Politics entangled in names and India engulfed in problems

Ahmed Iftikhar Qadri

There are times in a country's political history when the priorities of those in power become disconnected from the real issues facing the nation, and instead revolve around symbols, slogans, and names. The current political landscape appears to be suffering from a similar affliction. As the public grapples with inflation, unemployment, economic uncertainty, and social unrest, the corridors of power seem to be focused on changing names and symbolic decisions. This raises an inevitable question: what is the true responsibility of the state, and where is the purpose of governance headed?

The grave issues facing the country today need no introduction. The prices of essential commodities are becoming increasingly out of reach for the average person, employment opportunities for young people are dwindling, farmers are becoming trapped in a cycle of debt and despair, pollution is choking the life out of major cities, crimes against women are a blight on society, and the weakness of the system is eroding the sense of security among ordinary citizens. On the international stage, there are also many questions being raised about the country's foreign policy, from relations with neighboring countries to diplomatic balance with major powers, with complexities evident everywhere.

In this context, if politics becomes centered on changing names rather than addressing the real problems of the people, it cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. In fact, this is a sign of a particular ideology and political strategy. Over the past few years, the country has witnessed the frequent changing of names of cities, roads, intersections, and institutions. Historical periods and characters have either been erased from the record or presented in a one-dimensional manner. Textbooks have been revised to fit a narrow narrative, limiting the shared heritage of centuries to a limited perspective. This process has been justified as a rediscovery of national identity, but in reality, it is driven by a politics of hate and division.

This trend has now reached a point where even the name of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, is being targeted. Gandhi's name is not just a part of history, but a symbol of India's soul, its moral foundation, and its constitutional identity. The Mahatma is not just a historical figure, but a shared legacy that belongs to the entire nation. The rural employment guarantee law named after him is not just a welfare scheme, but a reflection of the state's responsibility towards its most vulnerable citizens.

The attempt to change the name of this law or remove Gandhi's name from it is not just a symbolic step, but a sign of a deeper ideological shift. This shift is away from the concept of a state that prioritizes the support of the weak, maintains social balance, and promotes harmony despite differences. In the current political landscape, Gandhi may be a mere formal symbol, but his ideas have no place in practical politics. Instead, a narrative of violence, hate, and division is being subtly strengthened, which is a dangerous sign for the country's soul.

This is why there is a sense of unease among the country's secular political parties, social organizations, and groups associated with Gandhi's ideology. The opposition's protests and resistance at the public level are a manifestation of the fact that this is not just a fight over a law or a name, but a struggle for the country's ideological future. The voices being raised from parliament to the streets are a warning that if Gandhi's name can be easily removed today, then tomorrow the country's constitutional values and democratic traditions can also be ignored.

The real tragedy is that the real issues facing the public have been pushed to the background, and politics is now centered around topics that do not address hunger, employment, or the lives of farmers and laborers. The politics of names may evoke emotions in the short term, but it cannot solve the country's economic, social, and moral crises. If this approach continues, the consequences will be severe. The secular tradition will be weakened, the constitutional balance will be disrupted, and the India that was known for its diversity, tolerance, and shared culture will be slowly trapped in a narrow mindset. The cost of this damage will not just be borne by the current generation, but also by future generations.

Therefore, it is essential that the country's politics returns to addressing the real issues, and Gandhi's ideas are not just remembered, but also implemented in practice. The state must choose the path of justice and harmony, rather than hate and division. In this critical and complex time, the biggest question is how to play our part. This moment requires a deep sense of awareness, a long-term strategy, and a mature approach, rather than just emotional reactions, temporary slogans, or a mere protest mentality. History is a witness to the fact that when a nation has faced challenges with emotions, it has suffered, but when it has moved forward with awareness, patience, and wisdom, the results have been lasting.

For Muslims, the first and foremost requirement is to understand the real purpose behind the politics of names. This is not just about changing the name of a road, city, or scheme, but a deliberate attempt to divert the public's attention from real issues like employment, education, health, inflation, and constitutional rights, towards emotional and identity-based topics. If Muslims also engage in reactive politics, they will inadvertently become part of the game that is being played on a different pitch. Therefore, it is essential that Muslims focus their dialogue, priorities, and demands on the real issues, and consistently ask the government what it is doing for the employment, education, and economic security of the people.

Secondly, Muslims must not limit themselves to a defensive position. Constantly explaining, responding to allegations, and proving their patriotism has become a tiring and unproductive exercise. Instead, they need to develop a positive, constructive, and principled narrative that is based on the constitution, democracy, and shared Indian values. Defending Gandhi's name should not be just because he was a historical figure, but because his ideas are still a beacon of hope for the millions of poor, laborers, and marginalized sections of this country. When Muslims talk about Gandhi's ideology, they are not just talking about their own community, but about the future of the entire nation.

This era demands that Muslims make education and economic empowerment the center of their struggle. In the changing waves of politics, the nations that are strongest in terms of education, knowledge, and economy are the most secure. If the young generation moves forward in education, strengthens its presence in government and non-government institutions, becomes self-sufficient in trade, industry, and skills, then the politics of names will become ineffective on its own. A dignified, self-respecting, and economically strong society cannot be pushed to the margins by mere symbolic decisions.

At the same time, Muslims need to strengthen their bonds with other marginalized, oppressed, and justice-seeking sections of society. This struggle is not just about one religion or community, but about the constitutional spirit, democratic values, and social justice. When Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, and all citizens who believe in secular and democratic values come together on a common platform, the wall of name-based politics will weaken on its own. Instead of fighting alone, a broader social alliance is the way to save the country's soul.

Remember, the style of struggle changes with each era. Today's time is not just about rallies and slogans, but about reason, law, media, and social awareness. Using constitutional methods, judicial struggle, peaceful democratic protests, social dialogue, and presenting strong arguments on an intellectual level are the ways that have a lasting impact. Incitement, confrontation, and hate speech not only weaken the cause but also strengthen the opposing narrative.

Finally, Muslims must not let despair overwhelm them. In every difficult phase of history, this country has passed through times when darkness seemed overwhelming, but ultimately, light has shown the way. The politics of names may dominate for now, but the truth is that no nation can fix its economy or provide a dignified life to its citizens just by changing names. The power of truth, justice, and constitutional values is far stronger than temporary slogans. If Muslims stand firm on their path with patience, awareness, and perseverance, keep the real issues alive, and make Gandhi's ideas a part of their practical lives, and respond to hate with wisdom and justice, then this era will also pass, but the struggle will bear fruit only when the goal is not just to defend oneself, but to put the entire country back on its true path, the path that passes through tolerance, justice, and harmony.