Idioms and phrases from THE HINDU editorial “Hateful, baleful: On the Assam Chief Minister and communally sensitive remarks”

Idioms and phrases from THE HINDU editorial “Hateful, baleful: On the Assam Chief Minister and communally sensitive remarks”

The recent comments made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he questioned the Muslim community's allegiance to India and flagged it as a possible trigger for communal tensions, have drawn widespread criticism. His remarks have been described as a cynical ploy to polarize the electorate ahead of the upcoming elections. Critics argue that such statements only serve to deepen divisions and are unlikely to help any party reap the benefits of peace and stability in the region. The plight of the Rohingya refugees was also mentioned, with some pointing out that the Chief Minister's comments could worsen their already dire situation.

Given the communally charged environment, many are calling for a more responsible approach from political leaders. There is a growing consensus that efforts should be made to rein in inflammatory rhetoric that could incite violence or discrimination. The tendency to use divisive language militates against the goal of national unity and risks undermining social cohesion at a time when it is most needed.

1)  Flagged as a possible trigger

• Meaning: Identified or pointed out as a potential cause or catalyst for something, often a negative event.
• Example: "The rising tensions in the region have been flagged as a possible trigger for future conflicts."

2)  Cynical ploy

• Meaning: A strategy or tactic that is deceitful and designed to take advantage of others, often for selfish or manipulative reasons.
• Example: "The politician's promise of tax cuts was seen as a cynical ploy to win votes."

3)  Reap the benefits

• Meaning: To gain advantages or profits from a particular action or situation.
• Example: "After years of hard work, she finally began to reap the benefits of her efforts."

4)  Plight of the Rohingya

• Meaning: Refers to the difficult and distressing situation faced by the Rohingya people, an ethnic minority group.
• Example: "The international community has been urged to address the plight of the Rohingya and provide humanitarian aid."

5)  Rein in

• Meaning: To control or limit something that has become excessive or out of control.
• Example: "The government needs to rein in spending to avoid further economic difficulties."

6)  Communally charged environment

• Meaning: A situation or atmosphere filled with tension or hostility between different religious, ethnic, or cultural communities.
• Example: "The politician's remarks only added fuel to the already communally charged environment."

7)  Militates against

• Meaning: To work against or make something less likely to succeed.
• Example: "The lack of resources militates against the success of the project."