Politics must be accompanied with the sense of responsibility. That is why Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that a just and responsible ruler would be accommodated under the throne of God on the Day of Judgement. A good leader can set the highest standard of morally responsible behaviour towards the people who are under his rule.
Umar, the Second Caliph, often said, “A great burden has been placed on my weak shoulders. If I behave correctly and do my duty towards you with a sense of responsibility, please help me and obey me; and if I fail in this, correct me.” He has famously said that even if a goat dies on the bank of Euphrates out of thirst, I fear that on the Day of Judgement I would be held responsible.
Unfortunately,most of the so-called democracies are losing their shine. The things are changing so fast that in spite of tall claims we in India have been witnessing degeneration of democratic norms. Common man is increasingly getting frustrated with the anti-democratic and dictatorial trends. Communalism and criminalisation of politics is on the rise. Electioneering has become the dirty whirlpool of false propaganda, lies and undignified language. Freedom of expression is being misused to deceive the electorate. India is losing its place on the Index of Freedom of Expression.
In spite of repeated assurance for “zero tolerance for corruption”, corruption is steadily increasing. ‘Transparency International’ indicates that India had 85th rank on the Index in 2022 but in 2023 it came down to 93rd position.
Godi media is being pampered openly and media is steadily losing its credibility. Thanks to the alternate media, which is providing true accounts to the general public. Honest journalists are discouraged or even tormented and punished. Take the case of Mohammed Zubair, the Alt News fact-checker who has four FIRs against him. Fortunately, the Supreme Court came to his succour and he has been granted bail. But he has to face the cases pending against him. This state of affairs is frustrating the common man and people are losing faith in the efficacy of our judicial system. This was evident from the comments of Dushyant Dave, former head of Supreme Court Advocates Association, about the inefficacy of our judiciary.
There is a wide gap between what the politicians say and what they do. Wearer only knows where the shoe pinches. People are being crushed under the weight of inflation and unemployment. Up to now there is no sign of 2 crore jobs every year. People ask where are promised 20 crore jobs in the last 10 years? Where is the promise of final assault on poverty while over 16 crore more citizens have been pushed in the BPL category. International Labour Organisation (ILO) confirms that 83% entrants to the job market in India are jobless. Instead of tackling the problem of unemployment they are engaged in digging the graves of history and unravelling every day a fresh episode of mandir under a masjid. The narrative of Murgh, Moghul, Mangalsutra is being propagated at the cost of mutual love and trust.
The scenario will not change if we constantly do unethical and immoral politics. It is the responsibility of the citizens and the rulers both to stem the rot and save democracy.