Tears for Ganges, None for the People Modi's Selective Waterworks

 

In what played out like a meticulously choreographed act in the grand theater of Indian politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a performance that could only be described as a masterstroke in emotional manipulation. As predicted by Rahul Gandhi just ten days ago, Modi didn’t disappoint his critics who forecasted a tearful display designed to tug at the nation's heartstrings. In a recent interview, with tears streaming down his cheeks, Modi declared that Ma Ganges had personally invited him to her embrace. This spectacle was not just shared but amplified by a journalist whose failure to probe deeper into the poignant narrative only added fuel to the fiery debate surrounding "Godi media."

Where were these tears, one might angrily ask, when Manipur burned and its women were paraded naked? Where was this emotional leader when Indian wrestling champions sought justice against a BJP affiliate, or when a mother and her child were horrifically assaulted in Gujarat? The list of tragedies that failed to elicit a similar response is as long as it is heartbreaking. Hundreds of farmers have taken their lives, yet Modi’s tear ducts seemed suspiciously dry through every report of despair and loss.

This selective display of emotion becomes even more galling when contrasted with his handling of the Pulwama attack. Accusations swirl that his decisions, or lack thereof, contributed to the unnecessary loss of over 40 brave soldiers. Yet, there were only staged and televised tears for them.

The spectacle of Modi crying over spiritual visions while remaining unmoved by tangible human suffering casts a long, ominous shadow over his leadership. It paints a picture of a man more concerned with the optics of his rule than the actual agony of his people. The stark juxtaposition of his theatrical tears with his apparent apathy in the face of real tragedies is not just disappointing; it's enraging.

As Modi manipulates the narrative, turning the sacred symbol of the Ganges into a prop in his political play, one cannot help but view his performance as a cynical ploy aimed at the upcoming elections. It's a manipulation of religious sentimentality, exploiting the sacred for political gain, all while the pressing issues of corruption, injustice, and inequality continue to plague his administration.

The spectacle has laid bare the true priorities of a leader whose governance seems to pivot more on personal and party gain than on the welfare of the millions who suffer and struggle under his watch. As the election drama unfolds, Modi's selective tears have indeed turned into a national joke, but the punchline is tragic, leaving a bitter taste of betrayal in the mouths of those who dare to hope for more than just an act.