In the latest political exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, tensions have escalated as accusations and counter-accusations regarding the use of derogatory language dominate the discourse. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently flagged instances of what he termed as “barbs” and “unjust attacks” aimed at Rahul Gandhi, but the BJP swiftly retaliated by listing multiple instances where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been subjected to personal attacks and abusive language by Congress leaders.
The Trigger: Mallikarjun Kharge’s Remarks
On a recent occasion, Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about the type of language used against Rahul Gandhi, particularly in public forums. He highlighted that Rahul, as a leader and prominent figure in Indian politics, had faced disrespect and verbal abuse. Kharge emphasized the need for dignity in political discourse and questioned why leaders like Gandhi should be subjected to what he called “below-the-belt” remarks.
Kharge’s statement was seen as an attempt to rally support for the Congress party, positioning Rahul Gandhi as a victim of personal attacks and seeking to highlight the BJP’s alleged strategy of undermining opposition leaders through offensive rhetoric. His remarks came in the backdrop of a series of electoral campaigns, where the tone of debates has often become heated.
BJP’s Counter: A List of Abuses Against PM Modi
In response to Kharge’s accusations, the BJP mounted a strong defense by turning the spotlight on the abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the years. The party released a comprehensive list, accusing Congress leaders of repeatedly targeting the Prime Minister with derogatory language.
Some of the key instances mentioned by the BJP included:
- “Maut Ka Saudagar” (Merchant of Death) – A term infamously used by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in 2007, referring to Modi during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
- “Chaiwala” Jibe – Throughout Modi’s political journey, particularly in the 2014 election campaigns, Congress leaders often mocked his humble background as a tea seller. This jibe was used to question his suitability for the role of Prime Minister.
- “Bhasmasur” (Mythological Demon) – Another derogatory term used by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, where she likened Modi to a mythical demon who destroys his own creator.
- “Scorpion on a Shivling” Remark – Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, once described Modi as akin to a scorpion sitting on a Shivling (a symbol of Lord Shiva), creating uproar among Modi’s supporters.
These and other instances were laid out as examples of what the BJP termed as a consistent pattern of personal attacks on the Prime Minister, which they argue has set a negative tone in Indian politics.
Political Fallout: The War of Words
The BJP’s list of abuses against Modi has stirred fresh debates about the role of language and personal attacks in political discourse. Leaders from both sides have exchanged sharp words in recent months, reflecting the polarized nature of contemporary Indian politics.
For the BJP, this counteroffensive serves multiple purposes:
- Shifting the Narrative: By highlighting the abuses against Modi, the BJP aims to neutralize Kharge’s allegations about attacks on Rahul Gandhi. It reframes the discussion from Rahul’s victimhood to a broader narrative about the dignity of political leaders, with Modi presented as a frequent target.
- Appealing to Public Sympathy: Modi’s background as a self-made leader with humble beginnings has always been a part of his political appeal. By showcasing the personal attacks he has faced, the BJP seeks to reinforce Modi’s image as a resilient leader who has overcome insults and adversities.
- Consolidating the Party Base: As the nation gears up for upcoming elections, maintaining unity and loyalty within the BJP’s voter base is critical. This list of abuses against Modi strengthens the perception that the Prime Minister is being unfairly targeted by opposition leaders, helping rally support.
Congress’ Response
In response to the BJP’s move, the Congress has remained defiant. Kharge, along with other Congress leaders, has maintained that their criticisms of Modi are not personal but based on his policies and actions as a leader. The Congress has argued that its leadership, especially Rahul Gandhi, has been subjected to disproportionate and unjustified attacks by BJP members, including allegations of being anti-national.
The Larger Issue: Declining Civility in Politics
This ongoing exchange between the BJP and Congress underscores a broader problem in Indian politics: the declining civility in public discourse. As personal attacks and abusive language become more frequent, there is growing concern about the impact on democratic debate and the quality of political engagement.
Both parties have been accused of lowering the bar when it comes to respectful language, with political debates often turning into personal confrontations. Many commentators have called for political leaders to set a higher standard and to focus on policy discussions rather than resorting to insults.
Conclusion
The political exchange between Mallikarjun Kharge and the BJP is a reminder of the deeply polarized nature of Indian politics today. While Kharge’s attempt to defend Rahul Gandhi has sparked a strong response from the BJP, the larger issue at hand is the use of abusive language and personal attacks in public life. As the country heads towards more elections, there is a need for all political actors to reflect on the tone and substance of their debates, ensuring that the discourse remains civil and constructive.
