Veteran Columnist Laments the Normalization of Hate in Indian Politics
In a scathing critique of contemporary political discourse, seasoned political columnist Tavleen Singh has expressed profound dismay at the escalating rhetoric and violence targeting minority communities in India. With four decades of experience observing the political landscape, Singh notes that while cynicism often becomes an occupational hazard, certain actions by leaders still manage to shock the conscience.
Assam Chief Minister's Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
The columnist highlights a recent incident involving the Chief Minister of Assam, who was captured on video instructing Hindu supporters to harass Muslims during electoral processes. With what Singh describes as a sickening, smarmy grin, the leader suggested discriminatory practices, such as underpaying Muslim rickshaw and taxi drivers. When backlash ensued, he attempted to clarify his statements by claiming he referred only to Bangladeshi Muslims, using the term miyan—a word he misunderstood as derogatory, though it is actually a respectful address in Urdu.
Singh points out the irony in this situation: with early polls indicating the BJP's lead in upcoming Assam elections, there appears to be no strategic necessity for such divisive rhetoric. Yet, hate speeches have regrettably become an accepted tool in the political arsenal, reflecting what she terms the ugly reality of our Hindutva times.
Vigilante Violence and Its Devastating Consequences
The columnist connects this political rhetoric to a disturbing pattern of vigilante attacks. She cites a brutal assault on a Muslim meat trader in West Bengal, where a mob of approximately fifty individuals beat a man nearly to death, forcing him to strip to add humiliation. The victim survived only due to timely police intervention, but such incidents are often fatal or cause permanent disability.
These vigilantes, inspired by hate-mongering leaders, operate under the misguided belief that their actions serve nationalism. Singh poses a critical question: Are they helping our nation or damaging its soul irreversibly? When challenged, supporters of such violence often justify it as retribution for historical wrongs against Hindus, including recent events in Bangladesh.
The Perilous Path of Fanaticism and Political Cynicism
Singh acknowledges that Hindu religious traditions, unlike some others, do not sanction violence or concepts like jihad, which should be a source of pride. However, she laments that these traditions are now being manipulated by politicians whose cynicism surpasses even that of veteran columnists. The Assam Chief Minister is not an isolated case; he is part of a growing cohort of senior BJP leaders who view stoking animosity against Muslims and Christians as an electoral strategy.
This rhetoric frequently invokes neighboring countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh to mask attacks on Indian Muslims, who are often told to leave if they dissent. The resulting social fissures, Singh argues, are making India weaker, mirroring the divisive dynamics of Islamist republics in the region.
A Call to Action Against Complicity
As a proud Indian, Singh expresses personal offense at this trend and worries about the inaction of those who could halt it. Despite facing abuse on social media for her critiques, she vows to continue speaking out against hate speech and fanaticism. She emphasizes that silence in the face of evil equates to complicity, and in a civilized nation, hate speeches—especially from political leaders—are not only deplorable but dangerously destabilizing.
In conclusion, Singh's column serves as a stark warning: the current trajectory of hatred and violence is not strengthening India but eroding its foundational values, demanding urgent reflection and action from all citizens.
