When we pat our backs to proclaim as the largest democracy in the world, the leaders we choose to represent does not fit into the dance of democracy we proudly bask in as glory. It’s not really about the differences that emanate from political parties. On the contrary, dissent is the life blood of all democratic institutions. The problem is rooted in the way politicization is embarked upon. And in the midst of utter desperation to spring back from a backseat or woo a vote bank, leaders tend to miss that fundamental logical decency that is bare minimum required. And when they shoot words crossing the same, they make into a syndrome called foot in mouth. Mix with this syndrome a feudal authoritarianism and you get a medieval sort of a leader.
Mayawati has been the CM of the largest state in India and her politics has been Dalit centric. Being a party to controversies, her legacy of misrule is remembered by many of her statues that were erected during her tenure. When ridiculed or opposed she pointed out being directed by founder Kashiram’s will to install them.
This is not the first time Mayawati had been in the dock, however the galvanizing erection of hundreds of unnecessary statues were an exorbitant expenditure on the part of tax payers’ expense. Installing statues may be preposterous in the real sense of the term but justification and the reaction for the same was more down market.
It is not just the policies that matter about leaders, the way it is put and the subtle understanding pertaining to it also holds water. There are supporters and followers of every mass leader and the words they say has a phenomenal impact, like a superstar such as SRK endorsing a product having its appeal in the market. Leaders like Mayawati throw words and comments in the public domain and their followers and fans take it as a biblical testament.
The garlanding of currency notes by her BSP party workers raised a storm. Allegations are or may be a part and parcel of politics but the reaction from BSP and Mayawati is something that seemed more outrageous. Although pictures of her with the currency notes were clearly visible, she preferred to latch on to victimization card and blabbered she was targeted as she was a Dalit ki Beti.
So when we move on from allegations to real time policy aspects, her interpretation could reach a gigantically scary proportion of sorts. When Modi govt announced demonetization policy, the knee jerk reaction of many was lauding the brave move. As things settled in, parties realized the sweeping benefits of it may dwarf their political mileage forever. And hence the dissent paved in. However leaders went berserk in proving the policy was wrong and inflammatory comments were made beginning with Mamata Banerjee and then Arvind Kejriwal.
And when you felt it cannot get worse with AAP, Mayawati connected the Kanpur train tragedy and the demonetization policy saying the former was a consequence of the latter.
This is almost as crazy as Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations against Narendra Modi based on whims, fancies and sometimes just the heat of the moment. Mayawati has hence sent a strong message to Kejriwal and his ilk that they are not the only crazies and she has enough firepower left in her.
On a more serious note – This may have a two prong effect. It will infuse negativity in the minds of all her blind political supporters who may actually believe the comparison. It’s important to note we have seen fans of Salman Khan questioning the judiciary when he was convicted surpassing boundaries of respect for law of the land, even common sense and jazz.
Here considering how important the policy is, an irresponsible statement like this may inject profound ramifications in some sections of the society that may actually not know anything about demonetization. Secondly the relatives of train accident victims will have to bear the brunt of playing political games when in no way it has something to do with the policy.
It’s important to understand when we talk about having good government and governance, we often fail to realise the importance of a responsible opposition. As a matter of fact, demonetization policy can open a forum of meaningful discussions and deliberations in a constructive format and raise awareness by all parties. Unfortunately mudslinging at the lowest ebb imbibed by all the illogicality is the heart of too much of democracy here. If we are proud to be the largest democracy in the world, we must also be alarmed by the choice of our electing leadership in our country and BSP supremo somewhere symbolizes this fact.
