A lot of people are questioning the way Rahul Gandhi was seen mocking Narendra Modi and the BJP’s foreign policy on stage yesterday. He appeared to be in high spirits. Some have argued that mocking is not a dignified way of criticising the Prime Minister or making a political point.
I agree.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the country. But even beyond that, mocking anyone, whether a political opponent or an ordinary citizen, is not a good way of expressing disagreement. Politics should have a certain dignity.
But there is another reality we cannot ignore.
Indian politics, particularly since 2014, has increasingly become a politics of mockery, nicknames, insults and personal attacks. Rahul Gandhi was given the brand name “Pappu” to ridicule him. It was repeatedly used by BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, in political speeches and public discourse.
That does not make Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour right. It does, however, tell us something about the political culture we have created.
If mocking the Prime Minister is wrong, mocking the leader of the principal opposition party is also wrong. In fact, mocking anyone should not become the language of political debate.
But there is a larger issue here, and this is where I think Rahul Gandhi needs to look ahead.
Over the last few years, he has done something that many once thought was difficult. He has established himself as a credible alternative to Narendra Modi. He has moved well beyond the political caricature that was created around him.
That battle is largely won.
The next battle is far more important.
Rahul Gandhi now has to tell people not only why they should reject Modi, but why they should choose Rahul Gandhi.
What is his vision for India? What will he do differently? What will a Congress government under his leadership mean for the ordinary Indian? What is the compelling reason to vote for him?
That is the proposition he now needs to build.
My unsolicited advice to Rahul Gandhi is simple. Spend less political energy mocking Narendra Modi and more energy explaining Rahul Gandhi.
Criticism can establish that you are an alternative.
Only a clear vision can establish why you should be the choice.
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