Today’s politicians have mastered the art of saying exactly what people want to hear. This skill is not accidental but a calculated strategy to win hearts, shape opinions, and consolidate power. Take, for example, the recent statements from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. Their words celebrate the cultural richness and rising confidence of the Northeast, painting a hopeful picture of progress and unity. While such affirmations uplift and encourage regional pride, they also reveal a deeper political reality: politicians often craft messages tailored to appeal to popular sentiment.
Political parties, especially the BJP, have become adept at using media platforms to amplify their messages. Social media channels, television, and print outlets become echo chambers where carefully constructed narratives are repeated and reinforced. Politicians know the power of visuals, soundbites, and emotional appeals to connect with voters. Through this, complex issues are simplified, often reducing public discourse to slogans and catchphrases. The Northeast as “the face of a new, confident India” is a compelling phrase that resonates widely, creating a narrative that binds identity, progress, and political legitimacy.
Scindia did come close to addressing the Naga political question but skirted around the topic with the words “historical tempests,” where he probably was referring to the question that predates India’s own Independence. This avoidance highlights how politicians sometimes choose ambiguous language to sidestep sensitive issues while maintaining public support.
However, this media-driven approach has its pitfalls. People frequently fall for these polished performances, mistaking rhetoric for action. While celebrations and positive projections are important, they must be backed by genuine policy initiatives and tangible outcomes. The danger lies in complacency, where citizens become spectators of political theater rather than active participants demanding accountability.
In the end, it is essential for voters to look beyond the spectacle. To recognize that politicians, skilled in the art of communication, often say what pleases rather than what solves.