The Circus of Politics

The Circus Of Politics

-Naitik Sood

 

 

In a world where noise is louder than truth, Raj sits, watching the screen. He searches for someone to advocate for his problems, hoping to see a glimpse of reality in the politicians' paradise. Tired of the daily debates that seem worthless, he still watches, yearning for something genuine. As usual, today is the same: politicians shouting, analysts arguing, and anchors taking sides, all under the banner of "breaking news." But Raj feels like it's breaking trust instead.

 

A right-wing leader slams his hand on the table, declaring, “Our traditions are under attack! If we don't protect them, they will vanish from our nation. We will become strangers in our own land! The left is trying to erase our culture. They support the people of those banished religions!”

 

The left-wing politician laughs dismissively, responding in a serious tone, “You say protect, but you mean control. You want everyone to believe your age-old beliefs and forget about progress. Your traditions are what hold us back. We aim to give minorities their rightful place in society!”

 

Disappointed, Raj switches off the TV and mutters, “All they do is talk. Same faces, same unfulfilled promises.”

 

Raj is an engineering student and a free thinker, born into an orthodox family. From childhood, he has been rational and, of course, rebellious, which has strained his relationship with his parents. Currently unemployed, he holds degrees but didn’t attend one of the elite colleges. Though intelligent, he couldn’t secure admission to those institutions, and now he finds himself without a job.

 

It’s not that he lacks skills; he simply hasn’t found a good opportunity. Yet, he manages to earn a living through freelancing, often making more than his friends do.

 

He believes it’s the government's fault that, despite being skilled, thousands of youths like him struggle to find good jobs. Although he is satisfied with his freelancing income, he still hopes that one day a genuine leader will emerge from among the people and change the world. He clings to the same hope that everyone else does.

 

 

 

 

 

And it was 10 and time for him to meet his friends at the cafe where they met every Sunday and talked on various matters. On his way he saw protest for justice of a rape case but the government had still not responded officially and the opposition was supporting them for votes for first few days and now they were alone without any media because media has to get some more important work done and that are debates right??. 

 

Arjun, a recent follower of leftist ideology, is engrossed in a video by a popular YouTuber, Mr. Rathi. Mr. Rathi presents himself as an independent voice, often called the "fourth pillar of democracy," but he consistently targets the right-wing government, neglecting the shortcomings of left-wing administrations. Known for his manipulative style, he has a significant influence on viewers like Arjun.

 

Youtubers speaks “ If we allow the right-wing party to continue their reign, just look at what’s at stake! Our freedom, our rights—everything we hold dear could be stripped away! This isn't just politics; it's a battle for our very existence!. The right-wing leaders want you to believe they’re your saviors, but they’re actually your jailers! They’re crafting a narrative that keeps us divided—do not let them succeed! We must unite for our freedom!”

 

Raj said “Arjun! You’re not really buying into that nonsense, are you?”

 

Arjun replies “Nonsense? This guy is the voice of the youth. He’s calling out the hypocrisy of the right wing. He is the fourth pillar of democracy, exposing the biased media. He is a true well-wisher of India.” 

 

At this point, Nishant Desai, the cafe owner and a staunch supporter of the right-wing party, overhears their conversation. While serving coffee, he joins in.

 

Nishant: “Hypocrisy? I’d call it tradition. Without our roots, we would lose our identity. You leftists just want chaos. Thanks to the Prime Minister, we’ve regained our real identity, and our religion gets proper representation. Your leftist leaders, however, only want to promote reservations.”

 

Raj: “And that’s why you’re struggling to find a good job. Imagine, if a student with 47% can enter a prestigious college, what about a top scholar? There was an incident recently where a student with an AIR of 76 got rejected, and someone with an AIR of 400 got in, all because of reservations. Who’s going to conduct better research? The one with a higher rank, or someone who barely made it in? And let’s not forget how even well-established people from the upper castes still benefit from caste-based reservations.”

 

Arjun: “You all are manipulated by the media.” He calls them “andhbhakts.”

