Why it's an all-out-war for 2019 Lok Sabha elections
A week, they say, is a long time in politics. Now, there appear to be weeks within weeks. For example, if one were to look back at the last seven days, we may not be able to recall all that has happened in this time. It is a chaotic state of affairs, at once volatile and dynamic. There is smoke and the smell of gunpowder in the air.
It is all-out war.
Such levels of desperation were not seen in the past. Not even in 2014.
No doubt, the stakes are high. But this is much more than that. For the first time, both sides seem to feel this is a now-or-never scenario.
The BJP President Amit Shah has compared the coming elections to the Third Battle of Panipat. Speaking at the Ramlila Maidan, Shah said 2019 is a decisive battle for the BJP. He gave the example of the Marathas. Shah said, they won 131 battles — but lost one in Panipat.
For that, they had to go through 200 years of slavery.
2019 is a decisive battle for @BJP4India and people here, says Amit Shah. Reminded workers that Marathas won 131 battles but lost one in Panipat and had to go through 200 years of slavery @IndianExpress
— Liz Mathew (@MathewLiz) January 11, 2019
The Congress has not said it in as many words — but it knows that another rout will put the dynasty out of business.
Regional satraps like Mayawati know 2019 is their last chance to go for the big job. If the BJP returns with a majority, many of these parties would have an existential crisis. To stay relevant, they have to turn in a decent performance and stop the BJP in its tracks. So, they are giving it their all — and are even willing to cut deals with arch enemies for sheer survival.
There is another interesting phenomenon happening on the sideline.
In the run-up to 2014, many lay admirers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had volunteered for his campaign. They were active especially on social media. This time around, the Congress has managed to mobilise similar support.
Part of it is spontaneous, due to the high degree of polarisation. But, the Congress has done well in mobilisation with its own version of the BJP's IT cell.
The Congress has always leveraged its traditional constituency of intellectuals, professionals and the media well. By co-opting opinion-makers, it has been able to amplify its narrative. The latest example of that is the CBI vs CBI drama surrounding Alok Verma.
This raises some serious questions about the role of the intelligentsia.
It is fine for people to take sides and put their weight behind the party or ideology they subscribe to. But should they use their professional equity on the mat to promote a partisan agenda?
This is even more pertinent if they take on people of public standing. The ethics of putting individual reputations on the block is questionable.
Well, as they say, all is fair in war. There is no love lost in any case when the battle lines are this sharply drawn. But, in that case, one must also stop grandstanding.
This is a problem not confined only to India. It is a worldwide epidemic incubated in Russian laboratories. The full-scale release happened during the last American elections. By the time the virus reached India, the strains had undergone mutation.
The roots for such deviation may lie in the argumentative and talkative codes in the Indian DNA.
As a result, we have an explosion of trolls at one level — and a sophisticate peddling of fake news at another.
The two together make a deadly combination. But when the 'thinking class' become complicit, it acquires a frightening form. That is what seems to be happening today and in the coming days, it can only get worse.
That indeed paints a rather gloomy picture. But something that we have to face as a nation, treating it as part of the evolution of our democracy.
However, if there are dark clouds, silver linings cannot be far behind.
When 'fact-check' handles fail and allegedly 'independent' portals are compromised, citizens have to respond. They must rise to call out the canards and calumny. This happened in the case of Justice AK Sikri in the CBI matter. His retired senior colleague Justice Markandeya Katju took it upon himself to find out the truth and set the record straight.
But Justice Sikri decided declining a controversial nomination would be the honourable thing to do.
Has the Indian media no shame ?Our mostly rotten and shameless media has sought to tarnish Justice Sikri in mud and ruin his reputation.Here is the truth:https://t.co/MlPPOKEKqC pic.twitter.com/kP3GogsmRG
— Markandey Katju (@mkatju) January 14, 2019
A lady journalist with a track record of responsible reporting was recently targeted. Even her spouse was dragged into the fray. Colleagues and contemporaries came forward in her defence. Since the journalist had the facts on her side, her detractors had to make a quiet exit, albeit after creating a short-lived storm on Twitter.
Increasingly, commentators and op-ed writers are moving away from partisan platforms. They are becoming conscious of protecting their own brand. They know that in the age of social media, one cannot have a free pass for ever.
Equally, reputed editors are giving space to a wide range of views. They understand there is a premium on balance and objectivity. The discourse on social media is becoming more mature. People of opposing ideologies are beginning to see the value in civil conversations. Healthy sparring is coming back into vogue and trolls spewing vitriol are being shunned by all.
Those with extreme positions remain trapped in their own echo chambers.
Middle-of-the-road voices are getting greater traction.
Arrogant journalists are beginning to recognise that social media is a great leveller — to be relevant, they have to come down from their pedestals. They cannot preach tolerance while being intolerant of anyone critical to them.
These are signs of hope.
It would be unrealistic to believe we will go back to the old genteel order. The cacophony and surround-sound is here to stay. But there is palpable fatigue in the system.
People are beginning to tire of politics.
That should set in motion a process of self-correction.
By the time the elections are over, a new normal will be set. And we shall have some fresh air to breathe.