democratic fabric of our society. In a healthy democracy, political dissent and criticism are essential elements that foster accountability and encourage the government to perform better. However, the hankering to see India fail goes beyond legitimate criticism. It deviates into a realm where the well-being of the nation becomes secondary to the personal animosity towards the prime minister.
However, it is particularly disheartening when it occurs within our nation, as it undermines the foundations on which our democracy is built on. A healthy democracy requires an informed and engaged citizenry that seeks to hold leaders accountable while working towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity.
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India is not Modi
One significant contributing factor to the current state of polarisation in India is that Modi has projected himself as the embodiment of the nation. This is similar to the situation when former cabinet minister Dev Kant Barua famously said, “India is Indira, and Indira is India!”
This perception has been fostered within the BJP’s system. And it has big implications for the political landscape and public discourse in the country.
The projection of Modi as the embodiment of India has several consequences. First, it creates a heightened sense of emotional attachment and identification with the prime minister. Supporters of Modi and the BJP often view criticism or opposition to him as an assault on their own identity and beliefs. As a result, any dissent or disagreement is met with a defensive and combative response, further deepening the divide between supporters and opponents.
This perception also hampers healthy political discourse and rational deliberation. When the leader of a country is seen as synonymous with the nation, it becomes challenging to separate criticism of policies or actions from personal attacks. This conflation leads to a stifling of dissent and a narrowing of perspectives, hindering the development of well-rounded policies and solutions that benefit all citizens.
Moreover, individuals who harbour ill will towards the prime minister derive satisfaction from witnessing India encounter difficulties or facing criticism on the global stage. In their view, any setback for the nation is seen as a personal defeat for Modi, reinforcing their negative sentiment towards him.
When people see the prime minister as the representation of the entire nation, it also creates a sense of exclusion for those who do not align with the ruling party or its leader. It sends a message that only those who support Modi and the BJP are considered true patriots or legitimate citizens of the country. This exclusionary narrative further deepens divisions and alienates a significant portion of the population, preventing the formation of a cohesive and inclusive society.
In a diverse country such as India, the prime minister’s mandate is to serve as the leader of the entire nation, going beyond partisan lines to advocate for the collective interests and aspirations of the people. However, it seems that this crucial aspect of inclusive leadership has been overshadowed by the deep divisions that exist. To remedy this, the prime minister and the ruling party must take active steps and bring all sections of society together. They bear the onus of fostering a sense of unity, ensuring that every citizen feels represented and heard, irrespective of their voting choices. Unfortunately, leaders like Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, who tend to be divisive, undermine the principles of unity and compassion that are vital for the overall progress of our country.
To address this issue, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organisations, and the media, to promote a culture of constructive engagement and dialogue. It is crucial to emphasise the importance of rational discourse, respect for differing viewpoints, and a focus on the greater good of the nation. While political disagreements will inevitably exist, the longing among some to see India fail must be actively discouraged and countered.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for our political class to reset itself after the election results are announced. It is time to let go of animosity and grudges, demonstrating a united front, particularly on international platforms.
Dilip Mandal is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi Magazine, and has authored books on media and sociology. He tweets @Profdilipmandal. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)