The Nation's Disappointment with Divisive Politics
Our country currently faces a troubling political reality. Instead of uniting citizens, many leaders actively promote division. This constant election mode creates a harmful environment where short-term gains overshadow national interests. People across India feel deeply let down by these shameful actions.
Mumbai's Municipal Battles Reveal Deep Fault Lines
Recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections demonstrated this problem clearly. Ward-level contests turned vicious as political families prioritized control over cooperation. The Thackeray brothers, previously estranged, suddenly closed ranks. Raj Thackeray's speeches revived decades-old anti-Tamil rhetoric, using derogatory terms like 'Rasmalai' for Tamil Mumbaikars.
This raises important questions: If non-Marathi people contribute significantly to Mumbai's success, why should they face discrimination regarding resources? 'Amchi Mumbai' has become their permanent home too.
The driving force behind this rhetoric was fear. The Thackeray family risked losing their thirty-year control over BMC, India's richest municipal corporation with an annual budget exceeding ₹75,000 crore. This budget surpasses those of nine Indian states. Similarly, the Pawar family reunited after internal conflicts, showing how survival instincts override principles.
Strange Alliances and Their Consequences
BMC elections produced unexpected partnerships. The Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena Shinde factions, and Ajit Pawar's NCP – all sharing state power – contested against each other in numerous seats. In Ambernath, BJP and Congress collaborated to secure the chairman's position, creating political shockwaves reaching Delhi.
These developments revealed several truths:
- Opportunistic alliances appear increasingly ineffective
- The Congress party becomes a liability for allies
- Political families will sacrifice internal unity for control
The BJP emerged as the primary beneficiary, while Thackeray and Pawar families suffered significant losses.
Upcoming State Elections Fan Separatist Tendencies
Maharashtra's municipal elections have concluded, but new challenges emerge elsewhere. Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam risk amplifying separatist sentiments.
Mamata Banerjee's confrontation at Kolkata's Enforcement Directorate office was unprecedented. Her Trinamool Congress alleged the ED sought election documents rather than investigating financial fraud. The Supreme Court strongly criticized these actions and stayed FIRs against ED officials.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin continues this pattern. On January 11, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Sri Lankan Tamil rights. This follows his earlier request about reclaiming Kacchativu island during Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarsurya's visit.
These issues – the island dispute and Tamil minority rights – have persisted for decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lost his life addressing similar concerns. Yet politicians repeatedly repackage these toxic ideas for electoral advantage.
Dangerous Rhetoric Spreads Across Regions
Divisive language extends beyond Tamil Nadu. DMK lawmaker Dayanidhi Maran recently made statements with separatist undertones, contrasting Tamil Nadu's educational opportunities for girls with stereotypical views of north India.
In Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah insists on involving Pakistan in discussions, despite claiming patriotic credentials. Assam Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sarma uses inflammatory language that fuels anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh, endangering Hindu minorities there.
The Social Media Amplification Problem
Today's social media landscape magnifies every political statement. A single careless comment can incite violence globally. Leaders must recognize their words carry unprecedented weight. They should remember that India's interests extend far beyond temporary election cycles and power struggles.
The nation deserves better than perpetual division. Citizens yearn for leadership that prioritizes unity over electoral mathematics. As election seasons continue across states, the question remains whether politicians will rise above divisive tactics or continue disappointing the country they serve.
