The Subtle Art of Political Sycophancy

"Between Flattery and Foul Play: Unmasking the Contradictions of Political Sycophants"

Introduction: In the realm of Indian politics, where power dynamics, intrigue, and ego clashes reign supreme, one art form has risen above all others - political sycophancy. With its roots embedded deep in history, this unique phenomenon has evolved into a fine art, delicately mastered by politicians and their loyal followers alike. In this supposedly tongue-in-cheek article, we delve into the subtle art of political sycophancy and explore its peculiarities in the Indian context.

"I am as constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament." - William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

This quote comes from a speech by Caesar himself, where he compares himself to the unwavering and constant Northern Star, whereas we know that he can be fickle and can frequently change his mind. Here, he displays his belief in his own greatness and superiority, showcasing his susceptibility to flattery and his desire for unwavering loyalty. Caesar's ego and need for adulation make him susceptible to those who feed his vanity with excessive praise. This eventually becomes a major cause of his downfall.

1. The Craftsmen and their Canvas: In the vibrant tapestry of Indian politics, political sycophancy finds its perfect breeding ground. The sheer diversity of the Indian political landscape ensures that there are plenty of political figures who attract cult-like followership. From charismatic leaders to those with a larger-than-life persona, these individuals thrive on the unwavering loyalty of their followers. For the sycophants the adage is : “No succeeds like excess.”

2. Flattery and Hyperbole: At the heart of political sycophancy lies the art of flattery and hyperbole. Politicians and their followers have mastered the skill of crafting extravagant praises and exaggerated compliments. It's not uncommon to hear supporters hailing their leaders as the reincarnation of gods or the saviors of humanity. Hyperbolic expressions shape the political narratives, creating an aura of invincibility around their chosen leaders. “Lay it thick”, say an old hand.

3. Symbolic Gestures: In the realm of political sycophancy, symbolic gestures play a pivotal role. Whether it's the adorning of garlands, massive rallies, or public spectacles, politicians understand the significance of grand gestures. These acts serve to establish their supremacy and cultivate sycophantic behavior among their followers. The more flamboyant the gesture, the stronger the devotion it commands. “Shed all shame, if you want to be a sycophant”, remarked a young and upcoming politician from Punjab.

4. Loyalty at All Costs: In the world of political sycophancy, loyalty reigns supreme. The sycophantic followers are rewarded for their unwavering dedication with positions of power, patronage, and influence. The faithful are often given lucrative government posts, party positions, or other forms of recognition. On the flip side, dissent or even a hint of disloyalty can lead to swift retribution and exclusion from the inner circle. Never lose sight of the wisdom of the age-old idiom: “Be more loyal than the King”.

5. Walking the Tightrope: While political sycophancy has its benefits, it also walks a fine line between blind allegiance and credibility. Excessive sycophancy can undermine a politician's reputation, leading to skepticism among the masses. The art lies in striking the delicate balance between flattery and maintaining a semblance of authenticity and credibility. The keytip is : “When in doubt, keep mum.” Half-hearted praise is to be sedulously avoided.

6. The Joker's Game: Amidst the fervour of political sycophancy, there exists a satirical side that humorously criticises this behaviour. Satire and humor often serve as a tool to subtly highlight the excesses of sycophantic followers and the politicians they idolize. Political cartoons, memes, and witty one-liners offer a lighthearted way to shed light on the absurdities of blind devotion. No one put it better than the Bard himself: “Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit”.

7. Sycophancy in the Digital Age: The advent of social media has revolutionized the dynamics of political sycophancy. Online platforms have provided a breeding ground for virtual fandoms, where supporters amplify their idolization and engage in online adulation. Hashtags, viral campaigns, and curated online personas have become integral tools for politicians and their followers to showcase sycophantic behavior. “It’s all about time and timing”. Adulation delayed makes it stale.

8. Trolling and Cyber Sycophancy: Unfortunately, the digital age has also given rise to a darker side of sycophancy - online trolling. Behind the anonymity of their screens, trolls fuel the fires of sycophantic behaviour, often going to extreme lengths to defend their chosen leaders. The line between genuine support and manufactured online personas becomes increasingly blurred, as social media becomes a battleground for political loyalty. These so-called loyalists may actually cause more harm than good to their beloved leader

   

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9. The other face of sycophants: While sycophants often shower their leaders with excessive adulation and flattery, their behavior can take a somewhat contrasting turn when interacting with individuals lower in the hierarchy. It is not uncommon to witness sycophants exhibiting a sense of entitlement and displaying forthright rudeness towards those they consider beneath them. This dynamic stems from the belief that their unwavering loyalty to the leader grants them a sense of superiority over others. The sycophants, driven by a desire to maintain their favoured status, may resort to belittling or undermining those they perceive as competition or threats to their privileged positions. This behaviour not only reveals their hypocrisy but also serves as a reminder of the toxic nature of political sycophancy, where individuals engage in a double-sided game of charm towards the powerful while exhibiting callousness towards their peers.

10. “The King is dead. Long live the King”: When a cherished leader falls from grace or is replaced, the sycophants who once showered them with unwavering adulation exhibit a remarkable ability to swiftly shift their loyalty. With shameless ease, they transition their praises and flattery to the new individual who assumes the position of power. The phrase "The King is dead. Long live the King" captures this phenomenon aptly. It serves as a symbolic proclamation of the sycophants' ability to adapt and align themselves with the current power structure without any regard for the previous leader they once idolized. This swift transition highlights the opportunistic nature of political sycophancy, as the same individuals who once hailed their former leader as a demigod quickly discard their loyalty and turn their attention towards the new figurehead. It unveils the fickle and self-serving nature of these sycophantic followers, as their adulation seems to be driven by personal gain rather than genuine commitment or principles.

Conclusion: The subtle art of political sycophancy continues to captivate and entertain in the Indian political landscape. It reflects the complex power dynamics, opportunism, and public opinion within the realm of democracy. As we navigate this world, it is crucial to strike a balance between healthy support and blind allegiance, all while maintaining a sense of humour in the face of this art form that shapes the Indian political sphere. In the end, political sycophancy may be a game of flattery and exaggerated gestures, but it also serves as a mirror for the state of our democracy.

While this game goes on, “We, the People”, can sit back and enjoy.

KBS Sidhu. The Author is an IAS officer of 1984 Batch of Punjab cadre, and retired from service in July 2021, as Special Chief Secretary, Punjab, after 37 years of service.

The images are photos clicked by him.

He can be reached on kbs.sidhu@gmail.com or @kbssidhu1961 or https://www.facebook.com/kbs.sidhu