Politics entangled in names and India engulfed in problems

Ahmed Iftikhar Qureshi

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, if the corridors of power are consumed by the energy spent on changing names and symbolic decisions, it becomes imperative to question the true responsibility of the state and the direction in which governance is headed.

The grave issues confronting the nation today need no introduction. The prices of essential commodities are becoming increasingly out of reach for the common man, employment opportunities for the youth are dwindling, farmers are getting entangled in a quagmire of debt and despair, pollution is choking life in major cities, crimes against women are a blot on society, and the weakness of law and order is injuring the sense of security of the average citizen. On the foreign policy front, there are several questions being raised, whether it's about relations with neighboring countries or diplomatic balance with major powers, complexities are evident everywhere.

In this context, if politics becomes centered on changing names rather than solving public problems, it cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. Essentially, this is a sign of a particular thought process, ideology, and political strategy. Over the past few years, the country has witnessed the frequent changing of names of cities, roads, crossroads, and institutions. There has been an attempt to either erase or present history in a one-dimensional manner, omitting certain periods and characters from the pages of history. Textbooks have been altered in the name of revision, encapsulating centuries of shared heritage into a narrow narrative. This entire process has been termed as the rediscovery of national identity, but in reality, it is driven by the politics of hate and division.

This trend has now reached a point where it is targeting a name that is not just history but a symbol of India's soul, its moral foundation, and constitutional identity - Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's name is not the property of any individual or party but a shared trust of the entire nation. The rural employment guarantee law named after him is not just a welfare scheme but an expression of the state's responsibility towards its most vulnerable citizens. Attempting to change the name of this law or dissociate Gandhi's name from it is not just a symbolic step but indicates a profound ideological shift. This shift is away from Gandhi's concept of the state, which is about supporting the weak, maintaining social balance, and promoting harmony despite differences.

In the current ruling class's politics, Gandhi might be a formal symbol, but his ideas have no practical place. On the contrary, a narrative based on violence, hate, and division is being indirectly strengthened, which is a dangerous sign for the country's soul. This is why there is unrest among the country's secular political parties, social organizations, and classes associated with Gandhi's ideologies. The opposition's protests and resistance at the public level signify that this is not a fight over just one law or name but about the country's ideological future.

The real tragedy is that the genuine issues of the public have been pushed to the background, and political discourse is revolving around topics that neither satiate hunger, provide employment, nor improve the life of farmers or laborers. The politics of names can temporarily arouse emotions but cannot solve the country's economic, social, and moral crises. If this approach continues, the consequences will be severe. The secular tradition will weaken, constitutional balance will be disrupted, and the India known for its diversity, tolerance, and shared culture will gradually be confined to a narrow concept.

It is essential for the country's politics to return to addressing real issues, to keep Gandhi's thoughts alive, not just his name, and for the state to adopt the path of justice and harmony instead of hate and division. The question in this complex scenario is how to play our part. This moment demands deep intellectual awareness, long-term strategy, and mature action, rather than emotional reactions, temporary slogans, or a mere protesting attitude. History is witness that whenever a nation has faced situations with emotions, it has suffered, and when it has proceeded with awareness, patience, and wisdom, the paths may have been arduous, but the outcomes have been lasting.

For Muslims, the first and foremost necessity is to fully understand the real purpose behind the politics of names. This is not just about changing the name of a road, city, or scheme but an attempt at a specific mindset that diverts public attention from real issues like employment, education, health, inflation, and constitutional rights to emotional and identity-based topics. If Muslims also engage in reactive politics, they will inadvertently become part of a game whose board is set elsewhere. Therefore, it is necessary for Muslims to repeatedly turn their discourse, priorities, and demands towards real issues and ask on every platform what the government is doing for the employment, education, and economic security of the public.

Secondly, Muslims should not limit themselves to a defensive position. Constantly giving explanations, responding to accusations, and proving their patriotism has become a tiresome and unproductive process. Instead, they need to formulate a positive, constructive, and principled narrative 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 country's millions of poor, laborers, and marginalized classes. When Muslims talk about Gandhi's ideologies, they are, in fact, talking about the future of the entire country.

This era demands that Muslims make education and economic stability the center of their struggle. Nations that are strong academically, educationally, and economically are the most secure in the flux of politics. 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, the politics of names will become ineffective on its own. A dignified, self-respecting, and economically strong society cannot be marginalized by mere symbolic decisions.

Alongside this, Muslims must strengthen their bond with other oppressed, marginalized, and justice-seeking classes. This fight is not for any one religion or class but for constitutional spirit, democratic values, and social justice. When Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, and all citizens who believe in secular and democratic values stand together on a common platform, the wall of name politics will weaken on its own. Instead of fighting alone, forming a broad social alliance is the way to save the country's soul. Remember, every era's struggle has a different approach. Today's time is not just for rallies and slogans but for 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 purpose but also strengthen the opposing narrative. Finally, Muslims should not let despair overwhelm them. In every difficult phase of history, this country has passed through stages when darkness seemed profound, but ultimately, light paved the way. The politics of names might dominate temporarily, but the truth is that no nation can either fix its economy or give its people a dignified life just by changing names. The power of truth, justice, and constitutional values is much stronger than temporary slogans. If Muslims stand firm on their path with patience, awareness, and steadfastness, keep real issues alive, give Gandhi's thoughts a place in their practical life, and choose wisdom and justice over hate, this phase too shall pass. However, the fruits of this struggle will be reaped only when the goal is not just self-defense but to put India back on its true path, the path that goes through tolerance, justice, and harmony.