By Mithilesh Kumar Jha
The demise of former prime minster Atal Bihari Vajpayee on August 16 truly marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His leadership was a great reconciliatory force. It was Vajpayee’s ability to reach out to the opposition and take everyone along that drew thousands of ordinary Indians to pay their respects during his funeral procession. The homages that followed the announcement of his death were truly genuine, and came from across the political spectrum and from ordinary Indians. This was a rare and humbling sight, especially in the vicissitude atmosphere of the present polarised political discourse. What is missing from contemporary Indian politics is a meaningful and decent dialogue, which Vajpayee epitomised in his personal and political life.
Could Vajpayee’s death usher an era like the post-Gandhian moment in Indian politics? The death of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 had a transformative effect on the politics of the time. That phase of history also saw divisive politics, polarised debates and violence. And, much like today, there was genuine apprehension about India surviving as a secular nation. But Gandhi’s death changed it all; it worked like a magic band and helped in restoring peace and harmony in society and politics. Not only did we overcome the multiple challenges inherited from the British, but we governed ourselves successfully through the constitutional form of parliamentary democracy.
Vajpayee and Gandhi were different kinds of personalities. Both represented two opposite political ideologies. While it is true that no leader will ever match the magnanimity of Gandhi’s stature in shaping modern India, and that there is no comparison between the him and Vajpayee, one must ponder over the possible impact of their demise on the politics of their times.
The ruling BJP, of which Vajpayee was a co-founder, is the most powerful national party, and is also in power in most states. Thus, in no way can it shy away from taking responsibility for the worsening culture of political debate and discussion.
The attacks on Swami Agnivesh and Sanjay Kumar, a professor at Bihar’s Mahatma Gandhi Central University, carried out by the ‘loyal’ BJP supporters and followers of Vajpayee are testimony of this new political culture in India. Coming on the back of increased mob violence and lynching, the suppression of dissents, and violent and indecent responses to political oppositions, these attacks pose a dangerous sign for our politics and democracy. To be fair, there is equal danger in unrestrained and fantasised criticisms of the ruling party or its leaders.
Even when one is critical of Vajpayee, it would be foolish to not recognise and respect his devotion to the progress of the country and his reconciliatory ability to take everyone along. This was a virtue Vajpayee exemplified. And should it not be one that is extend by all to all, politicians and citizens alike?
What we require in Indian politics now more than any time in the past is meaningful and rational debate and discussion without the fear of violence, which has become the new normal in the country of Buddha, Gandhi and Ambedkar.
India is going through a critical phase. There is an increased depletion of decency and morality in our political discourse. Samvad (dialogue) is a rich and useful resource that held our country together in the past and can take it forward into the future. Shouldn’t we maintain decorum and decency while expressing our opinion and criticising our opponents to encourage healthy dialogue? How is violence as a response to critique justified? Are we not aware of the spiral of reaction that violence perpetuates? And what do we make of the silence of those in power? Is it not a sign of their tacit support? Will these ‘loyal’ supporters follow the decency and ethics of public life that Vajpayee exemplified? Or does his passing mark an end to his ideals and thoughts? Will building a memorial be tribute enough or should we instead internalise his thoughts and ideas?
Perhaps Vajpayee’s words will provide inspiration to a return to decency and ethics in political discourse and public life:
Mere Prabhu! mujhe itni oonchai; Kabhi mat dena!
Gairon ko gale na lagaa sakoon, Itani rukhaai kabhi mat dena.
[My Lord! Never let me climb so high; That I fail to embrace strangers;
never give me such arrogance]
Mithilesh Kumar Jha teaches political science at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.
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