Is it time for Sangha to intervene & take control of the principal opposition Party

Is it time for Sangha to intervene & take control of the principal opposition Party

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 2nd June 2013

Politics makes strange bed-fellows and the same is the case for most of the leaders in the principal opposition. The senior leadership is generally supposed to progress the party into unexplored territory and to lay down governance principles for the areas within the party fold. The second rung leaders are supposed to abide by the principles and support senior leaders in their task of expanding the party base while grooming the younger genere of leaders who would eventually take over later by encouraging their active engagement with the masses to address their day-to-day problems. Likewise the senior leaders are supposed to be at the highest levels (a bit above day-to-day role but scouting opportunities in unchartered areas), second rung amongst governing/decision making executive and last rung in active engagement of people through media or otherwise. This seems to have broken in case of principal opposition with each leader having his own self view about his role resulting in a free for all. The reason is an abrogation of undiluted powers with tendency to concentrate powers with self or amongst one’s own supporters (rather than a division of powers according to merit).

While the Sangha has been active in propagating the ‘principles’ it abides by and grow the party in unchartered waters, however its current leadership is busy squandering the gains that have come them because of the failure of the current ruling dispensation. The country currently needs a different kind of SWADESI movement wherein organization oppose subsidy being granted to foreign manufactures by center and states which is killing domestic industry and jobs. The country also needs clearer position on Mining issues and distributed blocks (including those under distribution) and policies of Fertile land acquisition. The leaders of principal opposition are busy in-fighting which is being exploited by the ruling dispensation which is pushing its controversial Food security bill to bring out sharp division of views. This is likely to force a chunk of leaders go back to the old caste and religion politics while some others to pursue ‘economic issues’ that have come to fore. A lot of dust is being kicked up in the air with Cricket controversy and other regional issues. The skill/old magic of weaving ‘burning issues’ out of thin air along with associated leaderless movements seemed to have now been acquired by the Grand old party which is being used effectively against the opposition combine. The principal leaders in opposition have only accentuated the situation instead of performing their duties

In such a situation it is necessary that people who do not have a hunger for power intervene in a decisive manner to set discipline and put issues that they seem are likely to be the best for the party to go to Election with. The principal opposition party seems to be totally lost in quagmire of democracy where its second rung leaders in order to raise their profile are striking unsavoury alliances devoid of any principles with outside leaders effectively blocking senior netas role in such processes and compromising the party as well as their own chances to stand as an ‘effective leader’ for the country. The senior netas are consumed harnessing the existing alliances and supporting netas to usurp complete power rather than help evolving a ‘controlled power center’ where all leaders have a role depending upon merit.

There would off course be opposition to Sangha intervention with some leaders falling on wayside. Sangha’s support for some leader’s continuance in some of the states has not resulted in any benefit for the party. The Sangha has very limited ability to help party gain any additional seats outside their current area of dominance. Thus a preacher without service offering can be only of limited influence. However, many a Sangha ideologues have been consumed in the political cross-fire and are looking for reprieve and resurrection. This gives them a chance to find their place under the sun while getting back the Sangha’s own political outfit again into their command, which is so busy fighting with itself that it has ignored all its responsibilities to public. Looking at the current state of affairs, a nationalist intervention into politics seem to be a requirement since leaders have failed to mature to the extent required and the ‘rot’ seem to exist starting from the topmost level till the lower rungs.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The question of whether it is time for the Sangha, or the Buddhist monastic community, to intervene and take control of the principal opposition party in a nation is a complex and controversial one, rooted in the intersection of religion and politics. Traditionally, the Sangha has maintained a position of spiritual leadership, guiding ethical and moral principles rather than engaging directly in political governance. However, in contexts where political instability, corruption, or governance failures have severely impacted the well-being of the populace, some argue that the Sangha should step in to restore order and uphold the values of justice and righteousness. Proponents of this view suggest that the moral authority of the Sangha could provide a much-needed counterbalance to the secular political forces that have failed to address the needs of the people. They believe that the Sangha's involvement could lead to a more compassionate and ethical political environment, potentially rejuvenating the opposition party and offering a fresh perspective on national issues.

