New Delhi: An interesting trend is increasing rapidly in the country’s politics these days. As long as the leaders remain in their party, the desire to work for the party is visible on their faces and ideology in their speeches. But as soon as he wears the new political attire, his eyes become moist. The voice becomes louder and the entire atmosphere is filled with emotion. As if changing party is not a sacrifice of a lifelong penance. This story has been repeated so many times that the public has now started considering it a kind of political emotional routine.
This is the reason why tears in the eyes as soon as one changes clothes is no longer just a phrase but has become a new identity of politics. While logic and ideology have been left behind, the script of tears and emotions has come to the front seat. The question is why does this sensitivity suddenly awaken? Is this really a pain of heart or the effect of changing winds in the corridors of power? To understand this changing politics, some recent examples present an interesting picture.
Kailash Gehlot: Disillusionment with power or burden of accountability?
As soon as former Delhi minister Kailash Gehlot joined the new party, he felt choked up. Those issues which till yesterday he used to defend strongly like the Chief Minister’s residence or ‘Sheeshmahal’ have now become uncomfortable truth for him. He said that they are not under pressure but are hurt by the price fall. But this change in politics is not new… the rise of emotions sometimes seems more convenient than responsibility. Apart from Kailash Gehlot, party vice president of Delhi, national spokesperson and former chairman of the petition and estimates committee of the assembly Rajesh Gupta has also joined BJP. He also got emotional.
Delhi Aam Aadmi Party leader joins BJP. (BJP4India)
Jyotiraditya Scindia: Came out of ‘suffocation’ or chose the path to power?
Jyotiraditya Scindia, who played an influential role in Congress for decades, switched parties in 2020. His emotional statement was, I am very distressed today. But this anguish became apparent at a time when the changing equations in the politics of Madhya Pradesh were not in his favor.
Eknath Shinde: Rebellion, sentimentality and balance of power
During the split of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, emotions were associated with every step of Eknath Shinde. On one hand he was seen quoting the teachings of Balasaheb Thackeray. On the other hand, political equations were also making his path easier. His emotionality helped connect supporters who did not understand the rebellion.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Ghulam Nabi Azad: Emotions, resentment and new path
His journey, which started with tears in his eyes at the farewell to Rajya Sabha, takes a turn when he separates from Congress and forms a new party. Old memories, emotions and complaints are all visible together in many of his speeches at rallies. This incident shows that sentimentality sometimes becomes a way of paying respect to old relationships.
Ashok Chavan: Shadow of allegations and sensitivity of new beginnings
When former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan switched parties, he called it a difficult decision. His downcast eyes and heavy voice in front of the media were giving a message that this step had been taken thoughtfully. But according to political analysts, the new platform often also provides an opportunity to leave old difficulties behind.
Why is emotional defection increasing in politics?
- Leaders know that emotions quickly influence the public.
- Sentimentality is an easy way to make defection look like compulsion.
- Tears reduce the resentment of old supporters.
- Emotional scenes get more prominence in media coverage.
- Victim narrative often becomes a part of the strategy in power-opposition politics.
Major defections in recent years and the role of emotions
| name of leader | Year | major emotional statement | political context |
| Kailash Gehlot | 2025 | hurt by price decline | Delhi politics, entry into new party |
| Jyotiraditya Scindia | 2020 | I feel very distressed | Madhya Pradesh power struggle |
| Eknath Shinde | 2022 | Claiming to be a Shiv Sainik | Shiv Sena split |
| Ashok Chavan | 2024 | told a difficult decision | maharashtra politics |
| Ghulam Nabi Azad | 2022 | mention of deception and memories | Formation of new party |
5 patterns of ’emotionality’ of politics
- Defection is always described as “compulsion”.
- It has become mandatory to show respect towards old leaders.
- The message is sent emotionally to old voters.
- Emotional scenes make headlines in media coverage.
- Emotions have become a part of strategy in the new political equations.
The public is wise now
In politics, tears have now become not just a symbol of sentiments but a part of strategy. But the India of 2024–25 will not be like before, the public has started recognizing the political mathematics hidden behind the emotions. Whatever may be the reason behind party change, the tears in the eyes as soon as one changes clothes no longer impresses people as much as it used to do earlier.
