Indian Polity; the Over-ambitious are generally Humbled

Indian Polity; the Over-ambitious are generally Humbled​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd Sept. 2018

The movers-and-shakers of Indian polity seem to be behaving askew. This is apparent as we hear maligned argument ‘policy drafted by the other party in power earlier’ which doesn’t help, but the Netas refuse to take any clue from the past. Most parties and Netas were almost always about ‘each one for themselves’, but party commands could maintain some degree of balance of interests and hence a cohesive unit to be able to function coherently. Further multiple ideas within a party as well as multiple parties thrived as a result, each with its conclave and not having to do much with the people, so much so for a ‘functional democracy’. With ‘Game’, much of that policy seem to be in a flux. Now there seem to be a rush for ‘winnable themes’ amongst political Netas including a rush amongst high commands of political parties to position their parties or coalitions as the most bankable one. However, each one lacking in winnable ‘Game’ ideas that would keep larger masses at its core, is quite apparent. While the parties and political coalitions are popping up on the back of ‘confidence about a suitable political space’, however a sharply divided polity ensures very little of it in practice. Lack of winnable themes and/or reasoning with such parties/Netas/Coalition leads to even further marginalization. While the ‘social media or Game’ might be cited as a reason in whispers by the Netas, it is mostly about the Netas’ own hunger for power-grab and neglect of the people in general. At least, most Netas and parties are attempting to keep the ‘publics’ informed and the commercial news media too has followed up on this front , which wasn’t the case earlier. So, even if the Netas and the Media-workers perhaps not agreeing to it, polity in India is definitely in the ‘change mode’ and so the political churn is inevitable.

What is interesting is that even with current ‘heat’ there are very few ‘Game’ questions around state-level policies. This is even as we have a greater amount of ‘systems abuse’ as we progress-downwards in level of government; in other words this is even worse at municipal and local self-government levels. One of the challenges is that if a party raises any policy level question, its conduct in the states under its rule or during its own tenure in past also comes up for discussion. With the Common People’s Party taking a low, there seems to be a sudden ‘greater tolerance for corruption’ at the state-level now, even if the commercial news media doesn’t talk about this aspect of our polity. The Lokpal/s or any issues raised by them, seldom gets even a coverage since there are no more any champions left for that. As for the state leadership is concerned especially with party in rule, they are happier fighting basis ‘centralized images’ rather than basis ‘state’s performance’ as a criteria. The key opposition is also in ‘party consolidation’ mode at a national level and is happy for ‘national image’ play. So is the slugfest in the commercial news media (combination of channels), ever happy to oblige ‘their Netas’ and would continue to bat for such a play rather than for the mass’s point of view. The causality is discussions on Law & Order, state services to people of Education, healthcare, ration supplies, drinking water & sanitation, water for harvesting, stability of farm prices among other things. Of course, we are now witness to tall claims in these areas presently by a complying media, with very weak bowling by the opposition to pin-prink those hot air balloons. There might be little ‘development’ at the ‘state-level’ due to which ‘Game’ seems to be ‘open’ and considerable capacity for ‘flux’ but seems yet to be realized and none of the Netas want to bring-in ideas around how to turn-around the situation, as it would lead to questions on performance of the party else-where as well as in the past and therefore a ‘vacuum’ where ‘Common People’s Party’ is being missed.

On the developments in polity is the rise of new slogans around ‘jobs and developments’ with the expectation that these will happen with dysfunctional institutions like Education bodies including higher education, Judiciary, Law enforcement agencies, mobocracy et al. We also have lots of chest-thumping on the defence forces side while little for achievement on trade and commerce side and of course the slogans like ‘Make in India’ can’t be shouted much during elections for the repercussions that it may have. On the positive side, there is a new tax law and associated order/system in the form of GST (which no one’s sure that will not be politically targeted), a little discussions on loan defaulters (now-a-days) and therefore probability of some order/system in banking and the government in theory now understands that it has ways to cut down cost of logistics and also the cost of compliance for business. The UIDAI has given necessary munition in distribution of subsidies including ration or even toilets, but the same is yet to be utilized to go after leakages although government wants to use ‘data’ for tax collection side, it seems. Some steps have catapulted the government to push for ‘digital payments’ under duress which has led to creation of infrastructure but major institutions are yet to give this the necessary ‘push’. Now this sums up what the Center may have done, and on account of which state level Netas on the ruling side may be attempting to ‘shop for votes’.

It is in the back-drop of above that some of the Netas and Political parties/Coalitions are attempting to ‘find/discover’ a political space for themselves. They may be skirting to take ‘stand’ on a ‘good amount issues’ and attempting to ‘bat’ for select constituency which they believe would help them get a few seats to participate in ‘any’ post-election coalition. This is as per political line of most Netas that ‘our’s is good while other’s is bad corruption and not suited in national interest’, rather than having a clear line about corruption and similar ambivalence in other key areas rather than ideas/policies to be pursued for tackling such issues. This is when ‘Game’ has clearly demonstrated that questions and ideas on policy clearly tilts the electoral fortunes and quite easily so. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

In the realm of Indian polity, history has often shown that those who are over-ambitious are generally humbled by the democratic process and the complexities of governance. India, as the world's largest democracy, is a nation where the voices of millions resonate through its electoral system, and the people's will is a powerful force that can both elevate and bring down those who seek to lead. Politicians who enter the fray with an inflated sense of self-importance and a belief that they are invincible often find themselves facing the harsh realities of political life. The intricate web of alliances, the unpredictable nature of voter preferences, and the stringent checks and balances within the system serve as natural corrective mechanisms that can deflate even the most inflated egos. Moreover, the Indian media and civil society, known for their robust scrutiny of political figures, play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that no one person or party can dominate the political landscape without serious consideration of the public interest. Thus, while ambition is a necessary trait for leadership, those who navigate the political waters of India with humility and a genuine commitment to public service often find themselves more successful and respected in the long run.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Indian Polity; the Over-ambitious are generally Humbled​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd Sept. 2018

