A recent incident involving Congress leaders in Palakkad has brought attention to the importance of civility in politics. Rahul Mamkootathil, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in the Palakkad Assembly byelection, and his mentor, Shafi Parambil, MP, faced widespread criticism for their refusal to shake hands with P. Sarin, their Left Democratic Front (LDF) opponent, at a wedding reception. When Mr. Sarin extended his hand and called out to the duo saying, “give me a hand please,” their refusal was seen as impolite, signaling an intense political rivalry.

The incident caused a stir, as many observers believed that the Congress leaders’ behavior was rude and did not reflect the decency expected in political exchanges. This act of political hostility was widely condemned, especially when compared to another event involving Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress national general secretary.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Sets an Example of Political Civility

In a strikingly different display of grace and respect, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra engaged in a friendly gesture toward her political rival, Sathyan Mokeri, the LDF candidate in Wayanad. On November 7, 2024, while traveling with her convoy through Erumamunda in Chungathara panchayat, Ms. Vadra noticed Mokeri addressing an LDF election meeting. She unexpectedly stopped her vehicle and made the effort to approach Mokeri, shake his hand, and wish him well, despite being political opponents.

The genuine cordiality she displayed—where they exchanged smiles, shook hands, and briefly spoke about health and electioneering—was met with a warm response from the crowd. As Ms. Vadra proceeded to her next corner meeting at Pothukal, she wished Mokeri "all the best," leaving a positive impression on the audience and even K.C. Venugopal, Congress' general secretary (organisation), who was accompanying her, followed suit by greeting Mokeri as well.

Contrast in Leadership: Lessons in Civility

This contrast between the rude behavior of Mamkootathil and Parambil in Palakkad and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s respectful gesture in Wayanad is significant. Ms. Vadra’s actions have been praised for showing that even in the face of political rivalry, respect, kindness, and courtesy can prevail. Manambur Rajanbabu, a poet and leader of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, aptly remarked that Priyanka’s actions served as a reminder that politics can be practiced with dignity and humanity.

Her handshake with Mokeri stands as a model of political civility, which many feel should be adopted by all political leaders. While intense political rivalry is natural in a democratic setup, the manner in which it is conducted matters. Priyanka’s behavior contrasts sharply with the actions of some younger Congress leaders like Mamkootathil, whose dismissive attitude has triggered public backlash.

Political Context of the Incident: Congress Leadership and Rivalry

The incident involving Rahul Mamkootathil and Shafi Parambil also serves as a reminder of how personal political rivalries sometimes overshadow the larger ideological battle. Congress, which often advocates for democratic values, unity, and tolerance, faces the challenge of ensuring that such values are reflected in the behavior of its leaders, especially during elections.

On the other hand, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s actions suggest that there is space for constructive competition in politics, one where leaders can acknowledge each other’s contributions and maintain mutual respect, despite the sharp political differences. This approach can pave the way for more positive engagement and encourage greater civility in political campaigns across India.

A Lesson for Future Political Leaders

The controversy that erupted from the Palakkad incident is a poignant reminder that every action by a political leader is scrutinized, and such incidents can have lasting effects on their public image. The response to Rahul Mamkootathil and Shafi Parambil’s actions shows that voters and political observers value respectful behavior even in the heat of intense electoral battles.

In contrast, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s example has provided a refreshing reminder of how politicians can rise above personal rivalry and offer a hand of friendship, which in turn helps in building a more respectful political culture. This approach could potentially help foster better relations between rival political parties, especially as Indian politics becomes more competitive and divisive in nature.

Conclusion

The incident involving Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s handshake with Sathyan Mokeri should be seen as a model for future leaders to follow. In a world where political divisions often run deep, it is important for leaders to practice political civility. By fostering mutual respect and courtesy, they can create a more inclusive and positive political environment, where intense rivalry doesn’t come at the cost of personal dignity.

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