Politics in India

 

I do not profess to be an expert on politics- miles from that – in fact, I am not politically inclined and do not have a favourite party or politician etc. Just a common man with a few thoughts on his mind.   

So, before you start casting aspersions ….

I entreat you to please read the above lines again.

 

Cam across  some news this morning and that got me thinking – a very simple thought and no rocket science.

India is the world’s biggest democracy and despite the unity in diversity, there have been and still are various issues from time to time – and that is expected and often, we are all to blame. However, is it as vibrant as it should be? Is it balanced? Do we have a strong party at the centre with a worthy opposition, ready and able to challenge them, and keep them on their toes?  

The answer according to me is a vehement NO. I could be wrong.

 Now, while we all talk about a multi-party system( Read Democracy)  flourishing in India, if you observe very carefully, it looks more like a one-party system today, with no opposition actually being able to make its presence felt.

 With different parties pulling in different directions, economic progress often suffers, and any meaningful social welfare remains a dream. Coalition governments just do not work – nor do different parties at the centre and state - let’s understand and appreciate the fact that you can’t  have lions and sheep in the same cage and hope all will be well!

The current population of India is approximately 1.4 Billion. Now that is a very large figure indeed and hence pitfalls are innumerable and once again expected .  

As per the latest publication from the Election Commission of India, the total number of political parties registered was 2698, with 8 national parties & 52 state parties. The remaining, are unrecognized parties with a few thousand supporters each. Mindboggling to say the least.

However, what is very odd is the fact there seem to be just a handful of nationally known leaders spread across these parties.

Some of them were together in the same party and are now sworn enemies, while others were sworn enemies who are now strange bedfellows. Some jump parties at the drop of a hat and are known opportunists, while others try to keep themselves afloat by hook or by crook- legs in two boats and all that jazz!

Money plays a big role and definitely “makes the mare go” – But isn’t that politics?  

Stay with me here and permit me to do a further breakdown of that motley crew of about fifteen in number.

Some are well past their prime, others are more local than national in stature, some have proved themselves to be incompetent and a few do not seem to be sufficiently motivated or keen to take on bigger roles. The remaining few are not trusted by the minorities for whatever reason.

 Lastly , some have cases pending against them/ are not sufficiently educated or experienced.

All probably honourable men no doubt, so do not get me wrong- I am not pointing any fingers.

So where does that leave us, the common citizens and the country as a whole ?  

  Is there nobody worth his or her salt who is ready to stand up and say, “Count me in” Where are the intelligent, motivated, inspirational, reliable political leaders who we can trust to take our country forward? Have they been put to pasture or have they flown the nest?

As I see it, and as millions see it at the present moment  – there is very little choice, and that does not auger well for the citizens.

Some historians have suggested that two-party systems promote centrism, and encourage political parties to find common positions, which appeal to wide swaths of the electorate. It can lead to political stability which leads, in turn, to economic growth. Two of the world’s best-known democracies, the United Kingdom and the United States of America have two party systems. The UK has Labor and Tories, the USA has Republicans and Democrats.So, why do we have so many parties in India? Can we not have a think tank to overhaul the entire system?

I do not know, but I am sure there are so many intelligent friends and colleagues out there who would have great ideas and thoughts to share

(This is a bit of a contentious topic so polite comments will be appreciated please- don’t let yourself down by being nasty  )