Clueless opposition cooked up a north-south divide—like tourists lost in their own country

It’s both amusing and concerning to witness the opposition parties playing the north-south divide card as we gear up for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. It’s almost as if they dug out a playbook from the 1970s, complete with black-and-white television sets. Let’s dissect the absurdity of this narrative and the political theatrics behind it.

The derogatory and abusive comments made by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) parliamentarian DNV Senthilkumar S in the Lok Sabha this week are nothing short of a theatre of the absurd. Labelling the Hindi heartland in the north as “gaumutra states” may win him a role in a bad comedy movie, but it certainly doesn’t elevate the discourse in our esteemed Parliament. Such antics reflect the opposition’s desperation and their willingness to stoop to new lows for short-term political gain.

Also Read: Stalin must tell Udhayanidhi to pipe down. Though the outrage is hypocritical

Opposition’s cultural cluelessness

The attempt to create a north-south divide in the 21st century is like trying to sell a typewriter in the age of smartphones. The opposition’s tactics are not just outdated—they’re laughable. We’re talking about a nation that sent a satellite to Mars, not one that’s still stuck in a colonial-era divide-and-rule mindset.

The opposition’s narrative conveniently overlooks the success stories emanating from both the north and the south. States like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat in the north, and Karnataka in the south, have demonstrated exemplary progress under BJP governance. Meanwhile, the opposition parties have weaponised the concept of regional autonomy, using it as a tool to further their divisive agenda.

In the past, the Congress-led opposition attempted to paint the north as communal and the south as non-communal. It’s almost like they had a canvas and decided to throw paint around haphazardly. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s Akbaruddin Owaisi’s provocative remarks and DMK leader Udhayanidhi’s vile comments on Sanatan Dharma are vivid illustrations of their communal stance, with silent support from the Congress. The BJP, in contrast, believes in empowering states while emphasising the importance of national unity.

The opposition’s failure to acknowledge the concept of cooperative federalism is glaring. The BJP-led central government has actively engaged with states across the country, ensuring a collaborative approach to governance that benefits every citizen.

The opposition’s attempt to turn our cultural diversity into a political jamboree is reprehensible. Celebrating diversity is one thing, but weaponising it for political gains is another. India’s cultural richness is not a chessboard for political manoeuvring; it’s a celebration that binds us together. The opposition’s cultural cluelessness is truly remarkable. From mispronouncing regional names to cringe-worthy attempts at cultural appropriation, they are like tourists lost in their own country. Maybe they need a cultural sensitivity crash course.

Also Read: PM Modi must worry. Karnataka is the latest sign of a deepening crisis ahead of 2024 LS polls

BJP’s southern rise

Now, let’s talk about the BJP’s southern rendezvous. Contrary to the opposition’s narrative, the BJP has risen as the single biggest party in south India, boasting 29 MPs and governing Karnataka until recently. Puducherry also felt the winds of change as the BJP took the reins of control, not to mention the doubling of its vote share in Telangana.

The opposition’s attempts to exploit cultural differences between the north and south for political mileage are deplorable. It is essential to recognise that the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently advocated for the idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas — collective efforts, inclusive growth. Our policies, whether related to economic development, infrastructure, or social welfare, are designed to benefit every Indian, regardless of their regional identity. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan bear testimony to our commitment to holistic development.

It is imperative to distinguish between healthy competition among states and the toxic narrative of a north-south divide. Healthy competition fosters innovation, efficiency, and a race to provide better governance and services to citizens. However, portraying this competition as a sign of regional animosity is not only misleading but also detrimental to the spirit of cooperative competition that can drive our nation forward.

In the grand comedy of Indian politics, the opposition seems to treat the idea of a united Bharat as a punchline. Well, let me be clear — it’s not a punchline; it’s the backbone of our nation. As we approach the elections, let’s reject the opposition’s stand-up routine and vote for leaders who understand that unity is not just a slogan but a way of life.

 Pooja Paswan is an assistant professor of Public Administration at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, and an American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Founders Fellow (2019). She tweets @poojapaswan. Views are personal.

(Edited by Asavari Singh)