 

Rahul Mishra: “If you can’t make a point, you just call others ‘andhbhakts’ and move on. That’s not how it works. You need solid arguments. And let’s not forget that the media are the real manipulators, serving whoever pays them more. They’re driven by TRP and views, not truth.”

 

Raj: “Exactly. They’re selling narratives instead of delivering news.”

 

Nishant: “Regardless, the right-wing leaders are doing what’s best for the country, for the poor. You can’t ignore that.”

 

Arjun: “Oh, come on, sir! Just watch a video by Mr. Rathi, and you’ll see the reality.”

 

At that moment, Shyam arrives and joins the debate.

 

Shyam: “What’s all this about? Both right-wing and left-wing ideologies are flawed. The real issue is class struggle, something modern leftists ignore. Marx emphasized that the rich keep getting richer, while the poor suffer. We need to dismantle these systems that uphold inequality.”

 

Arjun: “Shyam, I’m a leftist too, but it’s not only about class struggle. Cultural identity matters too. The right wing’s emphasis on tradition has its merits. Can’t we honor our roots while striving for progress?”

 

Shyam: “Roots? That’s a mask to maintain the status quo. Marxism teaches that traditions often serve to suppress the working class. Culture should evolve rather than being used as a control mechanism.”

 

Nishant: “But what about our cultural heritage? The right wing is trying to revive our traditions and maintain our identity. If we lose our culture, our tourism industry will suffer. Look at our beautiful temples, literature, dances. Without culture, we’re left with nothing.”

 

Shyam: “Cultural identity built on exclusion is harmful. Marxism advocates for unity across class lines, transcending divisions based on religion and ethnicity. Only then can we build a fair society with equal rights for all.”

 

Raj: “I see your point, Shyam, but traditions offer strength and identity to some. The teachings in the Upanishads, for instance, provide wisdom that’s still relevant.”

 

Nishant: “Precisely. Right-wing policies may seem controlling, but they preserve the stability needed for growth. Look at the infrastructure developments, welfare programs, and how they’re working for the poor.”

g

Arjun: “Are these really for the poor, or are they tools for political gain? Only a few benefit from these schemes. The poorest of the poor are still suffering.”

 

Arjun: “Let’s talk about the current government. All they’ve done is prioritize big corporations, giving top businessmen special treatment while imposing burdensome taxes on common people. Farmers are struggling, and unemployment is at an all-time high.”

 

Nishant: “And you think previous governments were better? At least now we have a leader with a clear vision. The former government called an Emergency just to retain power.”

 

Arjun (sarcastically): “A global power? By undermining citizens’ rights? Look at how they’ve centralized power, jailing opposition leaders. This isn’t democracy; it’s authoritarianism in disguise.”

 

Nishant: “That’s an exaggeration. They’re simply weeding out anti-national elements. And if they’re innocent, the courts will clear them.”

 

Shyam: “All governments, right or left, ultimately serve the wealthy. Reforms are just band-aids over a capitalist system that prioritizes profit over people. We need a communist approach.”

 

Arjun: “I agree with Shyam, except on communism. I believe in democracy, but past and present governments serve the elites.”

 

Nishant: “Still, this government is trying its best. They’re fighting terrorism, reducing crime, and addressing unemployment, which has been an issue for decades. Arjun, you’re focused on the negatives. Think of the roads, digital infrastructure, and welfare programs. They’re imperfect, but they’re steps in the right direction.”

 

Raj (interrupting): “Wait, wait, wait. We’re stuck in a loop here. Arjun sees oppression, Nishant sees progress, and Shyam wants to tear it all down. Aren’t we all just searching for a fair and just society? Let’s stop focusing on the problems alone. Arjun, you’re finding faults, Nishant is defending, and Shyam wants a new social order. But what’s the solution? Is it a Marxist state, right-wing nationalism, or left-wing progressivism? None of these alone can solve everything. It’s not the ideologies themselves, but how they’re implemented that matters. We need a different approach.”

