The Politics and the art of Questions and next change

The Politics and the art of Questions and next change​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 4th July 2016

The political parties & leaders especially those who are aggressive challengers or in doldrums, are taking to the art of posing tough questions. This seems to be certainly an improvement in polity as sought by alternative politics/social media activists (maybe) like "yours truly" (for sure). This seems to be raising the bar especially when political representatives can figure out some real clincher or punch questions during these "in camera" shows on the idiot box.

This may allow for a moment of limelight for the burnt out strugglers and sometimes the ruling leaders may allow such 'show' for the sake of democracy and take beating in their stride.The political leaders would however also need to ponder that why even after such clinchers in mass media with its vast reach, the on ground situation remains a tight battle with tahe same people having limited impact on crowd/s. What would possibly be discovered is that the debates on idiot box may be only around sundry policies or some emotive issue.

Take the case of changes in aviation policies or fall of a bridge near election period, which impacts a rather "limited" cross section of people who may be described as "elite" consumers of the commercial news media. There has been little debate except to sing praises for the policy generally while its impacts on projects may be forgotten/not discussed. The transformation of a policy declaration into regulations and subsequent rising of projects both in public and private sector is a long road to be traversed and skills of the politicians to show that they have some handle/influence; is seldom depicted. This even so where people especially businesses are concerned more about impact or delivery and that is why we have clamour amongst netas for "executive roles".

So what may be happening is a soft brand promotion of the low to medium rung netas. However, their capacity to influence policies and projects (and as result delivery to people) may be at wane, given the fact that such Netas may be totally absent from serious debates say in channels with a “House" tag. Also, the ground activities of the netas is seldom discussed like what they may have done for Dam and Irrigation project management to improve effectiveness for farmers, if at all. So we do have a rise of braggadocios' in the age of idiot box politics. The frequent voicing of tough questions seems actually putting the influential netas on back foot.

While the netas may blame social media with scathing commentary, however the reason more appropriately is the need to project a God-like imagery for the “larger than life” netas to maintain their status rather than a win-some and loose-some option which has little charms for politicians.Getting the government to improve sanitation by improving drainage network in a locality, or to improve water supply, electricity supply in urban areas; or agitation to improve healthcare facilities or schooling in rural areas seems to be given a miss. This is because the 'big' commercial news media which seems to have some hook of people especially on "opinion makers" amongst well educated lot, prefers them. The local news channels limited to a state is often given a miss by most such people.

This is even as many of these people would like to have themselves invited to such shows and have a better chance with the local news channels rather than the 'big' news media. Lack of reaching out to involve people in news selection for display in local channels whereby they can see themselves agitating for their cause; has limited the impact and following of the local news channels. This is especially so as commercial news media takes to raising some tough questions, a bit more often.

The ability to impact for the local news media goes up when it impartially depict people making or seeking to make an impact especially around administrative matters affecting an identified community. This can be from builders violating bye-laws which happens most often or a government contractors dithering in fulfilment of contract impacting community or administration ignoring/condoning officers on such issues, often passing the buck. It the local news media supports people with a cause to mobilize support by giving them a leg up, it raises its own credibility.

This is often put to notion that it will lead to ordinary people bringing in their garbage on media to confuse and tangle administration with ordinary matters whereas people prefer extra-ordinary and extra-ordinary things raise viewership. However that people prefer to reflect upon their own extra-ordinary efforts and want a word spread about it, is often lost. That this would cause chaos (especially Political) is another mis-placed notion as social media has shown.

In fact one person noise can be countered much more easily provided they aren't for the benefit of larger masses as is depicted by social media. Also, this often leads to improve thinking as people will be shy to display lack of knowledge or get cornered easily under tough questions regime.While political parties have largely shunned or discouraged such arenas, however in world which is increasingly networked with the rise of social media, it is for the political parties and leaders to change and co-opt such people. This is so as it would help the parties and leaders as well as commercial news media might prefer to have more people on their side "spitting outside" rather than people outside "spitting inside", the later causing a flutter amongst workers and ruining political/media careers.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The interplay between politics and the art of asking questions is a profound and enduring aspect of human society. In the realm of politics, the ability to pose the right questions at the right time can be a powerful tool for shaping discourse, influencing policy, and galvanizing public opinion. Politicians and policymakers often use questions to navigate complex issues, to challenge the status quo, or to highlight gaps in their opponents' arguments. This strategic use of questions is not just a matter of rhetoric; it is a sophisticated form of communication that can reveal underlying assumptions, clarify intentions, and foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. However, the art of questioning also carries significant ethical responsibilities. Manipulative or leading questions can distort the truth, while well-crafted, open-ended questions can promote transparency and dialogue. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to ask meaningful, forward-looking questions is more crucial than ever. As societies face new challenges—be they environmental, economic, or social—questions that probe the underlying causes and potential solutions become the foundation for progress. The evolution of political discourse, therefore, is not just about finding answers but also about refining the questions we ask, ensuring they are informed, inclusive, and oriented towards a better future. This constant refinement of questions reflects the dynamic nature of politics itself, where the quest for knowledge and the drive for change are inextricably linked.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Politics and the art of Questions and next change​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 4th July 2016

The political parties & leaders especially those who are aggressive challengers or in doldrums, are taking to the art of posing tough questions. This seems to be certainly an improvement in polity as sought by alternative politics/social media activists (maybe) like "yours truly" (for sure). This seems to be raising the bar especially when political representatives can figure out some real clincher or punch questions during these "in camera" shows on the idiot box.

