The recent uproar sparked by the opposition over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in a Ganesh puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud is a case of manufactured outrage. The objection raised by the opposition over two constitutional heads attending a religious event together is not only baseless but also reveals a deeper malaise within their ranks. Their allegations of impropriety and unconstitutional conduct are without substance, considering the historical precedents and legal interpretations provided by some seasoned legal experts. Opposition leaders have portrayed the event as a violation of the separation of powers, arguing that such bonhomie between the executive and the judiciary could influence decision-making. However, respected legal voices have pointed out that as long as such interactions have no bearing on judicial decisions, they are entirely constitutional. This perspective is grounded in the fact that India’s constitutional framework does not bar informal or ceremonial interactions between high-ranking officials. The notion that such events could compromise the integrity of the judiciary is an unfounded stretch of imagination.
The opposition’s outrage seems particularly hollow when viewed against the backdrop of past practices. For instance, during 2009, the then Chief Justice of India was seen attending an Iftar party hosted by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. This interaction did not raise any eyebrows or stir any accusations of undermining constitutional norms. If it was deemed acceptable then, one must question the rationale behind the current uproar. Is the opposition’s criticism based on genuine concerns for constitutional propriety, or is it a desperate attempt to remain relevant in the face of dwindling political support? The opposition’s fixation on trivial controversies underscores their inability to confront the ruling party on substantive issues. The reality is that, despite forming a new alliance named the INDIA bloc, the opposition, led by Congress, failed to prevent Narendra Modi’s BJP from winning a third consecutive term. Even after rallying 28 parties, most of whom are marred by legal and corruption cases, their efforts fell short. Instead of introspecting on their electoral failures, they are resorting to unwarranted attacks that have little relevance to the public. For nearly a decade, the opposition has struggled to substantiate its claims of corruption against the Modi government. Their repeated attempts to allege wrongdoing, such as the baseless allegations in the Rafale jet deal, have not held up under scrutiny. Furthermore, they have failed to offer a compelling critique of the government’s economic policies or its dynamic foreign policy. The frustration is evident as they turn to divisive and unsubstantiated narratives to stoke communal and societal divisions, falsely claiming that minority communities live in fear under Modi’s leadership.
A recent directive from the Madras High Court to the police chief to consider whether Hindus could set up a Ganesh pandal in a predominantly Muslim area exposes the opposition’s disingenuous portrayal of Hindu-Muslim relations in India. The opposition’s attempt to project an image of intolerance among Hindus is both misleading and counterproductive. India remains a diverse and pluralistic society where communal harmony has always been a foundational pillar. These narratives do a disservice to the very idea of India by attempting to create fissures where none exist. The opposition’s baseless objections to Prime Minister Modi’s Ganesh puja participation reflect a broader problem of political irresponsibility. In a vibrant democracy like India, the role of the opposition is to provide constructive criticism and hold the government accountable. However, when opposition leaders indulge in cherry-picking events and creating controversies out of non-issues, they fail in their duty to the electorate. Such actions not only undermine their credibility but also distract from more pressing national issues that demand attention and debate. It is high time for the opposition to rise above petty politics and focus on issues that matter to the people of India. While dissent is the lifeblood of democracy, it must be rooted in facts and substance, not in manufactured controversies that serve no purpose other than to grab headlines. The Indian public deserves a more mature and responsible opposition that can engage in meaningful debates rather than one that wastes its energies on frivolous allegations. The opposition’s restraint and maturity in addressing national matters are not just desirable but essential for the health of India’s democracy.
