Politics in India, Class Struggle and Public Response

Politics in India, Class Struggle and Public Response​

By:Amit Bhushan Date: 8th Jan. 2018

The challenge for ‘Class Struggle’ based politics is also around what the Netas refuse to appreciate and understand and that continues even when there are numerous examples. Basic challenge of the ‘poor’ is around ‘income assurance’. This shows up when there is ‘honest efforts (there aren’t many)’. For example, there have been government schemes around ‘homes for the poor’ being distributed free or at very low/subsidized costs. The beneficiaries took the properties and put it on rent and took their ‘shacks’ elsewhere. Clear pointer that for them ‘assured income’ is probably of much more value than ‘protection from weather’ afforded by the house. In fact ‘corruption or perception of corruption’ around such schemes ensures that there are few takers of these ‘political mantras’. A case in point is also the ‘Swacchh Bharat’ mission where the Netas of the ruling party itself do not even rate the scheme and its deliveries of ‘Toilets to households’ or even ‘supply of cooking gas’ of being any value towards their political success. The commercial news media which ‘notes’ that a newbie party scored lesser votes than NOTA in the recent election, ‘fails’ to take ‘note’ of the ‘digression’ in ‘political themes’ and low perception/reliance of the ruling parties Netas around the same as an electoral gambit. These schemes seem to have been relegated to advertorials alone nowadays. Also, the ‘past party’ in power in its first term did sing its way back to power on the ‘income assurance’ mantra in the form of NREGA, however its ‘supply assurance’ (under NFS act) for cheap grains supply in its second term) had few takers (there may be some difference regards supply of cheap medicines ‘Jan Aushadhi’ though. Corruption as well as perception of corruption also had a role to be fair to the party's assessment but the quality of program which gets response from people also needs to be understood including its political implications and policies/proposals drafted in line.

Now, looking at the above argument one (the readers of these articles) may be disturbed that these are sudden turn towards the ‘left’. In fact these are not, but these articles do want to set the direction of the policy towards achievement of the public goals and responses. The government’s Netas must be a bit more circumspect in the way they address ‘need for populism’ while they distribute out doles and rebates. For example, the government faced political challenges and the immediate response was to cut the tax rates in GST, and subsequently bureaucrats are being pushed to ‘balance the budgets’. There are no tax rebates for entrepreneurs who respond to the ‘need of the public’ say to create an improved ‘delta growth in employment/payroll within their firms (say 10% or more or an ‘x’ number and/or a high absolute number & above for the larger firms over their previous year payroll numbers)’. While the firms which succeed in qualifiers could be taking the rebate in final year end returns, and those that do not will plan to get these in subsequent year and the ‘political need’ to deliver ‘income assurance’ would have higher chance to ‘get delivered’ on account of entrepreneurial efforts and companies may shift from ‘recruit less’ to ‘recruit more’ mantra. A one percent or (0.5% may be) concession in GST rate for such firms would not alter competition drastically or impact government coffers, but would change orientation in line with public needs. Such schemes may get entrepreneurs to think about employment creation and improving services rather than ‘cost controls’ which are generally about minimizing employment. A benefit in the forms of ‘GST rebate’ which encompasses ‘all business’ could help change some orientations and could prove to be a booster for ‘employment’, ‘consumption’ and ‘business growth’ as well due to public response to the same. It should be noted that the ‘left view’ which created some schemes around ‘income assurance’ be it in form of ‘land reforms’ or ‘employment regulations’ etc. did help the Netas in these parties, however they went on to ‘plan’ for the ‘supplies’ as well often in ‘cohorts with select businessmen’, frequently leading to failures.

So what we have in the commercial news media is a ‘awakened’ left wing propaganda full of ideas on protection of ‘individual rights (including rights of individual workers)’ with lack of any ideas about ‘protection of payroll (total staffing numbers)’. The ‘idea’ has ‘served the country’ for ‘years’, even if struggling ‘somewhat’ to ‘convince the public ‘once again’. And a weak right wing ‘arguments’ around entrepreneurial freedoms often in support of ‘profiteering’ as a way of life even at the cost of ‘law and order’ and with total disregard for solutions to the ‘social needs (especially ones highlighted in these articles)’. This path may be rather ‘new’. No wonder ‘economic arguments’ have seldom ‘won’ Netas any elections (based on their own merits rather than ‘other factors’) to consider the same with any seriousness, so far. Response of public to economics is a rather new phenomenon otherwise the political parties and the Netas would happily discuss Caste and Religion and this would be propagated by the commercial news media as ‘core political concerns’ of the ‘public/s’. It should be noted that these articles are not arguing against ‘individual freedoms’ either that is proposed by the left or right, but for a level of ‘collective’ responsibilities as well, where the ideas seem to be distorted, but still propagated in rampant manner. However the policy making still much ‘slower’ to pick up and respond to these needs in an ‘imaginative manner’ to ‘hold public interests’ and this still seems to be the reason for ‘continued failure’ of the ‘arguments’. In the absence of realization of the needs to which public is responsive, we will continue to see political stunts dutifully broadcasted by the commercial news media as high value ideas of ‘our’ Netas with their supporters ‘ruling the roost’.

