The Myth

A few months ago all of us in India lived through what a lot of folks call the dance of democracy. One has to be naive to believe that choices that could be best personified as piles of different dung is a dance. At one end an idea that can be associated with fascism and the other end leftist thought that in reality has no place in this day and age. How is it that the only choices are these extremes ? 

I have an hypothesis- when the folks in power start to lean towards one side it is but natural for an equal and opposite side to emerge. In the context of governance if one has a right leaning or a right wing set of folks in power then it is but natural for a left of centre or an extreme left ideology to emerge.  Nature loves balance and nothing can escape nature not even the choice of a billion plus people. The result is basically a tug of war between two extreme points of view.  Let me illustrate with three examples.

When the left is in power, policies can focus on progressive social changes, wealth redistribution, and addressing systemic inequalities. While these policies may appeal to their base, they can alienate other segments of the population who feel their values, traditions, or economic interests are under threat. This polarization often deepens cultural and ideological divisions, creating fertile ground for right movements that appeal to nationalism, conservatism, or traditionalist ideals. On the flip side, right governance typically emphasizes nationalism, traditionalism, and conservative values, which can marginalize minority groups, progressive voices, and advocates for social justice. This alienation drives the left to organize and mobilize, framing itself as the defender of equality, inclusion, and human rights against perceived reactionary policies.

Leftist policies like high taxation on the wealthy or expansive welfare programs can lead to economic disruptions or perceptions of unfairness. For instance, small business owners or middle-class individuals may feel overburdened by these policies. The right often portrays itself as a champion of free markets, deregulation, or economic nationalism, positioning itself as an alternative for those dissatisfied with left economic policies. Here too on the flip side right policies often prioritize deregulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, and market-driven solutions, which can exacerbate income inequality and neglect social safety nets.

Finally both sides use popular narratives. The right will showcase a few individuals on the left being “elites” and the left positions itself as the true voice of the people, calling out corporate influence and offering bold alternatives like universal healthcare, free education, and climate action. 

The cyclical nature of political polarization, where each side fuels the other’s momentum, deepening divisions and making compromise more difficult. The folks in the middle (the ones that see a possible balance between the extremes) are generally the ones that are on the receiving end.  I long for a centre right choice or a centre left choice. It would be far better than the extremes available today. 

C

PS : food for thought. Elon Musk’s political choices did not change (he is on record stating this). The centre left choice in the US went far left which made Elon closer to the Right. Wonder if the party that used to be center left in India understands the choices they have made.