Not inviting LoP makes government look small

In India, as in other democracies, politics is competitive, noisy, and often turns bitter. Snubs, boycotts, name-calling and accusations are commonplace. Yet there are lines that should not be crossed, decencies that must be preserved, because political rivals are not enemies, the nation — and the idea of it — is larger than any individual or party. This ethos was evident on Constitution Day less than a fortnight ago, when the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses stood together to read from the Preamble. It was a powerful reminder that all draw legitimacy from the Constitution, all hold an equal stake in its future. That spirit was notably absent when the government chose not to invite Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, to the state dinner hosted for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The BJP is not wrong in pointing out that Rahul Gandhi has often stayed away from state occasions, skipping some Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, and the recent swearing-in ceremonies of the Vice President and Chief Justice of India. But this cannot justify the exclusion of the Leader of the Opposition from a banquet hosted by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Invitations to such occasions are extended not as endorsements of conduct or politics, but in recognition of constitutional office and the publics they represent. This is not about Rahul Gandhi, the individual. It is about the Leader of the Opposition, elected by, and representing millions of citizens who voted for the party and coalition he leads. The question also extends beyond one name. A government entering its 12th year in office should display the institutional confidence to invite leaders of all major opposition parties, from the Trinamool Congress and DMK to the Samajwadi Party, RJD and AAP. The presence of a diverse political spectrum at the high table is not a courtesy to rivals but a statement of India’s democratic strength.

The government itself recognised this principle when it suited the national interest. After Operation Sindoor, it sent multi-party delegations across the world to present India’s case on cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Even as the Opposition questioned policy, as it is duty-bound to do, the political class closed ranks in a moment of national significance. It is beside the point whether President Putin values or engages with Opposition leaders in his own country or here. An invitation from the nation’s highest constitutional authority to the Leader of Opposition would have affirmed that in India’s democracy, even those who are not in power and the people they represent will always have a seat at the highest table. By denying that symbolism, the government weakened its case — and appeared needlessly small.