Opposition accused of false propaganda, recalling Indira Gandhi’s 1974 Parliamentary defence
New Delhi: A U.S. senator, long ago, created such a situation that everyone came under suspicion, and honest people were harassed severely. In the same way today, in our country, critics smell corruption and wrongdoing in everything. Every institution is painted in black ink so that at least some people will believe these allegations. Many false statements or accusations have been made in the speeches of the honourable members of the opposition. I do not need to defend myself. If the people of the country wish, they themselves will defend me, and I will always bow my head before their decision. It is strange to say that if we win elections, it is because of black money, but if the other side wins, it is said to be a genuine and truthful victory given by the people. If we want, we too can name many people—who stood with whom, and who collected how much money. Whether we have stood the test or not will be judged by how we have served the people, how much we have reduced long-standing injustices and inequalities, and to what extent we can awaken the inner capacities of the people for a more meaningful life.”
Was this statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or one of his colleagues? At first glance, you may think so and believe that a journalist like me is giving extra weight to his words. But no. Such words were once heard by reporters like me sitting in the press gallery of Parliament. At that time, I was a correspondent for a news agency. Yes, the above quotation is from the speech delivered on 25 July 1974, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi responded to a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.
I found it appropriate to recall this because today, Rahul Gandhi, his colleagues, and leaders of the Congress alliance are trying to smear the entire democratic system with baseless allegations against every constitutional institution and BJP leaders in power at the Centre and the states. Congress leaders, being from the oldest political party, should at least take the trouble to read or listen to the words of their own top leaders. Disgusting propaganda tools are being used for political self-interest.
Constantly repeating that the country is not achieving anything, that it is sinking into ruin, is nothing but closing one’s eyes to the facts. Despite many difficulties, the nation is neither heading into the abyss nor collapsing. But senseless propaganda weakens people’s faith in their own ability, competence, and future. In reality, this is an attempt to lower the morale of the nation and create disorder. On the other hand, some feel that our democracy gives too much freedom, leaving no place for discipline in society.
There is no doubt that our democracy and constitution provide for freedom of expression and increasing rights, but they did not include duties. The great framers of the Constitution could not have imagined that those in power, those in opposition, or people in other fields would misuse freedom to the extent of lawlessness. Many democratic nations understood this importance and provided measures of control. I stayed in Germany for three years and observed Parliament there. I also had the opportunity to see Britain, the U.S., and Japan and to talk with many leaders and experts. Everywhere, there are some limits and boundaries. Article 18 of the German Constitution makes provisions to prevent the misuse of constitutional freedoms. It states: “When freedom of expression, and especially the freedom of the press, teaching, assembly, association, professional confidentiality (e.g., doctors), or property and the right to asylum is misused to attack the free democratic order, then these fundamental rights will no longer be valid.”
An eminent Indian political thinker once said long ago: “In the past, democracy meant primarily political democracy, largely based on one person, one vote. But simply giving someone the right to vote does not mean that much to the worker, the hungry, or the one who needs help to survive. For him, his interest lies in food, clothing, and shelter more than in the vote.” Therefore, Rahul Gandhi & company’s campaign run in the name of the “vote” will have no real impact in Bihar or other states. Modi understands the pulse of the people. That is why he gives top priority to every possible resource and to campaigns of self-reliance for the common citizen.
Recently, Congress leaders, its allies, and its propaganda wing crossed all boundaries of decency by using the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother and fake AI-generated videos against him in their malicious propaganda. Even Mahatma Gandhi faced opposition, and Rajmohan Gandhi contested elections against the Congress—but did anyone ever portray Kasturba Gandhi in an indecent way? In politics, women leaders have been criticized for their actions, ideas, or misuse of power, but never have the mothers or sisters of leaders—who had no relation with politics—been dragged into such offensive propaganda.
What is surprising is that the Supreme Court, which takes immediate notice of issues ranging from dogs to minor matters, is not taking continuous hearings and strong action to make legal provisions against such sensitive issues or efforts to destroy the credibility of constitutional institutions. Similarly, Parliament should prioritize amending old rules and laws in this regard.
