Open Forum

New Delhi, 3 January 2024 

Mimicry & Politics

REAL ISSUES GET ECLIPSED

By Dhurjati Mukherjee 

Mimicry and sarcasm in various forms has become a part and parcel of Indian politics, specially in recent times. Sarcasm over something said which goes against societal norms may not be considered offensive and can be taken with a pinch of salt. But certain types of mockery that is seen today is quite nasty in nature and is unacceptable in an educated and civilised society. But can the country claim to be educated and polished? 

Mention may be made of instances of the powerful flinging mockery down at the powerless, men taking pot shots at women, the savarna rich laughing at people from lower castes or with less money, the mainstream sneering at marginalised groups, the English medium educated babus imitating those who don’t speak the language as well or at their pronunciation, etc. Even references criticising others’ religious sentiments and habits can be viewed as in poor taste. 

The recent controversy triggered during the winter session of Parliament with TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar outside the House did hit headlines alright, and at the same time raised questions over the correctness of the latter’s reaction. The chairman’s reference to his caste and the farming community in the context of the mimicry had responses from Opposition leaders that he was going overboard, and hell bent on engaging in a kind of politicking that is not in tune with the office he holds. 

The impression created that the Opposition combine, INDIA bloc, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who filmed the mimicry, insulted the Jats was blown out of context.  The Chairman, many said should not have brought in caste or class factor when the chair he occupies is what must matter. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for one, rightly asked whether he should also blame BPJ MPs for not letting him speak in the House because he is a “Dalit”? Some even recalled Prime Minister Modi’s caustic, and rather distasteful, “Didi o Didi” remark against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.  

The Opposition rightly pointed out that the entire Modi ecosystem was galvanised on the so-called mimicry non-issue, while it remained silent on the real issue of security lapse in Parliament and why and how a BJP MP from Mysuru facilitated entry of two intruders into Lok Sabha on December 13th (who are now charged under the anti-terror law UAPA.) 

Ironically, the Chairman’s emotional weapon that the mimicry was an insult to the Jats would be viewed as blunted given that the government itself showed little concern for the community. Olympic medallist, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling in protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s continuing dominance over the wrestling federation. Even Bajrang Punia, another wrestler of international repute, who too is a Jat, returned his Padma Shri over the episode. 

The present type of mimicry witnessed nowadays by politicians, particularly during the election season is distasteful, and needs to be curtailed. Unfortunately, resorting to sarcasm or mimicry is increasingly getting cheers from the crowds, the uneducated masses and the politicians revelling in it. The moderate section of the BJP, say someone like Atal Behari Vajpayee may have eschewed the mode due to his elegant outlook and concern for ethics in politics and society.  

Living as we currently are in a mimicry of democracy with a mimicry of hollowed out checks and balances, with not even a pretence of a free media in existence across most of the country, perhaps the only choice we have is to keep enacting sharply revealing mimicries. It is indeed distressing to note that the sarcasm being inflicted on us by the ruling elite has perhaps no parallels. More so because of its tall claims of governance, democratic plurality, judicious approach and secular attitude.   

The low levels of political discourse that are manifest nowadays is a cause for concern. Apart from indiscriminate violence in some states, there is also a tendency to buy voters which indeed calls for a ‘mockery of democracy’. All talks of democratic plurality, decent criticism have no meaning, as politics has turned nasty and even educated political personalities have to change their stand and follow the party discourse.  

For political culture to develop there is a genuine need for educated and dedicated personalities. An example could be of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has the vision and capacity to take prompt decisions and is interested in serving the masses. The state is a classic case which has been transformed from a food deficit one to a food surplus state with its economy growing over 18 times in a little over two decades from around Rs 47,000 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 8.6 lakh crore in 2022-23. Moreover, it may be pointed out that the Eastern region’s educational hub has shifted from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar. 

How has this been accomplished? Perhaps, he brags less than his counterpart in West Bengal, who too has penchant of indulging in mimicry against rival BJP and humouring the masses. But such political manoeuvres may not last long as awareness is growing, and people want results. Political change is necessary, and this can come about if there is professional ethics among party cadres. Moreover, fanaticism by the political establishment that they preach to gain false popularity among the uneducated masses must come to an end. The Election Commission has a major role to play by ensuring poll campaigns must adhere to basic norms.   

Indian politics has reached a vicious stage where the situation is making the voter feel useless and small. There is little bondage amongst the community and animosity, narrow-mindedness and jealousy in society is dangerously rising. Our struggle today cannot be limited to one political party or its affiliates. The question is whether a change in government may make a fundamental difference and offer hope of the country being a robust democracy or following egalitarian and inclusive principles.

 Political transformation is called for and this can be accomplished by leaders who qualified, sincere, honest and earn the confidence of the aam janata. Mimicry, as is being indulged in can evoke a few laughs alright but it can’t hide reality that the government must perform and serve the people. The polity must remember Abraham Lincoln’s famous words: ‘You can fool all people some of the time and some people all the time. But you can never fool all people all the time.’---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)