Politics

Politics 

of 

Slander 

On August 17 while watching the nation bid farewell to one of India's tallest statesmen in recent times -- late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served the country for three terms as its prime minister -- I  was enlightened on several aspects of his life. Most of the commentators on national television termed the BJP veteran as a consummate poet, orator par excellence, amiable statesman, astute politician, foreign affairs expert, a multi-talented politician, a person who lived life on his own terms, an inspirational leader who left an indelible mark on Indian politics; etc. India's political space is full of leaders who inspire; but only those who follow them. Only a few manage to inspire people across board, leaving indelible marks on society, and are remembered for centuries to come. Truly, Vajpayee inspired millions and the outpouring of a sea of people in the streets to catch a last glimpse of the political patriach was testimony to this.

To me, nevertheless, the most striking aspect of his personality, was the fact that the poet prime minister was an affable leader with friends across the ideological divide. National television that Friday evening was abuzz with speakers calling him a man who was loved and admired even by political adversaries of the BJP, who often said 'they have issues with the party but not with him'. People spoke about his ability to hold no malice towards his foes and for coming out unscathed from attacks by opponents. Though witty in his sarcasm, it was said about him that, he never got into politics of slander and personal acrimony with his opponents as he was clearly able to separate ideological and political differences thus findng acceptability among various sections and therefore had no enemies.

Engaged in politics for the past half a decade and having seen it closely, I can state that slander in politics is almost a norm and even the so called `tallest of tall leaders', across the political spectrum of contemporary politics, practice it with ease. It is therefore why this aspect of late Vajpayee's public life caught my imagination unlike so many other outstanding aspects of his towering personality. Not that politics was less acrimonious during his times, but Vajpayee, they said, had the ability not to trivialise issues or denigrate the achievements of his predecessors. Someone spoke about how in the late 1970's, Vajpayee as then foreign minister in the Morarji Desai's  government, insisted on re-installing a picture of Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru which had been removed from the office  in an effort to wipe out his memory. Truly, this is a glaring contrast compared to modern day Indian politics, where animosity, hate and violence is dominant.

Rich tributes are pouring from across political divides but following in his footsteps and living his legacy should be the best tribute to the departed leader, if we are to save the last of our democratic values which are fast eroding. An important takeaway from late Vajpayee's legacy for the two big parties; the BJP and the Congress; who have stooped to the lowest level crass politics --  would be the respect for political opponents which he practiced with grace. Making misleading statements, manufacturing lies, and false propaganda only to land a punch on the opponent, and distract the voter has become a pastime in Indian politics. The allegations and counter allegations or the guerrilla warfare in politics is disturbing. The rising `cases of defamation' is a telling tale of increasing "factually false statements" made in the legislative assemblies and parliament with zero accountability by uncanny elected representatives. Taking a cue from the former prime minister's great political legacy, modern day political actors will need to show more flexibility, pragmatism and responsibility. This to my mind would be the best tribute to the great leader.