Opinion Politics

Why Is Hate More Marketable Than Development?

Assam is a civilisation shaped by rivers, music, language and layered histories. Its strength has always been its ability to hold many identities together. Yet in recent years, politics has leaned more toward identity and confrontation than shared progress.

The shift in the word “Miya” reflects this change. Once spoken with respect, it is now often used as a slur for Bengali origin Muslims. Words, usually begins to sound like their intended use.

The eviction drives in Gorukhuti in 2021 and Goalpara in 2025 were presented as reclaiming encroached land. Many argue they disproportionately affected one community. Whatever one’s legal view, the larger concern is the narrative. When development is framed as protection from an internal other, identity becomes the headline and economics becomes secondary.

Have you ever wondered why hate sells faster than development?

Let’s look at some interesting Political Science Theories. Social Identity Theory, proposed by Henri Tajfel, shows that people draw self worth from belonging to a group. In uncertain times, pride in a group offers immediate emotional comfort. Development, by contrast, is slow and patient work.

There is also the zero sum mindset. In anxious societies, prosperity is seen as limited. If one group rises, another must be losing. Leaders who reinforce this perception can mobilize support even without delivering strong economic outcomes.

Add to this the ease of diversion. Creating outrage is faster than building institutions. An enemy unites more quickly than a policy document ever can. The recent controversy over a political video showing violent imagery with the words “No Mercy” is a reminder of how quickly rhetoric can escalate and narrow public space.

Development depends on trust. It requires citizens who see each other as partners, not threats. When trust erodes, cooperation weakens. And without cooperation, growth stalls. Assam deserves a future where progress for one community is seen as progress for all.

Hate may mobilize for a moment. Development sustains for generations.

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