Currency Woes, Personality Politics and the Media’s love with the Caste Equations

Currency Woes, Personality Politics and the Media’s​

love with the Caste Equations​

​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd Nov. 2016

Amid currency woes of the common people, media would not be shy to highlight the (their) favourite Neta’s political speak, howsoever bereft of any tangible suggestions or workable plans they may be or even if they lack full facts. The rhetoric is sought to be served to population with full gusto and nearly everyone with some common sense is able to see through this ‘game’. With the reducing ‘queue’, now the ordinary people may be looking at how to get back the jobs, and what is finally unearthed out of the massive exercise. His ultimate vision would be what reaches him/her and if that’s coming via infra upgrade, salary hike or something else, but tangible. The politicians demanding roll-back may be on verge of losing the plot very soon, though may find favour with farmers who may have had to liquidate cheaply or people who may have had undergone some life events.

On the part of government while it tom-tommed euphoric victory against militants in some trouble spots, it missed the bus to talk about the drug mafia in election bound states and other areas known for cultivation of illegal poppy. The media plan smacks off plan to shore up leadership credentials rather than any tangible measures or agenda since war on drug mafia may require many additional measures besides Demonetization. While the fall in land/real estate is being celebrated in media, but have any real investors reported any quantifiable benefits is not known, as of yet. What is certain is certain properties may be off market for some time now and construction of residential properties in metro cities may hit a bottom. For any boom in investments, such stories may need to come out as demonstrable proof otherwise this may all appear as personality projection.

On part of the ‘opposition’ there seems to be those wanting ‘roll-back of Demonetization’ and those who may want debate on ‘Demonetization issue’. This seems like a pull-back of demand for White-paper on the subject of Black-money and related promises to people, even if pursued with full vigor and drama. While a debate makes some sense since it would expose a lack of planning including making the fault-lines in government becoming more visible, a roll-back of the measure ‘after 15 days’ of pain having already being endured may not be good for the people now looking for some tangible results. Since the government has not moved to block any of measures due to which the black economy had thrived, it is likely that the same economy might thrive with double the gusto again unless new policy measures are taken to promote tax compliance. Quite a few of these measures might be in hands of the states and those states controlled by the party ruling at the center may therefore need to take lead in expanding tax-compliant business activities through evolving suitable processes and attracting visible investments to be able to showcase the success.

‘Choking’ the law-making in order to be able to voice public-woes under specific rule as a strategy will only be looked down unless there is no dilution of the earlier election issue which was around black-money, corruption, big-holes in policy making and employment generation. The woes of public on account of Demonetization may be an opportunity that needs to exposed, but this would clearly be an opportunity with falling dividends from an electoral perspective. In fact with around half of the expected money in banks (5 lack crore) already (authors’s guesstimate, consider cash in circulation is projected around 16 lack crore), a bulk of the common people (50-60%) may have already been served, even if not to a full/desired extent. Much more enduring questions could be if people would be getting enough benefits to tide over the losses that they have suffered on account of Demonetization. If yes, than through what tangible actions and the purpose that could be served through those actions. The metrics around the same could be defined and tracked by media which in case is slipping against social media.

By focusing on Demonetization alone, the political focus on lack of delivery of promise to people seems to be getting hugely diluted. This may be true for not only those in center but also those elsewhere. It may be noted that woes seem around Demonetization rather than lack of planning and resulting failure of institutionalized delivery of services by state agencies on account of government’s decision is a concern be highlighted to argue for roll-back (and if it is a communications issues then it needs to be tackled immediately). While this may be true for those lost, but also those who won seem to be slipping away. The party which wanted Delhi turned to paradise seems to have deflected raging pollution from debate or the issues around water management for specific states from issue list probably for not having a practically implementable policy set. Similarly some other states haven’t really come up with why they may not benefit from investments that is sought to be promoted on back of such moves.

While there be more confusion than a thought out plan to lead people’s agitation, it seems that current the ambivalence continues and political leaders and parties seem not to be leading the same. Now sure which leaders may be in some serious study and have better planned moves. Let’s see the game evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

In recent years, India has faced a series of economic and political challenges that have been intricately woven into the fabric of its social and media landscape. Currency woes, particularly the depreciation of the rupee against major global currencies, have been a recurring theme, causing widespread concern among economists, policymakers, and the general public. The economic instability has been exacerbated by global factors such as fluctuating oil prices and trade tensions, but it has also been influenced by domestic issues, including monetary policies and fiscal management. This economic turbulence has not only impacted the country's financial health but has also become a significant political issue, often used as a weapon in the hands of opposition parties to critique the government's economic policies.

Personality politics in India has long been a dominant force, with political leaders often commanding a near-cult following among their supporters. The personal charisma, rhetoric, and public image of political figures can sway voters more than their policies or party platforms. This has led to a situation where political debates are often reduced to personal attacks and defenses, rather than substantive discussions on issues. The media, in turn, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of these personalities. Media outlets, often aligned with specific political ideologies, can either build up or tear down a politician's image, influencing the political narrative and public opinion.

