In a heated election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara marked a disturbing shift in his rhetoric. He framed politics as a zero-sum game, pitting communities against each other.
Modi’s speech was not merely an attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or the Congress party. It represented a lowering of the political debate and a departure from his own efforts to send a more inclusive message.
By painting an entire community into a corner and framing it as an adversary, Modi narrowed the possibilities for meaningful dialogue. This is particularly concerning given that he has much to talk about as he pitches for a third term.
Modi’s speech is a step back from his previous trajectory as a leader who has risen above India’s fault lines. It is dispiriting for young Indians who are voting for the first time in this election.
Despite legitimate concerns about welfare and identity politics, Modi’s divisive language does not widen or deepen the debate. Instead, it shrinks and narrows its possibilities. This is a disturbing trend that undermines the values of democracy and inclusivity.