This may allow for a moment of limelight for the burnt out strugglers and sometimes the ruling leaders may allow such 'show' for the sake of democracy and take beating in their stride.The political leaders would however also need to ponder that why even after such clinchers in mass media with its vast reach, the on ground situation remains a tight battle with tahe same people having limited impact on crowd/s. What would possibly be discovered is that the debates on idiot box may be only around sundry policies or some emotive issue.

Take the case of changes in aviation policies or fall of a bridge near election period, which impacts a rather "limited" cross section of people who may be described as "elite" consumers of the commercial news media. There has been little debate except to sing praises for the policy generally while its impacts on projects may be forgotten/not discussed. The transformation of a policy declaration into regulations and subsequent rising of projects both in public and private sector is a long road to be traversed and skills of the politicians to show that they have some handle/influence; is seldom depicted. This even so where people especially businesses are concerned more about impact or delivery and that is why we have clamour amongst netas for "executive roles".

So what may be happening is a soft brand promotion of the low to medium rung netas. However, their capacity to influence policies and projects (and as result delivery to people) may be at wane, given the fact that such Netas may be totally absent from serious debates say in channels with a “House" tag. Also, the ground activities of the netas is seldom discussed like what they may have done for Dam and Irrigation project management to improve effectiveness for farmers, if at all. So we do have a rise of braggadocios' in the age of idiot box politics. The frequent voicing of tough questions seems actually putting the influential netas on back foot.

While the netas may blame social media with scathing commentary, however the reason more appropriately is the need to project a God-like imagery for the “larger than life” netas to maintain their status rather than a win-some and loose-some option which has little charms for politicians.Getting the government to improve sanitation by improving drainage network in a locality, or to improve water supply, electricity supply in urban areas; or agitation to improve healthcare facilities or schooling in rural areas seems to be given a miss. This is because the 'big' commercial news media which seems to have some hook of people especially on "opinion makers" amongst well educated lot, prefers them. The local news channels limited to a state is often given a miss by most such people.

This is even as many of these people would like to have themselves invited to such shows and have a better chance with the local news channels rather than the 'big' news media. Lack of reaching out to involve people in news selection for display in local channels whereby they can see themselves agitating for their cause; has limited the impact and following of the local news channels. This is especially so as commercial news media takes to raising some tough questions, a bit more often.

The ability to impact for the local news media goes up when it impartially depict people making or seeking to make an impact especially around administrative matters affecting an identified community. This can be from builders violating bye-laws which happens most often or a government contractors dithering in fulfilment of contract impacting community or administration ignoring/condoning officers on such issues, often passing the buck. It the local news media supports people with a cause to mobilize support by giving them a leg up, it raises its own credibility.

This is often put to notion that it will lead to ordinary people bringing in their garbage on media to confuse and tangle administration with ordinary matters whereas people prefer extra-ordinary and extra-ordinary things raise viewership. However that people prefer to reflect upon their own extra-ordinary efforts and want a word spread about it, is often lost. That this would cause chaos (especially Political) is another mis-placed notion as social media has shown.

In fact one person noise can be countered much more easily provided they aren't for the benefit of larger masses as is depicted by social media. Also, this often leads to improve thinking as people will be shy to display lack of knowledge or get cornered easily under tough questions regime.While political parties have largely shunned or discouraged such arenas, however in world which is increasingly networked with the rise of social media, it is for the political parties and leaders to change and co-opt such people. This is so as it would help the parties and leaders as well as commercial news media might prefer to have more people on their side "spitting outside" rather than people outside "spitting inside", the later causing a flutter amongst workers and ruining political/media careers.

This political article is a masterclass in persuasive communication. The writer's writing style is remarkably incisive and authoritative, cutting through complex issues with clarity and conviction. There's a palpable sense of purpose in every sentence, driving the argument forward with intellectual rigor. The structure of the piece is strategically designed to build a compelling case, carefully introducing evidence and counterpoints in a way that maximizes their impact. Each section contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative, leading the reader towards a well-reasoned conclusion. Critically, the clarity with which the political landscape and proposed solutions are articulated is exemplary, leaving no ambiguity about the writer's stance or the implications of their analysis. This is not just reporting; it's a powerful and accessible contribution to public discourse.