 

As the group continues to discuss, an old man, who has been sitting quietly at a nearby table, stands up and approaches them with a warm smile.

 

 

 

Old Man: “You young men are reminding me of my youth. I, too, once had the same fire, arguing about the future of our nation.”

 

Raj: “And what do you think, Sir? Whose side are you on?”

 

Old Man:  “Oh, I stopped choosing sides long ago.”

 

Arjun: “But don’t you think one side has to be right? The country can’t move forward if we’re constantly divided.”

 

Old Man: [Laughs gently and looks at Arjun] “I hope you’re keeping your leftist propaganda aside! Unity is indeed important, but let me ask you this: What is progress to you? Is it building roads and cities, or is it ensuring that every person is treated with dignity? Take China, for example. We all know the inner conditions there, yet they’ve progressed. And to you, my friend, is progress returning to our roots or embracing the new? The answer depends on what you value most. But remember, just because tradition might be best for you doesn’t mean it’s best for everyone. We need to find common ground for the people of India. That’s how we move toward a brighter future. Otherwise, we’ll end up fighting each other.”

 

Nishant: “So, you’re saying we should just watch our culture deteriorate?”

 

Old Man: “Not at all. Stand firm in your beliefs, but also listen. We learn the most from those who disagree with us. Debates aren’t about winning or losing. Plato, the great philosopher, believed that we must move toward the truth. So we must discuss, not fight. It’s not about who wins—it’s about getting closer to understanding the truth.”

 

Raj: “So, according to you, we’re all partially right?”

 

Old Man: “Maybe you are, or maybe you aren’t. That’s for you to decide. But now, I’ll take my leave. Take care, young men. Keep asking questions, keep debating, but never forget that we’re all one. We are all Indians. Let’s not allow politicians to divide us.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At that moment, the clock strikes 12:00, and they realize it’s time to head home. The intense debate ends as they gather their things and leave the cafe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a dimly lit room, Prime Minister Mr. Mahindra Modi and the opposition leader of the leftist party, Mr. Rahul Gadhavi, sit across from each other. Between them is a chessboard with pieces representing different members of society: pawns as farmers, rooks as factory owners, knights as soldiers, and the kings and queens as the rich elite. The board symbolizes how these two politicians manipulate society like a game.

 

 

 

Mr. Modi: [Moves a pawn forward] “So, Rahul, our ‘kisan bhai’ are up in arms again. Last time they protested against me, but I convinced them, and those fools walked right back into my trap.”

 

Mr. Gadhvi: [Moves a bishop ] “Oh, the farmers? Yes, I usually just bring them up when I need to throw dirt at you guys. Promise them anything during election time, and once it's over—back to business as usual.”

 

Mr. Modi: “Exactly! A beautiful game, isn’t it? We only have to care just enough to keep them voting for us.”

 

Mr. Gadhvi:  “Hey, at least we don’t pretend to worship the past. We look to the future, even if we never quite get there.”

 

Mr. Modi: “They say it’s good to be special, and it sure is when you get to play the religious leader, too. All it takes is one temple, and suddenly, they think that's progress.”

 

Mr. Gadhvi: “Oh, but my strategy works just fine too. I tell people what they want to hear, talk about their problems, and paint a picture of change. And then, we somehow end up in the same place. It’s like we’re two sides of the same coin—one side left, the other right.”

 

Mr. Modi: “And it’s beautiful, isn’t it? We both know this game inside out. When they cry for free healthcare, I remind them of the glory of ancient medicine. And when they demand jobs, you show up with your ‘fight-the-system’ nonsense.”

 

Mr. Gadhvi: “That’s the best part. We shout against each other, rally our sides, and then go have lunch together. The fools are those who keep fighting in our names.”

 

Mr. Modi: [Laughs] “Why not? Exactly. Today, we’ll rile them up over religion. Tomorrow, we’ll blame the economy on each other. It’s a cycle, and the people? They’re happy to watch the spectacle.”

 

Mr. Gadhvi: “That’s why I love my speeches. Say a few words about equality and liberty, and suddenly, they think I’m their savior.”

