Intense rhetoric is a staple during elections. Accusations and rebuttals are inherent in politics, yet in today's climate, decorum seems to have disappeared from the political arena. It appears as though negativity has permeated everywhere. At first glance, it seems that only a few refined politicians remain. The increasing use of offensive language by politicians clearly indicates that the standard of politics is declining. Words are being used irresponsibly. While everyone has the right to express their opinions, freedom of speech does not justify insulting the Prime Minister's mother or any other leader. Civility is fundamentally linked to politics. It is a political virtue that supports the ideal that, despite our differences and diversity, we can engage with each other as citizens. The decline in political civility demonstrates that even our politicians struggle to connect with one another, simply because we cannot find common ground on significant issues. People recall a time in politics when politicians, despite having stark ideological differences, would still greet each other with respect. They would exchange pleasantries in Parliament or at public events, and even share meals. There have been many such instances in Indian politics, but now such courteous conduct has disappeared from the political scene.
The use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already become an issue. In Bihar, a person from the Congress and RJD platforms used abusive language against Prime Minister Modi's mother. The Prime Minister himself launched a scathing attack on this matter, saying that even if he forgives these people, the people of Bihar will not forgive them. As the controversy escalated, the Bihar Congress released an AI-generated video. Through this video, the Congress wanted to accuse PM Modi of playing politics in the name of his mother. An FIR was also filed against the Congress by BJP supporters in this matter.
The BJP called it an insult to Prime Minister Modi's mother. The Congress party stated that it had never insulted the Prime Minister's mother in the video. People who aspire to civilized politics were deeply disappointed by the video. The matter reached the Patna High Court, which took a firm stance and ordered the removal of the Congress video from all social media platforms. Prime Minister Modi's mother is no longer alive. Congress should never have made such a video about her. Padmashree Mathurbhai Savani wrote a letter to PM Modi regarding the AI video of PM Modi and his mother. In this letter, he objected to such videos and pointed out the misuse of technology. He stated that regulations should be enacted regarding the use of such technology.
The type of dialogue used in such videos is unheard of in India. We are pained by the dialogue shown in this video, and therefore, we have written this letter. The decline in the language of politicians and public discourse has hurt the very spirit of democracy, which always allows for the free expression of opposing views. If we search for the root cause, we will find that it is the result of the way principles are being sacrificed for power. During the era of coalition governments, politics became more convenient. Self-interest and greed for money increased. Ideological considerations were left behind, and abusive language became more prevalent. Indian politics became trapped in a dark cave where no one knows who is speaking the truth and who is following the right path. If we consider Parliament, the behavior of many members there also falls into the category of shamelessness. Instead of healthy debate, accusations and personal sarcasm are seen. Social media has further accelerated this decline. If the level of political debate continues to decline at this rate, ordinary citizens will become alienated from policy objectives, and democracy will be reduced to mere electoral battles. The question now is whether political parties will reflect on this decline. The question is how to restore civility to politics. The solution is to free debate from personal sarcasm and abusive language and provide meaningful options to the public. It is at the level of political discourse that the realities of democracy will emerge. We must all demand that decency and humility be maintained during election campaigns so that politicians can serve as role models for the younger generation.