Both Sides on the Street: BJP’s ‘Lok Tantra Bachao’ Counter-Campaign
This is something you do not see very often in Indian politics.
The opposition is on the streets. That is normal. But now the ruling party is also on the streets, with its own campaign, at the same time.
The BJP has launched a counter-campaign called “Lok Tantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao”, which means “Save democracy, remove anarchy”. Party president Nitin Nabin chaired a strategy meeting for it, with Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju present. This is clearly a reply to the INDIA bloc’s protests against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Two slogans, one word
Look at both sides. The opposition says it is saving the Constitution and democracy. The BJP says it is saving democracy from anarchy.
Both are using the same word: democracy.
I find this funny and sad at the same time. Everyone loves democracy when they speak into a microphone. But democracy is not a slogan. It is a habit. It is listening to the other side. It is accepting results. It is respecting institutions even when they hurt you.
Is it wrong for the ruling party to protest?
Some people ask: why should a ruling party protest? It has the government. It has power.
On TV, a BJP spokesperson argued that the rights under Article 19 belong to all sides. That is technically true. Every citizen and every party can hold peaceful rallies.
But I feel the ruling party carries an extra responsibility. When you are in power, your job is to calm the street, not to fill it. Your answer to criticism should be facts, data and transparency. Not a bigger crowd.
The traders’ worry
One small detail caught my eye. Traders have raised concerns about disruption to business during the festive season. That is real. Shops make most of their yearly income in these weeks.
When two big political forces fight on the streets, the small shopkeeper pays the price. Nobody gives him a slogan to save his income.
What I really want
I want both sides to go back to Parliament and debate. Properly. With numbers. Let the opposition show the deleted names. Let the government and the Commission answer each case.
Street power is important in a democracy. I believe in it. But when both the government and the opposition are only on the streets, it means the real forums have stopped working. That is the scary part.
A reflection
I remember older leaders who would attack each other fiercely in the House and then have tea together outside. That culture is disappearing. Now it is only war.
Maybe I am old-fashioned. But I believe a strong democracy needs strong opponents who still respect each other.
Which side do you think is winning the narrative right now? Or is the common man just tired of both? Tell me honestly.