 

Mr. Modi: [Moves his queen, knocking over a pawn] “And here’s a checkmate. Let’s hope that’s the outcome of the next election too.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We open in a lavish media room filled with big screens showing various news channels. The room buzzes with activity. At the center sits a large round table surrounded by three top news anchors: Rajat, Goswami, and Kavish Mehta and professor Rinku. They are joined by a few producers and editors. The atmosphere is thick with tension as they discuss their next big story.

 

Rajat [Leaning back in his chair]: “Alright, what’s the big story today? Another India versus Pakistan angle? Or should we stir the Hindu-Muslim pot again?”

 

Goswami: “Absolutely! I say we turn up the heat this time. People love outrage. We’ll do a special report on the ‘Threat to Indian Culture.’ Hindus are under attack, and they’ll be glued to their screens.”

 

Kavish: “And let’s not forget the Muslims. We need a villain, right? Let’s make Muslims the root of every problem in the country.”

 

Rinku: “Of course! And don’t forget the dramatic music, the fiery speeches, and the stock footage of protests. That’s crucial, you know.”

 

Rajat: “We can have a panel discussion too—get a Hindu priest, a Muslim cleric, and some loud politician who won’t let anyone else speak. The louder he is, the better!”

 

Goswami: “That’s the usual stuff. Let’s go deeper this time. How about we run a segment on ‘Conversion Threats’? We’ll make it the most important issue in the country.”

 

Kavish: “Perfect! And I’ll do a follow-up report. I’ll dig up some random case, twist it into a conspiracy, and throw in a Hindu-Muslim angle. That’s all we need.”

 

Rinku: “Oh, you’re all forgetting the real trigger for outrage! We need to show temples being demolished, followed by footage of mosques under attack. People will lose their minds.”

 

Goswami: “But what about the backlash? Don’t forget about Twitter.”

 

Kavish: “Who cares about Twitter attacks? If they hate us, they watch us even more. It’s good PR, free advertising, and that means more money.”

 

Rajat: “What about the youth? I think we should target them too.”

 

Rinku: “Oh, yes! Let’s convince them they’re all little warriors fighting for a noble cause. They’ll start posting Insta stories instantly—that’ll do half our work for us.”

 

Rajat: “Hmm, I like that. And we should call the show ‘India Under Religious War.’ It doesn’t matter if it’s true; we just need to keep the fear going to hook viewers and boost our TRPs.”

 

Goswami: “And when the tension reaches its peak, we’ll bring in some ‘experts’—give them some cash, and they’ll agree with us.”

 

Kavish: “And we’ll pay those experts with the money the politicians gave us to take their side. Oh, wait—I forgot I’m paid by a leftist party, so I need to criticize the current government in all this.”

 

Rinku: “In that case, I’ll criticize the opposition. We’ll cover both sides.”

 

Kavish: “We’re not journalists anymore; we’re directors. We create the narrative, we set the scene. The world is our stage, and the viewers are our audience. They just want a good show.”

 

 

 

The stage is massive, decorated with the colours of the Indian flag, and packed with people waving banners and cheering. Modi, dressed in a traditional Indian kurta, walks to the podium.

 

 

 

Mr. Mahendra modi :-

 

Brothers and sisters, friends, and my beloved countrymen,

 

Today, I stand before you all, not just as the Prime Minister, but as a proud son of this ancient land, Bharath. This is the land where Lord Ram walked with grace, where Lord Krishna danced and preached the Bhagavad Gita, and where countless saints and sages have meditated in search of eternal truth. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sacred waters of the Ganges, from the ancient temples of the South to the bustling cities of the North, Bharath Mata has blessed us. This land is not just a piece of earth; it is our mother, our identity, and our pride.

 

But friends, today, the heritage and values we hold so dear are under threat. Yes, countrymen, there are those who question the essence of our culture, who wish to erode the identity that we have inherited from our forefathers. I want to tell you that there are some within our own borders who sit in opposition to the government, who do not respect our traditions and who, in their desperation for power, are willing to compromise the very soul of the nation.

