Moderation and understatement are virtues

[TOP ARTICLE High Decibel Democracy - Editorial - Opinion
TOI 25 May 2009, Andre Beteille ... Those who laid the foundations of the republic of India acted in the Constituent Assembly as if they believed that civility was a cardinal virtue... The trading of insults among political opponents in uncivil and offensive language has become standard practice in our public life. It is not very amusing, and it does not augur well for democracy in India. Few will deny that political debate has become progressively more uncivil. Elected leaders did not shout at each other inside the legislature, ... The writer is professor emeritus of sociology, University of Delhi.]

[Humble India Prefers Humble people by Sudipto Das
India and Indian culture has a lot of respect and regard for humility. Perhaps one of the most distinguishing and differentiating factors that has become identification for Indians since ages is humility. Indians have been always seen as very modest people. Aggression was never a part of the character for most Indians... Not only did Advani and Modi’s image speak of aggression, but in general the BJP leaders are perceived to be less polite when they speak. This was very apparent in many of the debates in media. Might be they were always asked uncomfortable questions by a biased media, still their body language and the message couldn’t be seen as very humble or polite... Once in power there are many ways to be aggressive, but off course not in front of camera!!
Sudipto blogs at http://sudiptounplugged.blogspot.com/ May 26, 2009 Filed Under Sudipto Das 39 Comments More about Friends of BJP The Charter and Founding Team]

[Triumph of the moderate Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Indian Express
Arun Jaitley: But there are other important lessons the political class can gleam from the results. Sober governance helps, shrillness does not. Moderation and understatement are virtues.
India is changing, the profile of the Indian voter is changing. Both the Indian politician and the political parties must also change. The fact that most criminal candidates lost is itself an indication that the electorate is looking for cleaner politicians. Politics directs the life of a nation. It influences decision-making. The individuals who man it must have a tall and mature stature. The ethical criterion cannot be disregarded any more. While aligning with any coalition, political parties will have to watch that the baggage of the alliance partners does not get transferred to them... Finally, many feel that Verdict 2009 gives legitimacy to India as a dynastic democracy. A cursory look at a cross-section of our young MPs suggests that most of them are inheritors of a legacy, and not those whose merit has impressed the voters. The real strength of Indian democracy will only be realised when merit prevails over family names. India must grow as a democracy and not as a state with feudal moorings.
The writer is a BJP MP and general secretary express@expressindia.com]

A much chastened Jaitley indeed. [TNM]