Every country has certain untouchable topics in politics—subjects so sensitive that they can sway elections and change the course of governments. In India, that untouchable is something you might not expect: the onion. Yes, the humble onion, a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, holds significant sway over the country’s political landscape.
India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of onions, right after China. Onions aren’t the main food source in India—that title goes to rice. But onions are used in nearly every dish, starting with frying them up and often finishing a meal with a serving of raw onions on the side. Their flavor is essential to Indian cuisine, and because of this, onions have become a symbol of political power.
Politicians in India know that keeping onions affordable is crucial. If onion prices soar, the public isn’t happy, and an unhappy public can mean trouble at the polls. This was clearly seen in 1980 when Indira Gandhi, India’s Prime Minister, focused on onion prices to win back power. When onion prices spiked, it led to a huge political backlash, showing just how powerful this vegetable can be.
Fast forward to last year: as India prepared for general elections, the government banned onion exports to keep prices low at home. This move was crucial because high onion prices could have been a major setback for any politician’s campaign. The strategy worked; with affordable onions, Narendra Modi was re-elected as Prime Minister. After securing his win, Modi lifted the export ban, balancing public satisfaction with boosting the onion industry.
In India, onions are more than just a vegetable—they are a political tool. Politicians must handle them carefully if they want to succeed.
But what about other countries? What are their political untouchables? In Zimbabwe, for instance, the political scene is shaped not by food but by control over resources. Much of Zimbabwe’s wealth, such as minerals, is exported rather than used to benefit the local economy. This disconnect has made the real “untouchables” not commodities, but the politicians themselves—often viewed almost like cult leaders. These leaders maintain their power through handouts and loyalty, not necessarily by improving the country’s situation.
So, while Indians fiercely protect their onions, Zimbabweans might wonder: what could be their equivalent? What could ignite a political movement for real change? Understanding these untouchables can reveal a lot about the unique political dynamics of a country.
Source: Newsday
