The BJP’s attempts to delegitimate all other political parties, because the latter are either corrupt or dynastic, is a mistaken strategy. What would it lead to if it succeeds? Single-party rule. If no one else is fit to rule, what else would be the outcome? And a single-party rule would be the end of Indian democracy. Instead, as the party in power, the BJP should embark upon institutional reform, which makes corruption difficult if not impossible, and dynastic rule unattractive.
Indeed, this is what they have been trying to do. But have they succeeded? If the Karnataka experience is anything to go by, the answer is clearly “not yet”. When it comes to corruption, you cannot have double standards—my corruption is good, but yours is bad. In fact, in Karnataka, the common complaint has been, “We pay up, but the work isn’t done.” It is not corruption that people object to as much as the lack of desired outcome. If corruption is the lubricant of business in India, then the expectation is that at least it must produce the desired results.
Of course, this is a cop-out in the long run. We cannot—and should not—countenance corruption. But taking money without getting the job done amounts to a double whammy: not just corruption, but a betrayal of trust. It is this lack of trust in the BJP leadership in the important southern state that is one of the causes of its defeat.
Also read: Modi right to inaugurate Parliament building. Opposition ignoring precedent set by Nehru
A zero-sum game
Now let us come to the opposition, especially the Congress. Why should it spend so much time and energy trying to tarnish Prime Minister Narendra Modi or destroy Brand Modi? Modi’s track record, both as a politician and administrator, has been extraordinary. Why not give credit where it is due? Why not participate in the great game of democracy as a constructive opposition? Indeed, that is the approach of some of the Congress leaders such as Shashi Tharoor. Unfortunately, the first family of the party has adopted, from the very start, a zero-tolerance policy toward Modi. The net result? A zero-sum game in which both sides lose, with the BJP also trying to destroy both the Congress and the Gandhi family.
Clearly, both approaches are bad for the nation. Parliamentary democracy demands that the treasury and opposition benches have a working relationship. They cannot stop talking to each other. The opposition cannot boycott whatever the ruling party initiates, such as the inauguration of the new Sansad Bhavan. And the ruling party cannot preach vasudhaiva kutumbakam—the world is one family—when abroad while being a house divided at home. How about some more statesmanship right here, in our backyard? If both sides fight to the finish, what will be left of Indian democracy?
What can be done in a situation such as we face today: a fractured nation, with a divided polity? India’s true progress can be achieved only by fostering national unity. Everyone agrees. But still, what we see on the ground is that the ruling party and the opposition are at loggerheads. The time has come for both to rise above divisive rhetoric and work together toward the common goal of national development. This entails seeking areas of agreement, engaging in constructive dialogue, and finding common ground on issues of national importance.
As the ruling party at the Centre, the BJP can take the lead by trying not to cancel all opposition parties. Instead, it can extend tolerance if not friendship to those who wish to strive for power. So long as it is at the hustings, following laid down procedures in the Constitution and laws of the land. The opposition, too, can reciprocate by cooperating with the BJP on issues of national interest. This would be the true sign of India@75 and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—a mature nation with an advanced polity. Else, what would be the difference between us and our more unfortunate neighbours?
The article is part one of a two-part series.
Makarand R. Paranjape is an author and professor. His Twitter handle is @makrandparanspe. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)