Politicians are breaking the limits of language; real issues are missing; politics has become a mess.
As elections approach, the rhetoric of political parties often reaches its peak. Party leaders start speaking their minds boldly, which leads to a round of allegations and counter-allegations. Personal attacks have also increased in Parliament and Vidhan Sabhas recently. For example, Haryana MLA Rajkumar Gautam commented about the quality of jalebi in Gohana, to which Gohana MLA and Cabinet Minister Arvind Sharma reacted sharply and said that Gautam even eats cow dung and he should not worry about the quality of jalebi. Unfortunately, such people keep getting embroiled in petty controversies at the cost of public money. This raises questions about the ability of those who shape the future of our country. The language of politics can improve only when voters are more aware and participative. Amidst these debates, the meanings of words are changing, which is a matter of great concern. The public should also think about whether a leader who resorts to such harsh and abusive language deserves a place in the temple of democracy. In a democracy, leaders derive their power and authority from the people, which they can use as well as misuse.
Amid concerns like unemployment, corruption, national security, and development, a disturbing new trend has emerged: political parties breaking promises and leaders using indecent language. Political parties have failed to keep their promises, and leaders are resorting to inappropriate language. Our roads are in a very bad state; in many areas, they barely resemble roads. Essential services like water management and sewage systems are lacking. Medical facilities are similarly inadequate, with hospitals in short supply relative to the population, and those that exist often lack the necessary resources. Leaders seem to have become mere window-dressers, neglecting to address real issues. In the past, politicians honored their commitments, and the sense of culture, civility, and decency that prevailed in politics has now disappeared.
Nowadays, leaders often engage in personal attacks, crossing the limits of discourse. Language plays a vital role in politics; in a democracy, a leader’s power is largely tied to his command over language. Since Independence, the political landscape has changed dramatically, as has the tone and style of accusations by politicians. Today, some leaders make derogatory comments against their opponents, while others use offensive language. Is there any sense of dignity left in our political arena?
Before resorting to such language, these politicians seem oblivious to the potential repercussions for the country and its citizens. In an attempt to undermine their opponents, leaders often make statements that are not only meaningless but also objectionable. Such comments tarnish the ideals of healthy and constructive politics. Are these negative influences acceptable in our political system? These statements also stain the very idea of healthy and good politics. Yet no action is taken on them. Are these stains good in politics?
Words like “cow dung drinkers” have been used by leaders in the Haryana Assembly. As elections approach, political parties often cross the limits of acceptable language. Party leaders speak their minds boldly, often speaking out loudly. Apart from allegations and counter-allegations on the election platform, personal attacks have now started happening in Parliament and Assemblies as well. For example, when MLA Rajkumar Gautam talked about adulterated jalebi being made in Gohana, Gohana MLA and Cabinet Minister Arvind Sharma retorted by saying that if Gautam even drinks cow dung, he should not worry about the quality of jalebi.
Unfortunately, such people are doing trivial things at the cost of public money. We should think about how bad the language of those who shape the future of our country has become. Political discourse can improve only with aware voters. Amidst arguments and misconceptions, the meanings of words are getting distorted, which is a matter of great concern. It is evident that the dignity of language is being disregarded in today’s political landscape, and all this is happening in the very houses that are meant to represent democracy. The choice of words by leaders raises many questions.
They must understand that their followers will echo their rhetoric. This is not an isolated incident; many leaders have tainted the political arena with controversial remarks in the past. Political differences are natural, but they are increasingly turning into outright discord. Leaders must remember that people like the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had the skill to respond to the most vitriolic remarks with grace.
The deterioration of language is a measure of the declining political standards in today’s times. The true caliber of a leader is often reflected in his choice of words. If political leaders are reading this, they must recognize that respect for language enhances their stature, while rudeness diminishes it. Supporters may welcome personal jokes, but discerning voters—those who think independently—form a lasting impression of a leader that remains unchanged no matter how many positive things are said later. The deterioration of language in politics has eroded the ability to question, as leaders see their statements as absolute truth.
The eloquence of figures like Atal Bihari and Indira Gandhi still impresses people. Unfortunately, scathing attacks on opposition parties only create discord and unrest in society. The Election Commission needs to set standards that impose strict penalties on leaders who make inappropriate comments. The public must also ponder whether a leader who resorts to such harsh and abusive language deserves a place in the temple of democracy. In a democracy, leaders derive their power and authority from the people, which they can use as well as misuse.