The movers-and-shakers of Indian polity seem to be behaving askew. This is apparent as we hear maligned argument ‘policy drafted by the other party in power earlier’ which doesn’t help, but the Netas refuse to take any clue from the past. Most parties and Netas were almost always about ‘each one for themselves’, but party commands could maintain some degree of balance of interests and hence a cohesive unit to be able to function coherently. Further multiple ideas within a party as well as multiple parties thrived as a result, each with its conclave and not having to do much with the people, so much so for a ‘functional democracy’. With ‘Game’, much of that policy seem to be in a flux. Now there seem to be a rush for ‘winnable themes’ amongst political Netas including a rush amongst high commands of political parties to position their parties or coalitions as the most bankable one. However, each one lacking in winnable ‘Game’ ideas that would keep larger masses at its core, is quite apparent. While the parties and political coalitions are popping up on the back of ‘confidence about a suitable political space’, however a sharply divided polity ensures very little of it in practice. Lack of winnable themes and/or reasoning with such parties/Netas/Coalition leads to even further marginalization. While the ‘social media or Game’ might be cited as a reason in whispers by the Netas, it is mostly about the Netas’ own hunger for power-grab and neglect of the people in general. At least, most Netas and parties are attempting to keep the ‘publics’ informed and the commercial news media too has followed up on this front , which wasn’t the case earlier. So, even if the Netas and the Media-workers perhaps not agreeing to it, polity in India is definitely in the ‘change mode’ and so the political churn is inevitable.

What is interesting is that even with current ‘heat’ there are very few ‘Game’ questions around state-level policies. This is even as we have a greater amount of ‘systems abuse’ as we progress-downwards in level of government; in other words this is even worse at municipal and local self-government levels. One of the challenges is that if a party raises any policy level question, its conduct in the states under its rule or during its own tenure in past also comes up for discussion. With the Common People’s Party taking a low, there seems to be a sudden ‘greater tolerance for corruption’ at the state-level now, even if the commercial news media doesn’t talk about this aspect of our polity. The Lokpal/s or any issues raised by them, seldom gets even a coverage since there are no more any champions left for that. As for the state leadership is concerned especially with party in rule, they are happier fighting basis ‘centralized images’ rather than basis ‘state’s performance’ as a criteria. The key opposition is also in ‘party consolidation’ mode at a national level and is happy for ‘national image’ play. So is the slugfest in the commercial news media (combination of channels), ever happy to oblige ‘their Netas’ and would continue to bat for such a play rather than for the mass’s point of view. The causality is discussions on Law & Order, state services to people of Education, healthcare, ration supplies, drinking water & sanitation, water for harvesting, stability of farm prices among other things. Of course, we are now witness to tall claims in these areas presently by a complying media, with very weak bowling by the opposition to pin-prink those hot air balloons. There might be little ‘development’ at the ‘state-level’ due to which ‘Game’ seems to be ‘open’ and considerable capacity for ‘flux’ but seems yet to be realized and none of the Netas want to bring-in ideas around how to turn-around the situation, as it would lead to questions on performance of the party else-where as well as in the past and therefore a ‘vacuum’ where ‘Common People’s Party’ is being missed.

On the developments in polity is the rise of new slogans around ‘jobs and developments’ with the expectation that these will happen with dysfunctional institutions like Education bodies including higher education, Judiciary, Law enforcement agencies, mobocracy et al. We also have lots of chest-thumping on the defence forces side while little for achievement on trade and commerce side and of course the slogans like ‘Make in India’ can’t be shouted much during elections for the repercussions that it may have. On the positive side, there is a new tax law and associated order/system in the form of GST (which no one’s sure that will not be politically targeted), a little discussions on loan defaulters (now-a-days) and therefore probability of some order/system in banking and the government in theory now understands that it has ways to cut down cost of logistics and also the cost of compliance for business. The UIDAI has given necessary munition in distribution of subsidies including ration or even toilets, but the same is yet to be utilized to go after leakages although government wants to use ‘data’ for tax collection side, it seems. Some steps have catapulted the government to push for ‘digital payments’ under duress which has led to creation of infrastructure but major institutions are yet to give this the necessary ‘push’. Now this sums up what the Center may have done, and on account of which state level Netas on the ruling side may be attempting to ‘shop for votes’.

It is in the back-drop of above that some of the Netas and Political parties/Coalitions are attempting to ‘find/discover’ a political space for themselves. They may be skirting to take ‘stand’ on a ‘good amount issues’ and attempting to ‘bat’ for select constituency which they believe would help them get a few seats to participate in ‘any’ post-election coalition. This is as per political line of most Netas that ‘our’s is good while other’s is bad corruption and not suited in national interest’, rather than having a clear line about corruption and similar ambivalence in other key areas rather than ideas/policies to be pursued for tackling such issues. This is when ‘Game’ has clearly demonstrated that questions and ideas on policy clearly tilts the electoral fortunes and quite easily so. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

This political article brilliantly unveils complex truths with both precision and an engaging touch. The writer's writing style is remarkably articulate and nuanced, capable of dissecting intricate political situations while maintaining a captivating flow. It's a testament to their ability to combine rigorous analysis with compelling prose. The structure is meticulously designed, guiding the reader through layers of political context and argumentation with a seamless and intuitive progression. This thoughtful arrangement allows for a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play. Furthermore, the outstanding clarity of the political insights is a defining feature. Arguments are presented with such sharp focus, and conclusions are drawn with such lucid directness, that the article becomes an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper, unambiguous understanding of political realities.