• Prakash Kamaltai Gopalrao Pohare

In Indian politics, parties change, faces change, and manifestos change; yet, one question always persists in the minds of the people: “Power—ultimately for whom and for what purpose?” Does power merely mean winning elections, defeating opponents, and running the government? Or does it also entail the responsibility of governing the nation by bringing together people with diverse viewpoints?

In the context of today’s politics, a striking comparison emerges: “Congress means ‘live and let live’...” “BJP means ‘kill and live’!” This comparison does not constitute a final verdict on the entire history of any single party. Mistakes were made, injustices occurred, and actions were taken against opponents during the Congress regime as well. There are those who view the Emergency as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, while for others, it was a ‘period of discipline’. Therefore, the aim of this article is not to issue a certificate of democratic credentials to the Congress.

The issue is far greater than that. In the current political climate, a fundamental question arises due to the changing rhetoric towards the opposition, questions regarding the alleged misuse of institutions, complaints of pressure on the media, accusations of the political use of investigative agencies, and the trend of increasing centralization of power: Are we witnessing merely a change of government, or are we seeing a shift in the very mindset of politics? In a democracy, the opposition is not the enemy.

It is a representative of the people who questions your decisions. But when branding the opposition as anti-national, corrupt, traitorous, conspiratorial, anti-development, or ‘Urban Naxal’ becomes the political strategy itself, the issue is no longer just about the opposition; it becomes a question of the very existence of democracy. Where has the right to dissent gone?

There was a simple rule of democracy: “You may disagree with me, yet you have the right to speak.” There were those who criticized the government. Protests took place. Newspapers openly attacked the government. The government was questioned in Parliament. Governments fell, Prime Ministers changed, ministers resigned, and state governments changed hands. This does not mean, however, that the past was perfect or flawless. But the right to oppose those in power was an accepted part of democratic culture. Today, a completely different kind of language dominates the political atmosphere. “If you disagree with us, you will first be placed in the dock of suspicion.” And it is from this very mindset that a ‘kill-and-live’ political culture emerges. Eliminating the opposition does not equate to strengthening the country! A strong government is essential in a democracy; but a strong opposition is even more essential. For when there is no one to hold up a mirror to the government, the risk grows that those in power will become autocratic, enamoured with their own image. Without journalists to ask questions, the ruling power will lose all sense of accountability. Without an opposition to raise questions, Parliament will be reduced to a mere rubber stamp for the majority. And if citizens stop asking questions, democracy will devolve into nothing more than an exercise in voting once every five years. This is the greatest concern.

The country does not need an opposition-less political landscape. The country needs accountable politics. ‘Live and let live’ is not a sign of weakness! Some people believe that allowing the opposition to speak freely implies a weak government. This notion is entirely incorrect. In reality, the capacity to tolerate the existence of the opposition is the true strength of those in power. That is why Saint Tukaram Maharaj said, “One should have a critic as a neighbour.” Allowing a critic to speak, answering their questions, examining their allegations, and refuting them with facts if they are baseless—or apologizing and making amends if they are valid—this is the essence of a mature democracy.

This is precisely why democratic institutions, freedom of expression, and accountability are accorded special importance in many democratic nations across the world. If the impression arises that the power of investigative agencies, laws, the administration, the media, or the state is being used to silence critics—or if individuals previously facing serious allegations are subsequently inducted into the party and granted a share in power—then it is only natural for the public to perceive this as a ‘washing machine’ phenomenon. This is precisely where public trust in politics erodes.

Therefore, ‘live and let live’ is not a favour done to the opposition; it is a fundamental tenet of democracy. Power is never permanent! History teaches one supreme lesson: no power lasts forever. Even those who imprisoned others were eventually held to account by time. The political empires of those who sought to eliminate their opponents also crumbled. The public has brought down to earth even those who considered themselves invincible. Smt. Indira Gandhi’s defeat and subsequent return to power serve as a historic example of this. This makes one thing clear: ultimate power lies not with any party, but with the voter. Today you hold a majority; tomorrow, the public could relegate you to the opposition benches. Today, investigative agencies are at your disposal; tomorrow, those very institutions could be in someone else’s hands. You are framing laws today; tomorrow, you too might have to stand in the shadow of those very laws. Therefore, one thing must always be remembered in politics: power changes, but the system endures. And if the system is weakened today, everyone will have to pay the price for it tomorrow.

Questioning the BJP is not the same as questioning the country! Today, the BJP is a major political party in the country. It has secured power in several states. Therefore, it bears an equally significant responsibility to answer those who question it; yet, a dangerous trend appears to be growing in today’s politics... Criticizing the government = Criticizing the country! This mindset is dangerous for democracy. Questioning the Prime Minister is not an insult to the nation. Questioning the Home Minister is not an act of sedition. Criticizing the Chief Minister’s policies does not amount to being anti-development. Opposing the government’s economic policies is not opposing the nation’s economy. And most importantly—a citizen who questions those in power is not a traitor; they are a guardian of democracy. Whether it is the Congress or the BJP, the standard must be the same! Whether it is the Congress or the BJP today, there is no benefit in confining politics to the domain of any single party. The fact that the Congress made mistakes does not mean the BJP’s errors can be condoned. Conversely, pointing out the BJP’s mistakes does not absolve the Congress of blame. The public should judge both by the same standard. Whoever is at fault must be held accountable. Opposition to those who commit injustice. Action against those who engage in corruption. And praise for those who do good work. This is the true politics of democracy. Regardless of the party or who holds power— the standard of justice must remain the same.

A final question to the public! Do we want a democracy like this— “You live by your beliefs, and I live by mine—but the country belongs to both of us?” Or one like this— “Whoever is not with me is against me; and I will not even allow space to live for anyone who opposes me?” The first ideology builds democracy. The second ideology establishes a reign of terror. Therefore, the need today is not for the Congress, the BJP, or blind devotion to any single party; the need is to stand in support of democracy. For no one can say who will be in power tomorrow. But there is one thing that lies within our hands. Keep alive the right to question those in power. For the day a citizen stops asking questions, it is not just the opposition that ceases to exist; that is the day the soul of democracy begins to die. Therefore, today’s slogan should be: “Live and let live!” Because—“This country is not anyone’s personal fiefdom!” This country belongs to the people. Democracy belongs to the people. It is the people who have granted power. And merely coming to power does not give anyone the right to snatch away the fundamental rights of citizens. Parties will change... faces will change... governments will change... but if democracy is to remain alive, one thing must not change: the voice of the citizen who asks questions. For, regardless of who holds power, nothing is greater than democracy!

(The author is an agricultural analyst and a Public Interest Litigation petitioner.)

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