When the Narrative Falls Flat

 

When the Narrative Falls Flat

One can perhaps sense a change in the political atmosphere.

The long faces of what may be described as the “Halla Brigade” are increasingly noticeable. The confidence that once appeared so loud and unquestionable now seems, at least to the observer, to have been replaced by hesitation and uncertainty.

The body language appears subdued.

The rhetoric appears to have lost some of its earlier force.

And the narratives that were repeatedly projected with great confidence are now facing the ultimate test—the test of facts, evidence and public scrutiny.

In politics, slogans can create noise.

Allegations can create headlines.

Repeated assertions can create an impression.

But ultimately, truth has to withstand examination.

If a particular narrative is based upon exaggeration, distortion or what is perceived by its opponents as falsification, then sooner or later the facts themselves become the real test. No amount of repetition can permanently substitute for evidence.

Perhaps that is why the present atmosphere appears different.

What was once presented as an unquestionable political certainty may now require explanation.

What was once loudly proclaimed may now have to answer difficult questions.

And what was intended to create political momentum may, in the eyes of some observers, have fallen flat under the weight of scrutiny.

But there is another interesting principle which may be remembered here—the Third Law of Newton:

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

In public life, this principle may be used metaphorically.

Political actions generate public responses.

Decisions create consequences.

Campaigns produce counter-campaigns.

Assertions invite scrutiny.

And attempts to influence public opinion inevitably encounter the response of an informed electorate.

The people are not merely spectators.

They observe.

They remember.

They compare.

They question.

And, ultimately, they decide.

Therefore, perhaps the political class should listen carefully to the changing mood rather than merely increasing the volume of the rhetoric.

The coming response, whatever form it may take, will be determined not by political noise alone, but by the collective judgment of the people and the facts placed before them.

So, perhaps, the long faces are only the beginning of a much larger political conversation.

The rhetoric has been heard.

The allegations have been made.

The counter-allegations have followed.

Now let the facts speak.

And perhaps, as people wait patiently, the Third Law of Newton is also waiting to make its presence felt in the political arena.

Jai Hind. 🇮🇳

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court Calcutta