 

For years, the opposition has tried to divide us in the name of secularism. They speak of unity but practice divisiveness. They preach tolerance, but in truth, they encourage an ideology that is neither Indian nor patriotic.

 

Do you remember those days under the opposition when Bharat Mata was in shambles? When corruption was rampant and the poor suffered while a select few lived in luxury?

 

While they pocketed the wealth of this nation, we were building toilets for the poor, homes for the homeless, and roads for the villages.

 

Friends, today they mock our reverence for our gods and goddesses, our festivals, and our traditions. They say we are backward and that we need to adopt foreign values and abandon our heritage to become modern and progressive. But I ask you, why should we sacrifice our culture at the altar of so-called progress? We have shown the world what Bharath is capable of. In science, we have reached for the stars; in technology, we have innovated; in business, we have prospered; and all the while, we have remained true to our culture and our identity. But the opposition wants to drag us into the darkness.

 

I say to the opposition, if you stand against Bharath, you stand alone. This government, this nation, this people—we are united, and we will defend our motherland against any threat, foreign or domestic.

 

Bharat Mata ki Jay!

 

 

 

Rahul Ghadvi speech at some other place

 

Brothers and sisters, thank you. Today, I am honoured to stand before you as your voice—the voice of the oppressed, the forgotten, and the marginalized. I will talk about our farmers, our labourers, our young students, and the people who have been sidelined for generations by the right-wing establishment.

 

India, as we know, was built on the shoulders of those who struggle and who have been oppressed for far too long. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed this nation, while our labourers sweat under the sun to build our cities. And yet, the profits go to the rich.

 

Our society has been plagued by a truth—a truth that has been brushed under the carpet for decades. I am talking about caste-based discrimination, a disease that eats away at our nation's moral fabric. Even today, in the 21st century, our people in India are denied basic human rights. They are still abused and forced to live in shame because of the caste they were born into. And what has the current government done about it? They speak of our rich cultural heritage while turning a blind eye to the inequality that permeates our villages, our towns, and even our cities.

 

The present government has favoured the privileged while neglecting the underprivileged. They talk of progress, but their progress is for the few, for the rich—not for the many. My friends, the time has come to ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to be? Do we want to be a nation where only the elites succeed? Or do we want a nation where everyone, regardless of their religion, caste, or economic background, has a fair chance at success?

 

They criticize us for supporting reservations, but let me tell you: reservations are a ladder—a ladder that helps the lower sections of society. They are small steps towards righting the wrongs of the past. I ask Mr. Prime Minister, what about our Dalit brothers and sisters? What about the people who have been left behind because of this oppressive caste system that continues to dictate their lives?

 

Friends, the mission of my party is simple: We stand for an India that belongs to everyone. An India where a young Dalit student can dream of becoming a doctor or an engineer without being told that they are less than anyone else. An India where our women are safe and are not subjected to discrimination.

 

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!

 

 

 

On TV

 

Rinku:

Ah, there he goes again, Mr. Rahul Gadhvi, the self-proclaimed champion of the oppressed. He loves stirring up the old caste issue, doesn’t he? Instead of focusing on uniting the country, he’s trying to divide us with this caste system nonsense. And again, he talks about reservations being a ladder for the oppressed. But what about the common man? What about the hardworking student who studies all day only to be denied a chance because of this reservation system? Frankly, Mr. Gadhvi likes to paint himself as the voice of the people, but he’s more interested in playing the victim card, exploiting people's grievances to gain power. The irony is that he claims he wants an India for everyone, but in reality, he seeks a divided and fractured nation that he can rule over as a dictator.

 

While our Prime Minister, in his speech, emphasized unity, heritage, and progress, bringing all sections of society together, Gadhvi is focused on dragging us backward.

