BJP supporters during a rally. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)
In its penchant for taking the moral high ground and in issuing calls to action The Indian Express has historically proven to be second to none. But alas, there is much that it has failed to take note of and much more that it failed to call out. Below is an attempt at an editorial that never made it to newsprint at The Indian Express:
In a democracy as vast and diverse as India, the role of Opposition parties is as crucial as those in government. It is the Opposition that often lights the path to accountability, ensuring that the government does not stray from its commitments to the nation. However, recent events, highlighted by statements from various Opposition leaders, have raised questions about the quality and direction of this crucial role. The need for responsible dialogue and constructive criticism has never been more urgent.
One cannot help but be concerned by the remarks made by Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, whose statements have stirred considerable controversy. Her comments communalise the atmosphere, suggest violence and undermine the democratic ethos we hold dear. At a time when the nation needs unity, suggesting that a particular political party would incite riots and manipulate agencies like the NIA sows distrust and fear among the electorate.
Equally troubling are the comments from TMC leader Pijush Panda who not only disparages the Prime Minister’s background but also questions the religious and social integrity of key cultural ceremonies, such as the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Such remarks do not merely border on the personal, they are an affront to the inclusive spirit of our national identity, pitting communities against each other on the basis of caste and creed.
The Congress party, with its storied legacy of leading the nation, also finds itself mired in controversy due to its leaders’ statements. Rahul Gandhi’s assertion regarding the exclusion of the President of India from the Ram Mandir inauguration, solely based on her tribal identity, requires scrutiny and calls for a higher standard of evidence and discourse. Additionally, leaders like Shama Mohamed and Supriya Shrinate have made remarks that could potentially fan the flames of division, by fear-mongering about religious buildings and extending political narratives to sensitive areas like anti-insurgency operations.
These instances of irresponsible dialogue do a disservice not only to the reputations of the leaders involved but also the people they aim to represent. When political discourse descends into personal attacks, misinformation, and incitement, the first casualty is the truth. The second, tragically, is the public’s trust in the democratic process.
It is imperative for the Opposition to critique the government; it is how democracies mature and course-correct. However, there is an unbridgeable difference between criticism and calumny. The Opposition must remember that its primary role is not to obstruct blindly but to offer constructive criticism that holds the government accountable, while also proposing viable alternatives that look to uplift the populace rather than dividing it.
In these tumultuous times, the call for responsible leadership is louder than ever. Opposition leaders across the political spectrum must elevate the quality of public discourse. They must eschew divisive and inflammatory rhetoric in favour of dialogue that is based on facts, fosters mutual respect, and seeks to unify rather than divide.
India’s strength is in its diversity. Every Opposition leader has a duty to reinforce this strength through their words and actions. As the nation stands at the crossroads of numerous challenges, from economic trials to social upheavals, the need for a discourse that is constructive and inclusive cannot be overstated.
The path forward must be paved with dialogue that respects the dignity of every Indian and acknowledges the multifaceted nature of our societal fabric. We call upon the political leaders of the Opposition to rise to this occasion. Let them lead by example, showing that even in disagreement, there can be dignity; even in opposition, there can be unity. After all, the strength of India’s democracy will always be measured by the integrity of its discourse.
While this editorial remains unwritten, much vitriol from leading lights of the Opposition continues to flow in the stream of Indian politics even as India’s leading newspaper is busy delivering unsolicited sermons to the Prime Minister (‘No, Prime Minister, IE, April 23).
The writer was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2024
