The political class is performing another rehearsed routine. They are fighting over the song Vande Mataram. This is not about heritage. This is about using symbols to manufacture loyalty.

Shashi Tharoor pointed out the hypocrisy. He claims the ruling side uses nationalism only when it serves their immediate needs. It is a tool for division.

Suvendu Adhikari responded with a blunt admission. He suggested that people must say the words to survive. This is the reality of the current landscape. It is a survivalist performance.

The features of this decay are clear.

• National anthems are now political leverage.
• Politicians use sentiment to mask their true agendas.
• The democratic process is becoming a theater of survival.