Frowning upon hate politics in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court has observed that animosity between political parties is being cultivated, totally losing sight that they represent people’s cause.
The court further observed that “if a ruling party loses the elections, the outgoing Chief Minister neither participates in the official swearing-in function of the new government nor participates in the newly-constituted Assembly and discharges the democratic duty, even though he or she is elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly.”
It was very unfortunate that leaders neither exchanged pleasantries nor participated in any function, including official. The cadre took a cue from their leaders’ conduct and they also exhibited similar adversarial reaction.
Justice N.Kirubakaran made the observation while dismissing a petition by the AIADMK secretary and election in-charge for Vilavancode constituency, K.G.Uthayakumar, seeking to register his complaint to take action against DMK leader M.K.Stalin for staying in the PWD building in Kuzhithurai in Kanyakumari district ahead of the Lok Sabha elections on March 14 last year.
The Judge said the echo of hate politics was heard in this case. Hate politics was like an Octopus. It was disheartening to note that such an attitude was prevalent throughout India and Tamil Nadu was not an exception. Some political parties were responsible for this adversarial atmosphere.
A political leader who was on an election campaign had entered the Inspection Bungalow for attending nature’s call or taking rest, that too, for 20 minutes. That act could not be termed a violation of the Model Code of Conduct amounting to an election offence.
The petitioner’s attempt was to gain publicity and recognition. Political parties could be opposing one another; but they could not be inimical. The days of healthy politics of Rajaji-Periyar and Kamaraj-Annadurai were gone. At political meetings, obscene, intemperate, disrespectful and inappropriate language, which an ordinary man could not even imagine, was being used.
“The sad part of it is that the attacks are being made in the presence of top leaders who also seem to enjoy the offensive remarks/allegations made against opposition leaders.”
Mr.Justice Kirubakaran said the Election Commission’s role did not end with conducting elections. It should continue the vigil on the actions and functioning of political parties in the country even after polls. Any instance of speech and action due to hate politics should be enquired and appropriate action taken.
The petitioner should have verified the purpose of Mr.Stalin’s stay in the Inspection Bungalow and thereafter made the complaint.
The petition had been filed to seek recognition from top leaders. This trend was common in all parties. Some times, such acts also fetched rewards.
The court expected top leaders of political parties to shun hate politics.
