Constructive criticism and protests are an integral part of democracy. But there are certain limitations morally as well as constitutionally. Nowadays, politicians are crossing the threshold. Not only are they attacking fellow politicians personally, but they are also using the kind of language which should be unacceptable for public figures.
For instance in an election campaign in Madhya Pradesh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister is ‘CHOR’ (thief). Some leaders such as Manishankar Aiyyar, Digvijay Singh, Sambit Patra often use such offensive language for opposition leaders.
Recently, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar said rupee has fallen to the age of Narendra Modi’s mother. Not only Congress but BJP leaders are also passing similar remarks. For example, in a TV debate, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra openly called Nehru and his family ‘dacoits’. These statements evince how mutual respect among politicians is declining.
Let us take the example of Madhya Pradesh assembly election 2019 in which Congress could have highlighted issues like lack of employment in the state, farmer’s suicide, crimes against women etc. But unfortunately, Congress is busy in personal attacks and slandering Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Most of the time politicians use such comments to divert the attention from the core issues of the election. By doing so, these politicians are infringing the moral values of democracy. It’s high time the voters give a befitting reply to such leaders.