Argumentative Indians

December 8 was indeed a day that proved that we are truly an argumentative country. Yes, it was the day the Gujarat election results, among others, were to be declared. Though opinion poll after opinion poll declared the possibilities much in advance, there was a nation wide curiosity and eagerness about the results, especially the Gujarat voters' response.

Yes, the results were as predicted. And, yet, all the major television channels began the election analysis as early as 7 a.m. if not earlier. Each channel had its own set of analysers. Indeed it was intellectually energising listening to those debates. The multiple perspectives that would emerge were indeed fabulous. 

The debates did not stop after the Prime Minister's victory speech. In fact, that talk gave the panelists yet another vista on to the debate.  Already have begun the predictions for the elections next year, not to forget the 2024 general elections.

These debates on practically every channel were indeed enriching because they proved the plurality of opinions inherent to Indianness. These debates proved, too, the importance both, of the public space and of the civil society, both  truly central to the rich Indian tradition.

True, every channel would have its own favourites. Yes, there was the inevitable politiking. Despite that, the debates had an intellectual gravitas beyond mere rancour of the anchor and the faithfuls. There was a certain bonhomie and sheroshayari, oft associated with the Parliament. Hence watching the debates was quite some proof of the fact that we are indeed argumentative Indians, as defined by Prof. Amartya Sen in his eponymous treatise. Long live the punditry and the ribbing and the pungent attacks of the  election debates!

Pratima@True, these T.V. debates were rather like the Nura wrestling. Yet they analysed, they entertained, they informed!Long live post election debates!