The Tough Questions politics is here to stay

The Tough Questions politics is here to stay​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 3rd Dec. 2017

The commercial news media is sharply changing its programming contours in line with political party’s expectations. When mainline electoral contenders are criticized for fragmenting voters on caste lines (in the social media), some satraps starts to question their agglomeration around religion while the Neta’s pictograms are seen making speeches around economic arguments. There seem to be an absence of manifesto level commitments, and that seem to be no botheration for the pundits in commercial news media keenly focused on analysis of rhetoric.

Also, there seems to be a political dearth of ‘success’ story tellers in political parties and the commercial news media. It is almost always some statistical narrative in a bland manner. If there has been improved supply of electricity or rural road or some new primary school somewhere then some people may have benefitted, however only the newer problems like quality of teaching or accidents get covered by ignoring progress. Also the level of internal competition within states is very low and thus poses very low challenges to incumbent Netas e.g. West Bengal has surplus electricity and low cost labour as well as the right level of technical talent, but has been unable to attract any jewelry or textile units. Such entrepreneurs may be seen ruing about competition from China or some of them actually migrate there but Netas would seldom use competition to make improvements in the life of the people, however their rhetoric would continue to be highlighted by the media. Such arguments somehow always seem to be outside of the ‘realm of the art of the possible’.

Going by the current polity, the questioners seem to have an upper hand, however this may be entirely on account of limitation of the story tellers, on account of counter-questioning experts etc. So in spite of the projects like GIFT city, there is a lack of BPO/IT sector in Gujarat as the entrepreneurs have struck to older hubs, and in spite of the noise and questions, other states have not been able to nurture any sizeable diamond industry or textiles or utensils units of size similar to the state likely to elect its new leaders. So a lot of information is allowed to passed without scrutiny and lack of leadership to take up the challenge to bring ‘change’ and it seems to have been left to the social media or ‘game politics’ for local to national levels but not acknowledged by the Netas. Earlier there were a plethora of taxes & levies but with the much maligned Goods and Services taxes, there should be a change in the ‘Game’. The drive towards ‘ease of doing business’ as well as industrial and land reforms in states along with labour related policies should also have their impact. It seems the Netas in politics still need absorb the same and this may include our politico-economic pundits in the commercial news media, who haven’t yet raised questions in this direction. And this has been in spite of the decibel levels raised in the polls in what may only be a mid-sized state in India.

There seem to have some stupid counter-questions which do not rhyme with the ground level expectations. There still seem to be too much historical baggage in question and which may not be around ‘Game’ and seem to be cited only for deflection of some other issues with the mundane and raising the muck to muddle the political cesspool further. With the public mood around objectivity in questions as well as replies including counter-questions, the Netas seem to be losing some sheen, however those asking questions seem to have an upper hand as long as they can maintain relevance. It might have been better that Netas as well as the supporting commercial news media begins recording actual present situation and play is along to displat the change in situation like some of the before-after ads, given the credibility levels of the Netas and the media itself.

Basically, ‘Game’ still seem to be a tactical scoring point for the Netas and political parties rather than any philosophical commitment. This is after even having seen its impact on politics in India. The Netas in the largest state happily gave away the local bodies away rather than plan for any change for the basic unit of governance and if only they had questioned lack of investment by jewelry units in the state to tide over some immigration related issues, things could have been much different for state local elections gone by. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Tough Questions: Politics and Its Enduring Presence​

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancement and shifting global dynamics, the essence of politics remains as relevant and indispensable as ever. Politics, with its intricate web of power, policy, and governance, continues to shape the fabric of our societies, influencing everything from economic development to social welfare. Despite the transformative changes we have witnessed, the tough questions that politics seeks to answer remain constant, and the need for effective political systems and leadership is more critical than ever.

The Nature of Politics​

At its core, politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. It involves the distribution and exercise of power in a society, the creation and implementation of policies, and the management of conflicts and cooperation. Politics is not just about government; it touches on every aspect of human interaction, from the local community level to international relations. The tough questions in politics often revolve around issues of equality, justice, freedom, and the common good.

Why Tough Questions Endure​

1. Inequality and Social Justice
   
   • Economic Disparities: One of the most enduring questions in politics is how to address economic inequality. In many societies, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, leading to social unrest and polarized communities. Political systems must grapple with how to create a more equitable distribution of resources while fostering economic growth.
   • Racial and Gender Inequality: Issues of racial and gender inequality persist, raising questions about the role of government in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. Policies aimed at addressing systemic biases and promoting diversity and inclusion are essential but often met with resistance and controversy.
2. Democracy and Governance
   
   • Erosion of Democratic Norms: In recent years, there has been a notable erosion of democratic norms in various parts of the world. This trend raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of democratic governance and the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic values.
   • Corruption and Transparency: Corruption is a pervasive issue that undermines public trust in political systems. The challenge of maintaining transparency and accountability in governance is a tough question that requires ongoing vigilance and innovation.
3. Environmental Sustainability
   
   • Climate Change: The threat of climate change poses one of the most significant challenges of our time. Political leaders must navigate complex international negotiations and domestic policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. The tough question here is how to balance environmental protection with economic interests and political feasibility.
   • Resource Management: The management of natural resources, such as water and land, is another critical issue. Ensuring that these resources are used sustainably and equitably is a challenge that requires long-term planning and international cooperation.
4. Technology and Ethics
   
   • Digital Privacy: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, questions about digital privacy and surveillance have become more pressing. How can governments protect citizens' privacy while ensuring security and effective governance?
   • Artificial Intelligence and Governance: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents new ethical and practical questions. How should AI be regulated to prevent misuse and ensure it benefits society? What role should AI play in decision-making processes, and how can we ensure that it is transparent and fair?
5. Globalization and National Sovereignty
   
   • Economic Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the global economy raises questions about the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation. How can countries protect their interests while participating in global trade and financial systems?
   • Cultural Globalization: The spread of ideas and cultures across borders can lead to both enrichment and conflict. Political leaders must address how to preserve cultural identities while embracing the benefits of a globalized world.

The Importance of Political Engagement​

To effectively address these tough questions, active political engagement is essential. Citizens, organizations, and governments must work together to create policies that reflect the values and needs of their societies. This engagement involves:

• Voting and Civic Participation: Participating in elections and other civic activities is crucial for holding leaders accountable and influencing political outcomes.
• Education and Awareness: Understanding the issues and the political processes that shape them is vital for making informed decisions and advocating for change.
• Constructive Dialogue: Engaging in open and respectful dialogue with those who have different views can lead to more effective solutions and a stronger, more resilient society.

Conclusion​

Politics is not a static field; it evolves with the changing dynamics of society. However, the tough questions it addresses—issues of inequality, governance, environmental sustainability, technology, and globalization—remain as relevant today as they have ever been. The enduring presence of politics underscores its importance in shaping a better future for all. By actively engaging in the political process, we can work towards solutions that promote justice, equality, and the common good. The tough questions may never go away, but through collective effort and commitment, we can continue to make progress in the face of these challenges.