“From Vajpayee’s Dignity to Modi’s Division: How indian politics Lost Its Spine”
Once upon a time, indian politics had space for grace—even in the heat of ideological battles. Former PM atal bihari vajpayee stood tall not just as a leader of the bjp, but as a statesman who believed in dignity, restraint, and respect for opponents. His rebuke to bjp leaders for making personal attacks on sonia gandhi is proof of the politics India used to have. And then came the Modi-era politics, where mudslinging is a strategy, and dignity is dead. Here’s how the journey fell off a cliff:
1. Vajpayee Drew red Lines, Modi Erased Them
Vajpayee openly said personal attacks on sonia Gandhi’s nationality were wrong. Today, Modi’s bjp thrives on personal insults, whatsapp slander, and character assassination.
2. Politics Once Had Civility, Now Only Vitriol
Disagreements were fierce, but boundaries existed. Under Modi, abuse isn’t an accident—it’s an electoral tool, served daily with hashtags and prime-time venom.
3. A leader Who Controlled His party vs. A party That Controls Its Leader
Vajpayee scolded his colleagues for crossing lines. Modi, instead, rewards those who cross the ugliest lines with promotions, tickets, and tv airtime.
4. Respect for Opponents vs. Demonisation of Opponents
Vajpayee could disagree with sonia Ji’s politics without questioning her patriotism. Modi’s bjp, meanwhile, paints anyone opposing them as anti-national, corrupt, or traitorous.
5. Statesmanship vs. Showmanship
Vajpayee’s politics built bridges—even across the aisle. Modi’s politics thrives on breaking bridges, dividing society, and keeping the nation in a permanent election mode.
6. The Shrinking idea of India
Under Vajpayee, India’s democracy allowed dissent, dialogue, and debate. Under Modi, democracy shrinks under the weight of troll armies, propaganda anchors, and a culture of hate.
👉 The contrast is glaring: Vajpayee protected sonia Gandhi’s dignity despite ideological differences. Modi weaponises disrespect to win elections. That’s the fall—from politics with a spine to politics that feeds only on spite.
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