 

Kavish:

I think, Mr. Rinku, you’ve missed the glaring problems in Mr. Mahendra Modi’s speech. Unity, you say? What I heard was a man wallowing in nostalgia and empty promises while completely ignoring the real issues. He talked about our rich heritage and culture, but what about the millions right here in India who are struggling? He’s using heritage as a cover-up for his failure to address pressing contemporary issues. What about economic disparity, growing communal tensions, and the erosion of democratic values? He is simply glorifying the past while the present crumbles before him.

 

Modi paints himself as the protector of India’s culture, yet under his watch, we have witnessed increased polarization and the marginalization of minority communities.

 

Rinku:

Oh please, Kavish. It’s easy to sit back and criticize when you’re part of an elite class that benefits from glossing over our culture and traditions. Modi’s speech wasn’t perfect, but at least he stands for something. At least he’s trying to restore pride in our heritage. You leftists are so eager to tear down and point fingers, but what solutions do you offer? Nothing! Your so-called solutions are just reservations.

 

Kavish:

You call us leftists as if it’s an insult, but you’re forgetting that we are the real people standing for India. While you and your beloved Modi are busy exploiting the nation, we are fighting for an India that lives up to the promises of its Constitution.

 

The debate continues, filled with tension and passion. They both share a laugh, knowing the irony that one is funded by the rightist party and the other by the leftist party. It’s quite a spectacle—women in India love saas-bahu serials, while men enjoy these saas-bahu debates.

 

 

 

At Raj’s Home

 

Raj:

Is this a circus or what? Day after day, as I switch on the television, I see a battle of narratives, with anchors and politicians all vying for their own prophets. No one wants to be the prophet of the people of India. I can't believe how easily these people are swayed. They forget the values we stand for as a nation: our diversity. And then there’s the echo chamber of social media, amplifying every divisive thought.

 

I feel disheartened watching my friends and family get swept up in this frenzy. Our nation can't progress like this. But what is the solution? What can break this cycle? The answer is right in front of us: education. It’s the only solution that paves the way for real understanding and unity. Education empowers us to think critically, to question narratives, and to seek out the truth beyond the noise. When people are educated, they are less likely to fall prey to fear-mongering and division. They can see the bigger picture.

 

I’ve seen how knowledge can transform a life. After all, I was once a staunch leftist in my younger days. But after gaining true education, I became a free, rational thinker, laughing at the hypocrisies of both the government and the opposition.

 

Raj(next day)

It's almost funny, isn't it? Here I am, supposedly 'less educated' because I didn't get into an IIT or an IIM, watching people with multiple degrees from prestigious institutions trapped in their own echo chambers. My father still thinks I'm a failure - an unemployed engineer doing 'time pass' with freelancing. If only he knew that my real education began when I failed to get into those 'premium' institutions.

I remember that day clearly. I was devastated after missing IIT by just a few marks. While my friends celebrated their admissions, I spent days in darkness. But then I found this book in a small library. Feynman wasn't teaching me physics; he was teaching me how to think. That was my first real lesson - education isn't about collecting degrees, it's about developing the ability to question, to think, to understand.

 

Glances at the TV where an IAS officer is defending his party's stance

 

Look at him - cleared one of the toughest exams in the world, yet he's just another puppet in this political theater. What good is all that knowledge if you can't see through the basic manipulation? They say civil servants are the steel frame of India, but most have become wooden puppets, dancing to political tunes.

Looks at a photo of his small study group]

 

We meet twice a week - a philosopher who drives an auto-rickshaw, a literature graduate who sells insurance, a dropout who runs a successful local business, and me. We discuss everything from quantum mechanics to political theory. No degrees between us, but more wisdom than you'll find in most university departments. We don't just read books; we question them, challenge them, apply them to real life.

The real tragedy is watching bright young minds being molded into political tools. They think they're fighting the system, but they're just playing their assigned roles in this grand circus. Their education has taught them everything except how to see the strings that control them.

 

This is why I choose to stay away from the labels - left, right, center. These are just boxes designed to limit thinking. Real education teaches you to think outside these boxes, to see the game for what it is

 

if ignorance is bliss, we’re practically living in a never-ending festival of happiness!

-Naitik Sood