How would those who do not have the dignity of speech be able to run the country in general, and the system in particular?
In the past few decades, the use of disparaging words seems to have become an accepted norm in Indian politics. Indecent remarks are often hurled on the basis of caste, religion, and region. Women are often subject to vituperative expressions used by so-called ‘honourable’ people engaged in amplifying their politics. These politicians are not worried about the impact of these inappropriate comments on the masses in the long run.
Talking about Bihar, after Lalu Yadav came into politics and legitimized the use of indecent language, other leaders also started using derogatory and unparliamentary words without accountability. This malaise has now reached the Parliament and Legislative Assemblies. There is indeed a provision to remove such expression from the” record” but in the age of 24X7 media coverage, the damage is often done before corrective measures are initiated.
On 24 October 2021, Lalu Yadav called Bhakta Charan Das, the Bihar in charge of Congress, as ‘Bhakchonhar Das’. Before this as well, he has often courted similar controversies. For example, he used such expression against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then National President of BJP Amit Shah at a Samajwadi party rally in Rae Bareli on February 21, 2017, which cannot be discussed in a civilized society.
On January 10, 2017, he said that former BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj should be sent to jail under the Goondas Act, describing him as a ‘lafandar’. He called Giriraj Singh a ‘mental case’. On December 18, 2016 he compared the demonetization with the sterilization of Congress times. In October 2015, in the Dadri incident, he referred to Hindus as ‘beef-eaters’. In January 2017, Anil Vij was referred to as India’s ‘unworthy son’. In January 2017 itself, he talked about colouring Vinay Katiyar with ‘tikuli’ and ‘Sindoor’(vermilion). On March 26, 2017, when the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath ordered that the CM’s residence be washed with Ganga water, Lalu called him out by referring to him as an ‘opposer of the backward castes’ and ‘Anti-Muslim’. Lalu Yadav has made controversial statements on BJP MP Hema Malini as well. The word ‘Burbak’ always remains on his tongue. Lalu Yadav has maintained this attitude with journalists as well. In June 2017, he used words like “de denge do mukka, nachkegirjaoge” (will punch you twice and you will fall dancing) in response to questions asked by journalists.
Women have also been victims of the inappropriate speeches of these politicians. In this country of ‘Yatra NaryastuPujyante, Ramante Tatra Devta’, how will these leaders, who use such abusive language towards women, give respect and rights to women? While being the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav had said in 2014 on the allegation of rape against youth that ‘boys make mistakes, they cannot be hanged for this. In July 2013, Congress leader Digvijay Singh called Meenakshi Natarajan, a woman MP from Mandsaur, ‘a hundred takatanchmaal’ at a rally in Madhya Pradesh. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath called cabinet minister Imarti Devi an ‘item’. Many such indecent remarks on women tarnish the women’s safety and dignity perceived by these leaders.
Apart from Lalu Yadav, the names of Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Digvijay Singh, Kapil Sibal, Kamal Nath, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Shashi Tharoor, Imran Masood, Sonia Gandhi are also notable in these cases. Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 7, 2017, called Modi a ‘neechaadami’. Priyanka Gandhi also accused Modi of engaging in ‘lowly politics’. During the Gujarat Assembly elections in 2007, Sonia Gandhi even called Modi a ‘maut ka saudagar’ or a merchant of death. Mamata Banerjee had described Amit Shah and Narendra Modi as ‘goons of Delhi’ in her rally in Dakshin Dinajpur on April 22, 2021. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on July 18, 2018, that ‘Hinduism is being Talibanised’. Uddhav Thackeray had also spoken of hitting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with slippers in 2018. He also called Rahul Gandhi a ‘stupid’ leader and talked about beating Mani Shankar Aiyar with shoes. In Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference, MLA Javed Rana had insulted the national flag by saying, if the Article 35A was revoked from the State of Jammu and Kashmir and an attempt at removing Article 370 is made, then there would be no sign of the Indian flag in Jammu and Kashmir.
By accepting these unacceptable and controversial speeches of politicians, their successors also use similar abusive words on a daily basis. Such controversial statements reflect the reality of these leaders. It is said, “If you want to know about someone, let them speak.” The language of a person is a reflection of his personality. How would those who do not have the dignity of speech be able to run the system?
There have also been such leaders in the country who have always maintained their linguistic dignity, which led the public to hold them in high esteem. Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan launched a nationwide movement in 1974, but he never seemed agitated, he spoke in a very simple and serious manner. Due to this the movement became a massively consequential movement. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also used to oppose his opponents with decency. His witty mannerisms are well known. With his own style, he used to answer the opposition. Ram Manohar Lohia, George Fernandes, L.K. Advani were among such politicians who ruled the hearts of the people with their controlled speeches, and the people in turn regarded them with equal respect. Political debates do not require verbal firefights but need to be listened to and answered with restraint.
A good leader is one who works for the progress of the nation with social harmony. It is better to be regarded by the public for work done for the welfare of society, than by becoming the apple of the eyes of a particular class by making controversial remarks. The fame gained by such work is also permanent and hailed through ages.
Politics is not going to survive on the basis of provocative speeches. Advances in technology have made information more accessible. Now the public knows who is going to do the work, who is a talker and who is going to give provocative speeches. People know who their hero is. Therefore, instead of controversial rhetoric, adopting the politics of good deeds and conduct will be beneficial for society and the country.
(The writer is the Vice-president of BJP in Bihar and a member of the Bihar legislative council. The views expressed are personal.)
