The Descent of Political Discourse
Indian elections have always been intense, colourful, and full of energy. But in recent years, the tenor of campaigns has seen a disturbing decline. Personal attacks, manufactured controversies, and the targeting of families have replaced meaningful debates on governance, development, and policy. The most recent example—the abuse directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, Heeraben Modi—illustrates how far political discourse has strayed from ethics and civility.
What was once considered beyond the pale has now entered the mainstream. Attacking a political opponent on ideological grounds may be legitimate, but targeting a leader’s family, especially deceased members, reflects not just poor taste but a collapse of political morality.
Where Did the Ethics Go?
Elections are supposed to be contests of ideas and visions for the future. Instead, they increasingly resemble verbal battlegrounds where decency is abandoned. Abuse of Modi’s mother is not an isolated incident—it joins a series of episodes where politicians, across parties, have resorted to demeaning personal jibes instead of discussing unemployment, inflation, or national security.
The erosion of ethics can be attributed to several factors:
· Hyper-partisanship: Party cadres and leaders alike see elections as existential battles, where no blow is too low.
· Social media amplification: Platforms reward outrage, pushing politicians to craft sharper, often abusive rhetoric that goes viral.
· Erosion of accountability: Parties rarely discipline members who cross the line, fearing loss of short-term political mileage.
When morality gives way to electoral expediency, ethics inevitably become the first casualty.
The Dangerous Normalization of Abuse
The real danger lies not just in one incident, but in its normalization. Every time a leader or party resorts to personal attacks, they lower the bar for discourse. Soon, what was once shocking becomes routine. Today it is abuse against Modi’s mother; tomorrow it may be insults against another leader’s family.
This normalization corrodes the very democratic spirit of India, which relies on informed citizens making choices based on competing policies, not slander. Moreover, it pushes talented and ethical individuals away from public life, as politics becomes synonymous with mudslinging.
The Future of Campaigns: Can the Trend Be Reversed?
If the current trajectory continues, election campaigns may further devolve into spectacles of anger and personal hatred, leaving little room for nuanced debate. The consequences are grave:
· Citizens alienated: Voters lose faith in the system when leaders focus more on insults than solutions.
· Youth disillusionment: young citizens may begin to see politics as toxic, not aspirational.
· Democracy weakened: Without ethical boundaries, the very legitimacy of elections risks erosion.
Yet, the trend can be reversed. Parties need to draw red lines and hold their members accountable when they cross them. Civil society, media, and voters must demand higher standards of discourse. Leaders, especially at the top, have a responsibility to set examples of restraint and dignity.
Time to Reclaim Ethical Politics
The abuse of Modi’s mother is more than just a political low blow—it is a symbol of how much India’s electioneering culture has degraded. If elections continue to descend into personal mudslinging, India risks losing the essence of its democratic process.
The real battle should not be about families or personal lives, but about jobs, education, healthcare, and the future of 1.4 billion people. Only when leaders reclaim ethics and integrity in campaigning will elections truly reflect the aspirations of the people.
