The use of the phrase ‘Dimaagi Naxal’ by the PM during his independence day speech generated some heat, sparked off a considerable amount of creativity by the younger generation in the form of memes, songs, and even a Dimaagi Naxal political party, but also gave rise to puzzlement. Why would a man who has been elected to power by the political public/the citizens, attack India’s citizens from the ramparts of the Red Fort? The least we expect from an elected premier in a democracy, is that he is loyal to his people, that he protects and respects them, and that he establishes multiple bonds with us through his vocabulary and actions.
A basic presupposition of parliamentary democracy is that the elected representative is as responsible to and for citizens who did not vote for him, as those who voted for him. The use of divisive or confrontational language can therefore deepen political differences rather than encourage dialogue. At a time when public discourse is already sharply polarised, leaders would perhaps serve the country better by choosing words that promote trust, unity and democratic engagement.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
