Political debates and public discourse in India have taken a sharp downturn in recent years, with once-respected platforms now becoming arenas for uncontrolled tirades and mudslinging. A prime example of this was witnessed when Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Rajya Sabha member, Sanjay Singh, was given free rein to launch a relentless verbal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The lack of intervention from the panel Speaker only underscored the declining standards of debate, as Singh’s monologue descended into what can only be described as political grandstanding devoid of substance.
The Prime Minister’s response—or rather, his lack of one—spoke volumes. By refusing to react to Singh’s outburst, Modi demonstrated a level of tolerance that has become characteristic of his tenure. Unlike many of his political counterparts who respond to criticism with outrage or legal action, Modi has often reiterated his willingness to endure personal attacks, provided they do not translate into damage to India’s interests. His unwavering focus on governance and national development has been evident in his approach, wherein he has consistently ignored political mudslinging while staying committed to his long-term vision for the country.
This, however, raises a pertinent question: When did Indian political discourse devolve to such depths where personal attacks and baseless accusations overshadow policy discussions and constructive criticism? The opposition’s frustration with Modi’s rising stature—both nationally and internationally—has undoubtedly fuelled such attacks. But at what cost?
The timing of Singh’s tirade was hardly coincidental. It came just before the Delhi Assembly elections, where AAP suffered a significant setback. Despite years of governance in Delhi, both Arvind Kejriwal and his close aide, Manish Sisodia, faced a tough electorate that increasingly appears disillusioned with their brand of politics. While AAP may be in power in Punjab, the future of the party remains uncertain as voter sentiment shifts toward leaders who prioritize governance over theatrics.
Moreover, the opposition’s miscalculation in underestimating Modi’s political resilience has been evident since his rise in 2014. Initially dismissed as a regional leader confined to Gujarat, Modi’s global influence has since skyrocketed, commanding respect from world leaders, including those of the United States and Russia. His leadership style, characterized by strategic decision-making and a focus on national progress, has propelled India into a more influential role on the global stage.
Despite the Congress-led opposition’s best efforts—including soliciting external narratives to paint Modi as an authoritarian figure—the Indian electorate has largely remained undeterred. While the BJP’s numbers in the Lok Sabha dipped from 315 to 240, a significant reduction, the party remains the dominant force in Indian politics. More crucially, voters quickly realized the implications of weakening Modi’s mandate, leading to resounding victories for the BJP in subsequent state elections, including Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi’s assembly polls.
The growing support for Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah suggests that their vision for India’s future aligns with the aspirations of a vast majority of citizens. As they set their sights on challenging electoral battlegrounds like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the onus falls on the electorate—particularly the Hindu majority—to actively participate in shaping India’s political landscape rather than remain complacent.
One of the key reasons for BJP’s limited success in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu has been voter apathy among the Hindu majority. Unlike minority communities, which have consistently mobilized to vote in large numbers, Hindu voters have often been inconsistent in their electoral participation. This is a critical factor that political observers, including figures like Bollywood veteran Mithun Chakraborty, have highlighted. Unless Hindus recognize the urgency of their political involvement, the risk of losing their cultural and national identity in certain regions becomes a genuine concern.
A look at Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, provides a cautionary tale. Countries that once prided themselves on embracing multiculturalism are now grappling with socio-political tensions due to unchecked demographic shifts. If India’s Hindu majority fails to acknowledge this dynamic, history may repeat itself on home soil.
The Congress-led opposition’s strategies have increasingly centered around appeasement politics, often at the cost of national interests. The backlash against policy decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370, the criminalization of Triple Talaq, and the proposed legislation to curb illegal waqf property claims underscores this trend. Many opposition leaders, including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, have attempted to frame these policy measures as attacks on minority rights, despite their constitutional legitimacy.
Owaisi, in particular, has positioned himself as a defender of Muslim interests, but his arguments often lack the legal rigor necessary to withstand scrutiny. His reluctance to engage in debates with constitutional experts like Sai Krishna or political scholars like Dr. Anand Ranganathan exposes the limitations of his narrative.
Given this political backdrop, the frustration displayed by leaders like Sanjay Singh becomes more understandable. AAP’s dwindling electoral prospects signal an end to its dominance in Delhi and a fading presence in other states. The same fate awaits dynastic politics in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where entrenched political families are losing their grip on power as voters demand accountability over legacy.
As India moves toward its next phase of political evolution, the rise of nationalist sentiment and a governance-driven mandate indicate that Bharat’s ascent as a global powerhouse is inevitable. The question remains: Will opposition parties adapt and engage in meaningful political discourse, or will they continue down the path of self-destruction through baseless rhetoric? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—India’s electorate is more discerning than ever, and the days of empty political posturing are numbered.