We are witness to the rise of the ‘commercial news media’ once again in its attempt to ‘define’ electoral agendas while it goes with gusto to promote ‘political storylines’. The ‘late’ realization by ‘political parties and Netas’ that it is economic arguments that are more popular with the ‘supporter base’ to ‘swing elections’ in ‘their favour’, seems to have pushed ‘electoral machinery’ a bit early for ‘the coming rounds’. The ‘interests’ of the commercial news media to continue with the ‘role of agenda setting’ ensures that they would push the ‘news’ around the speeches and appropriate side line discussions to their readers/ viewership, even if the Netas themselves have understood the falling levels of interest of the publics in the agendas being dished out, a case of ‘supply creating its own demand’. There is also a tendency to bring newer faces with the ‘same old agenda’ being vigorously pushed, but without any comment by the commercial news media making any ‘apt quote’ on the same. However the new tax filing systems or bank accounts being put to better use alongside technology for ‘social needs’ is something left out by the vested interests in the commercial news media. The whole concentration might be around ‘old themes’ like income tax rate for the ‘individuals’ and ‘rail passenger freight for example for the budget and the ‘game changer’ finance minister being exhorted to ‘do more’ on these lines. It should however be noted that many more policy decisions rather than just the one in ‘example’ might be required for any serious electoral implications though. And the political churn continues in India in the meanwhile. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…..

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Politics in India: The Intersection of Class Struggle and Public Response​

India, the world’s largest democracy, is a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and social structures. One of the most significant and enduring aspects of this complexity is the role of class struggle in shaping the political landscape. Class struggle, the conflict between groups with different economic interests, has been a defining feature of Indian politics since the country's independence in 1947. This article explores the dynamics of class struggle in India, its impact on political movements, and the public response to these tensions.

Historical Context​

The roots of class struggle in India can be traced back to the colonial era, where a stark divide existed between the British rulers and the Indian masses. The Indian National Congress (INC), which led the independence movement, was initially dominated by the educated middle class and the elite. However, the inclusion of peasants, workers, and other marginalized groups gradually transformed the nature of the struggle, making it more class-based.

Following independence, the government under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru adopted a policy of state-led industrialization and land reforms aimed at reducing economic disparities. Despite these efforts, the class divide persisted, and new forms of class struggle emerged. The Green Revolution in the 1960s, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity, benefited large landowners more than small farmers, leading to increased inequality and rural unrest.

Contemporary Class Struggle​

In contemporary India, class struggle is manifested in various forms, including labor movements, farmers' protests, and social justice campaigns. The economic liberalization initiated in the 1990s by the government, aimed at integrating India into the global market, has had mixed effects. While it has created a burgeoning middle class and a small but wealthy elite, it has also left a significant portion of the population behind, exacerbating economic disparities.

1. Labor Movements: India has a robust tradition of labor unions, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. Strikes and protests are common, often demanding better wages, working conditions, and social security benefits. The informal sector, which employs a majority of the workforce, is also increasingly organizing, although it faces significant challenges due to its precarious nature.
2. Farmers' Protests: Agricultural distress is a critical issue in India, where over 50% of the population relies on farming for their livelihood. Low crop prices, debt, and inadequate government support have led to widespread protests. The most notable recent example is the Farmers' Protest against the 2020 farm laws, which saw farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and other states camping at the borders of Delhi for months, demanding the repeal of the laws. Their persistent and peaceful demonstration eventually led to a significant public response and the government’s decision to roll back the reforms.
3. Social Justice Campaigns: Class struggle often intersects with caste and gender issues. Movements like the Dalit Rights Movement, led by groups such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the women's rights movement, represented by organizations like the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), highlight the intersectionality of social and economic struggles. These movements advocate for the upliftment of marginalized communities and equal economic opportunities.

Public Response​

The public response to class struggle in India is multifaceted, reflecting the country's diverse social and political fabric.

1. Support and Solidarity: Many Indians, especially from the middle and lower classes, have shown solidarity with labor movements and farmers' protests. The Farmers' Protest, for instance, garnered widespread support from various sections of society, including students, intellectuals, and even some segments of the middle class. Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing this support, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and coordination of efforts.
2. Apathy and Indifference: Conversely, there is also a segment of the population, particularly the urban middle and upper classes, who may be indifferent or even hostile to class-based movements. This apathy can be attributed to a lack of immediate personal impact and a perception that such movements disrupt economic stability and development.
3. Government Policies: The government's response to class struggle is often a mix of repression and co-optation. While some movements have been met with force, others have seen concessions and policy changes. The Farmers' Protest, for example, led to a re-evaluation of the farm laws and their eventual repeal. However, this response is not uniform, and the effectiveness of government measures in addressing class disparities remains a subject of debate.
4. Economic Reforms and Social Programs: To address class disparities, the government has implemented various economic reforms and social programs. Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide a safety net for the rural poor. However, the implementation and impact of these programs are often criticized for being inadequate or poorly managed.

Conclusion​

Class struggle in India is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon, deeply intertwined with the country's political, social, and economic systems. While movements like labor strikes and farmers' protests have achieved some successes, the underlying issues of economic inequality and social injustice remain persistent. The public response to these struggles is varied, ranging from strong support to indifference, and the government's approach to addressing class disparities is often reactive.

For India to truly realize its democratic ideals and ensure equitable development, it is imperative to address the root causes of class struggle. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes robust economic reforms, effective social programs, and a political environment that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all classes. As India continues to navigate the complexities of its diverse society, the role of class struggle in shaping its future cannot be underestimated.