The media's fascination with caste equations adds another layer of complexity to this dynamic. Caste has historically been a fundamental aspect of Indian society, and it continues to play a significant role in politics, often determining voting patterns and political alliances. The media's coverage of caste issues, from the election of Dalit leaders to the tensions between different caste groups, is both extensive and often sensationalized. This focus on caste not only reflects the deep-seated social structures in India but also serves the media's interests in capturing the attention and engagement of its audience. However, this can sometimes overshadow other critical issues, leading to a skewed public discourse.

The interplay between these three elements—currency woes, personality politics, and the media's preoccupation with caste—creates a complex and often volatile political environment in India. Economic challenges are frequently politicized, with leaders using their personal charm and media presence to either deflect blame or rally support. Meanwhile, the media's persistent focus on caste can both highlight important social issues and divert attention from the urgent need for economic reform and policy innovation. As India continues to navigate these challenges, the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the political landscape remains a critical area of scrutiny and debate.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Currency Woes, Personality Politics and the Media’s​

love with the Caste Equations​

​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd Nov. 2016

Amid currency woes of the common people, media would not be shy to highlight the (their) favourite Neta’s political speak, howsoever bereft of any tangible suggestions or workable plans they may be or even if they lack full facts. The rhetoric is sought to be served to population with full gusto and nearly everyone with some common sense is able to see through this ‘game’. With the reducing ‘queue’, now the ordinary people may be looking at how to get back the jobs, and what is finally unearthed out of the massive exercise. His ultimate vision would be what reaches him/her and if that’s coming via infra upgrade, salary hike or something else, but tangible. The politicians demanding roll-back may be on verge of losing the plot very soon, though may find favour with farmers who may have had to liquidate cheaply or people who may have had undergone some life events.

On the part of government while it tom-tommed euphoric victory against militants in some trouble spots, it missed the bus to talk about the drug mafia in election bound states and other areas known for cultivation of illegal poppy. The media plan smacks off plan to shore up leadership credentials rather than any tangible measures or agenda since war on drug mafia may require many additional measures besides Demonetization. While the fall in land/real estate is being celebrated in media, but have any real investors reported any quantifiable benefits is not known, as of yet. What is certain is certain properties may be off market for some time now and construction of residential properties in metro cities may hit a bottom. For any boom in investments, such stories may need to come out as demonstrable proof otherwise this may all appear as personality projection.

On part of the ‘opposition’ there seems to be those wanting ‘roll-back of Demonetization’ and those who may want debate on ‘Demonetization issue’. This seems like a pull-back of demand for White-paper on the subject of Black-money and related promises to people, even if pursued with full vigor and drama. While a debate makes some sense since it would expose a lack of planning including making the fault-lines in government becoming more visible, a roll-back of the measure ‘after 15 days’ of pain having already being endured may not be good for the people now looking for some tangible results. Since the government has not moved to block any of measures due to which the black economy had thrived, it is likely that the same economy might thrive with double the gusto again unless new policy measures are taken to promote tax compliance. Quite a few of these measures might be in hands of the states and those states controlled by the party ruling at the center may therefore need to take lead in expanding tax-compliant business activities through evolving suitable processes and attracting visible investments to be able to showcase the success.

‘Choking’ the law-making in order to be able to voice public-woes under specific rule as a strategy will only be looked down unless there is no dilution of the earlier election issue which was around black-money, corruption, big-holes in policy making and employment generation. The woes of public on account of Demonetization may be an opportunity that needs to exposed, but this would clearly be an opportunity with falling dividends from an electoral perspective. In fact with around half of the expected money in banks (5 lack crore) already (authors’s guesstimate, consider cash in circulation is projected around 16 lack crore), a bulk of the common people (50-60%) may have already been served, even if not to a full/desired extent. Much more enduring questions could be if people would be getting enough benefits to tide over the losses that they have suffered on account of Demonetization. If yes, than through what tangible actions and the purpose that could be served through those actions. The metrics around the same could be defined and tracked by media which in case is slipping against social media.

By focusing on Demonetization alone, the political focus on lack of delivery of promise to people seems to be getting hugely diluted. This may be true for not only those in center but also those elsewhere. It may be noted that woes seem around Demonetization rather than lack of planning and resulting failure of institutionalized delivery of services by state agencies on account of government’s decision is a concern be highlighted to argue for roll-back (and if it is a communications issues then it needs to be tackled immediately). While this may be true for those lost, but also those who won seem to be slipping away. The party which wanted Delhi turned to paradise seems to have deflected raging pollution from debate or the issues around water management for specific states from issue list probably for not having a practically implementable policy set. Similarly some other states haven’t really come up with why they may not benefit from investments that is sought to be promoted on back of such moves.

While there be more confusion than a thought out plan to lead people’s agitation, it seems that current the ambivalence continues and political leaders and parties seem not to be leading the same. Now sure which leaders may be in some serious study and have better planned moves. Let’s see the game evolve…

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