Realigning amongst Secular Political Groups

Realigning amongst Secular Political Groups​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 9th Mar. 2018

With rise in level of consternation amongst the Netas, those with traditionally secular background in politics seems to be on roll. Basically the Netas want to be leaders in power-sharing but they also want to avoid replying to the ‘tough questions’ which such responsibilities begets them. Shifting ‘masks’ is a very common ploy when the going has started to get tougher, however what it means is that ‘the heat being produced by the opposition Netas is somewhat working’ and therefore to persist on those lines. However with such ploys like attempting to don a ‘new mask’, it only complicates the ‘opposition politics’ and makes it even murkier. This is because a cross-sections starts to welcome and canvass for their support to ‘brotherhood’ and seek some ‘business issue resolutions’ on preferential basis on account of these realignments. While some other groups start to re-jockey to defend their prime erstwhile position within ‘opposition’ camp that may have come to challenge on account new political landscape. The competition amongst Netas leads to dilution of the ‘tough questions’ and allows some to pander away some of these questions. That it’s only an ‘image management’ exercise, since what ‘art of possible’ couldn’t be articulated from the inside, could hardly be achieved from outside, is well understood in the Netadom. However sudden softening of the ‘commercial news media’ on such Netas which may still be in government is not understood since this ideally should not impact an independent news media.

As more and more fault-lines of the Netas in government get exposed, even the interal chaff amongst the Netas in the same party would become visible. Not that this is not already visible, however some deft handling including the back-room fixes possible on account of being in government have kept them under the carpet. However soon the government and the Netas will be in their ‘last years’ for this government and the pressure of going to public which is becoming increasingly assertive, will start to show. The Netas are now somewhat more open in their acknowledgement about the ‘change in public discourse’ that jobs, education and development have become ‘key talking points’ and ‘their old, bogus issues’ have actually ‘no place in politics’, something that these ‘Game’ articles in Management Paradise have maintained all along. It is important that the ‘commercial news media’ would listen and take this from the Netas, though not acknowledge its own folly of being ‘foolish’, and this is being very soft on it (term ‘commercial’ not being used here). Having said that, what is still not sure and needs to be drilled in is the fact that ‘all talks and no show’ also doesn’t have much of a place in politics and its acknowledgement by the Netas & the ‘commercial news media’, therefore this and the subsequent articles. The political churn is therefore on and likely to run its course, so the journos may have gala time to cover a host of the ‘new emerging netas’ as well as those ‘biting dust netas’. Many of the journos would know the usual suspects for each of the categories, but won’t spell out these names since they draw their remuneration from maintaining these image profiles rather than ‘spilling the beans’ or in other words ’asking tough questions’.

Nevertheless ‘tough questions bowling’ is still the new ‘Game’ in politics and veterans in the commercial news media, are only a reluctant follower of the trend rather than leaders to it. Since this is an ‘in thing’, so instead of blaming the social media, many of the journos would rather invite them to be trolled rather than making noise about banishing such trollsters. So you see invitation to ring Ghanti or react to twitter polls even reporting of the numbers of crowd following some Neta or behind some issue being reported with gusto. In fact journos unable to raise such hype from their ‘bowling of issues’ are increasingly going ‘out of fashion’ but that would take time to be realized. Till that happen some of the journos would have gala time reporting about their impact on issues or even making contesting claims like the one on SSC examination expose where several journos talking about their respective impact. Their non-recognition of the 'Game' factor would continue to reflect upon them, even if they are yet to recognize this fact and live in denial. In fact the ‘Game’ would want to host a poll on the same that ‘news channel’ should get any credits and if the news channel are agreeable to such a proposition from ‘Game’. What say the journos???

What is however interesting that would have to be ‘watched’ is going to be fate of Netas which are marred with corruption. The main parties haven’t made any effort to weed out such Netas on some pretex or the other. Also despite all the poll assurances and activity to weed out yesteryears laws, we still do not any action or public demand to ensure that courts ‘fix’ elected Neta’s cases expeditiously. ‘Game’ hopes that besides improving the judiciary, its quality as well as overall strength, we continue to a defined set number of legal procedures (on financial as well as criminal matters) to implemented expeditiously on the elected Netas (at national as well as the state level) including such investigative machinery being under direct supervision of the court. That the ‘national parties’ are reluctant on implementing any such proposals is understood, but that should not stop the smaller parties to push such a demand to gain such ‘freedoms’ by inching up the progress, may be. At least that would allow them to have a ‘cleaner national image’ and keep their political business on roll. A host of rural issue including their connect with 'Digital' basis laguistics is any case languishing, which could have had an impact on jobs and business. ‘Game’ has already predicted a ‘coalition’ for 2019. It may further be noted that 'Game' will be implemented only by the 'third flush', with 'first flush' already executed in 2014, and we seem to be on for the '2nd flush' or churning of the Netadom. So by 2024, the picture would be clearer. Let the ‘Game’ evolve….

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Realigning among secular political groups is a dynamic and often complex process that reflects the evolving social, economic, and cultural landscapes of modern societies. Secular political groups, which advocate for the separation of religion from state affairs, have traditionally formed coalitions based on shared values of rationality, equality, and human rights. However, in the face of growing demographic shifts, technological advancements, and global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, these groups are increasingly finding the need to reassess and realign their positions and alliances. The realignment process often involves engaging with new constituencies, such as younger voters who may have different priorities, and addressing emerging issues that were not as prominent in the past. For instance, the rise of digital technologies has introduced concerns about data privacy and surveillance, which secular groups are now integrating into their platforms. Similarly, the increasing awareness of social justice issues, including racial and gender equality, is prompting secular organizations to broaden their agendas and forge alliances with other progressive movements. This realignment is not without its challenges, as it can sometimes lead to internal debates and disagreements over the direction and focus of the group. Nonetheless, it is essential for secular political groups to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world, ensuring that they continue to represent the interests and values of their constituents while adapting to new realities.