On the other hand, critics contend that such an intervention would blur the lines between religious and political spheres, potentially undermining the secular nature of the state and the principles of separation of church and state. They argue that the Sangha's primary role is spiritual, and its involvement in political matters could lead to conflicts of interest, as well as accusations of bias or favoritism. Furthermore, the Sangha's direct control over a political party could alienate non-Buddhist segments of the population, leading to societal division and unrest. It is essential to consider the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which such a decision would be made, as well as the potential long-term implications for both the Sangha and the political system. Balancing these considerations is crucial in determining whether the Sangha's intervention would ultimately be beneficial or detrimental to the nation's democratic processes and social harmony.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Is it time for Sangha to intervene & take control of the principal opposition Party

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 2nd June 2013

Politics makes strange bed-fellows and the same is the case for most of the leaders in the principal opposition. The senior leadership is generally supposed to progress the party into unexplored territory and to lay down governance principles for the areas within the party fold. The second rung leaders are supposed to abide by the principles and support senior leaders in their task of expanding the party base while grooming the younger genere of leaders who would eventually take over later by encouraging their active engagement with the masses to address their day-to-day problems. Likewise the senior leaders are supposed to be at the highest levels (a bit above day-to-day role but scouting opportunities in unchartered areas), second rung amongst governing/decision making executive and last rung in active engagement of people through media or otherwise. This seems to have broken in case of principal opposition with each leader having his own self view about his role resulting in a free for all. The reason is an abrogation of undiluted powers with tendency to concentrate powers with self or amongst one’s own supporters (rather than a division of powers according to merit).

While the Sangha has been active in propagating the ‘principles’ it abides by and grow the party in unchartered waters, however its current leadership is busy squandering the gains that have come them because of the failure of the current ruling dispensation. The country currently needs a different kind of SWADESI movement wherein organization oppose subsidy being granted to foreign manufactures by center and states which is killing domestic industry and jobs. The country also needs clearer position on Mining issues and distributed blocks (including those under distribution) and policies of Fertile land acquisition. The leaders of principal opposition are busy in-fighting which is being exploited by the ruling dispensation which is pushing its controversial Food security bill to bring out sharp division of views. This is likely to force a chunk of leaders go back to the old caste and religion politics while some others to pursue ‘economic issues’ that have come to fore. A lot of dust is being kicked up in the air with Cricket controversy and other regional issues. The skill/old magic of weaving ‘burning issues’ out of thin air along with associated leaderless movements seemed to have now been acquired by the Grand old party which is being used effectively against the opposition combine. The principal leaders in opposition have only accentuated the situation instead of performing their duties

In such a situation it is necessary that people who do not have a hunger for power intervene in a decisive manner to set discipline and put issues that they seem are likely to be the best for the party to go to Election with. The principal opposition party seems to be totally lost in quagmire of democracy where its second rung leaders in order to raise their profile are striking unsavoury alliances devoid of any principles with outside leaders effectively blocking senior netas role in such processes and compromising the party as well as their own chances to stand as an ‘effective leader’ for the country. The senior netas are consumed harnessing the existing alliances and supporting netas to usurp complete power rather than help evolving a ‘controlled power center’ where all leaders have a role depending upon merit.

There would off course be opposition to Sangha intervention with some leaders falling on wayside. Sangha’s support for some leader’s continuance in some of the states has not resulted in any benefit for the party. The Sangha has very limited ability to help party gain any additional seats outside their current area of dominance. Thus a preacher without service offering can be only of limited influence. However, many a Sangha ideologues have been consumed in the political cross-fire and are looking for reprieve and resurrection. This gives them a chance to find their place under the sun while getting back the Sangha’s own political outfit again into their command, which is so busy fighting with itself that it has ignored all its responsibilities to public. Looking at the current state of affairs, a nationalist intervention into politics seem to be a requirement since leaders have failed to mature to the extent required and the ‘rot’ seem to exist starting from the topmost level till the lower rungs.

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