KARACHI:
In politics, there is no place for political leaders who claim to be self-righteous to the extent that they exclude anyone who differs from them. Pakistan was created through a political process and a democratic culture with tolerance being a core value. Therefore, every politician must inculcate tolerance for others and agree to disagree with no recourse to violence.
Political parties and their manifestos are made by mortal humans who cannot claim this to be a battle between right and wrong. Such extremist political agendas are akin to cult leaders, who claim to be perfect and exclude others, who may differ with them. It is as absurd, as an individual who claims prophethood but visibly has many human weaknesses. Adolf Hitler was one such populist leader, who came to power through elections and then embarked on eliminating all his opponents. His obsession and claims of superiority over his race and hatred for Jews got Germany involved in WWII. He was the perfect example of narcissism, wherein an individual is self-obsessed and considers himself righteous, and those who disagree with them are evil or tyrants.
We are witnessing this addiction of self-righteousness being practised by Hindu extremists, associated with Shiv Sena, who claim exclusive rights over India. Militant militias patronised and protected by Modi’s BJP are killing Muslims, Christians, and Dalits as if it is a religious obligation. In a democracy, politics is based on collective wisdom, where people agree to disagree, yet sit together in a parliament to conduct state affairs and legislate. Obstinacy is a handicap for any politician, who is unwilling to accept the views and opinions of others. It leads to political polarisation on a scale in which the individual becomes a hurdle.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2023.
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