Power, Politics and Policy

Prof. A N Sadhu
Power Politics and policy should go together in administrating a country. A proper blend of authority, political skillfulness and public oriented welfare policy, not only accords stability to the Government but also generates lasting impact to the advantage of the party in power. Power is the objective, Politics the strategy and policy the sustainability of a system that the Government establishes purportedly for the benefit of society. In the developing countries, all across the globe, political parties returning to power, choose to play more politics and ignore the policy imperatives that would win them genuine support of the masses. It is said that ” Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”; that seems to be the case in most of the countries that emerged as independent nations after the IInd world war. Political gains are pursued with an eye on power and not in the spirit of service to the people. Politics gets an upper hand over the policy paradigms. Sustainability is sought on the strength of political tricks and not on the strength of public morality demanding a sound policy aimed at social welfare which is not only symbolic but substantial as well. Prioritising political gimicks over policy concerns not only harm the people but also the party in power. People may not reveal displeasure overtly but it gets manifested through secret ballot to the shock of the party that might have been boosting of its political pundits matching the skills of chankya. An overshoot of self proclaimed political shrewedness is always dangerous if it is not backed up by people oriented policy, based on logic and reason.
Our country has passed through several vicissitudes of political journey from 1947 when it promised the people a just and progressive social order to promote growth with equity. How much has the country achieved uptill now, in that direction, is known? but of particular reference, is the period of last over four years when the country, with a new zeal, made a fresh tryst with its destiny setting lofty targets to be achieved as quickly as possible. The party in power, received a massive mandate and the party in the forefront in the previous seventy years, was reduced to margin much to the surprise of the world community. Was it a conscious vote for BJP or a conscious rebuff to the congress for not having worked the way, the people had expected it to do? The time will show. But, it is of utmost importance to examine if the balance of power, politics and policy was maintained by the new regime. A dispassionate view will suggest that it has not been done. Dissipating Congress has been the top objective besides promoting Hindu Nationalism and the fundamental objectives of tackling black money, corruption and inefficiency, on the one hand, and on the other, generating employment opportunities and controlling price rise, have not received adequate attention. Even otherwise, on political and socio economic front, the performance index leaves much to be desired. The economy continues to remain a gamble in monsoon and no sizeable increase has taken place in the investment in industry. Demonitisation and GST may have its advantages but it has visibly dented the job prospects in the country. Statistics relating to demonitisation does not reveal the realization of objectives for which it was done. GST has not brought about the integration of state Markets but it has certainly given spurt to market prices much to the discomfort of the masses. The agony is further aggravated by the abnormal rise in petrol prices. It certainly indicates policy failures of the Government because it has remained biassed in favour of power and politics leaving policy initiatives abegging. Demographic dividend which remained the core content of PM’s speeches has so far not been realized. In fact the demographic pressures are now seriously being felt and causing worry. Achhe Din are forgotten and people are struggling to maintain at least the economic status of Pre-Achhe Din. Politics has taken a heavy toll of policy imperatives. The pursuit of political power as the top priority relegated the policy paradigms to a relatively less importance and inadequate attention of the Government .
On the political front, the core issues before the Government are religious extremism, terrorism, growing intolerance, resettlement of displaced . Kashmiri Hindus and relations with, the neighbouring countries and, of course, international economic and diplomatic relations. Religious extremism in a country of vast diversity is a dangerous thing. The very constitution of the country is based on religious co-existence and secularism. The equality before law is the fundamental premise of our constitutional set up. Resorting to extremism is violative of the spirit of coexistence and multi-lateralism. Any violations of social code and conduct have to be dealt with the established laws and regulations; nobody can be allowed to take law into his hands. There have been cases of religious extremism which violate the very foundations of Indian ethos.
Terrorism in any part of the country has to be dealt with firmly. Be it Naxalism or anti nationalism, it has to end to let peace prevail and facilitate the development on an accelerated pace in the fast changing world . There seems to be no policy on handling the J&K problem. The state is in turbulence for the last 30 years and peace is elusive. Was it right to enter into an alliance which necessitated the meeting of two extremes. Absolutely not. The explanation that respecting the mandate of two regions warranted the forging of such an alliance is untenable. The visible inherent conflicts and contradictions do make such an alliance more harmful than serve any useful purpose. It was again a typical example of lust for power than for evolving a sound and reasonable policy of administering the different regions of the state. This unnatural alliance has caused immense damage to the state. The occasional statement that the options are still open to form the Government are not only misplaced but confusing as well. It is again an exhibition of greed for power and politics at the cost of a well meaning policy that has never been clearly enunciated. It shows lack of statesmanship and shortsightedness. Equally confusing is the stand taken on the voting of KPS in Panchayat and local bodies. The people living in places after than Kashmir for the last thirty years are asked to cast a postal ballot for people and places with which they are absolutely unfamiliar. Selecting 15 KPS for contesting elections from segments they have hardly visited during the last 30 years ammounts to making fun with grass root democracy. Again it smacks of unethical politics and lust for power without giving due thought to its repercussions.
There is growing intolerance which needs to be addressed. An overshoot of transitory political gains in the recent elections may not yield results unless due thought is given to policy concerns aimed at delivering relief and results to the people on lasting basis. Political parties must understand that their highhandedness will not carry them through thick and thin when faced with an electorate well informed and conscious of taking logical stands while exercising their choice.
The displacement of KPS is not only a national shame, it is also indicative of a potential danger, the country is faced with. It is unfortunate that during the last over four years no serious effort has been made for their return and rehabilitation. It raises many a questions, both on intention and competence. There is no visible or workable policy regarding their return and rehabilitation. The least that could have been done is the passage of Kashmiri Hindus temples and shrines Bill to protect and preserve the hindu heritage of Kashmir. Making lofty promises, when in opposition and sleeping over the same, when in power, is a sad commentary on the working of Indian politicians
On the international front, the Government did carve out a niche in the global arena though the PM’s efforts of selling the inherent strengths and niceties of Indian history and culture and convincing the world countries that India has the potential of providing global leadership in building a peaceful and humane world. However, while underlining the importance of the role that India can play on the international front, emphasis has to be on building a sound socio economic policy to make “Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas” a reality. This cannot be achieved if power and politics are given preeminence at the cost of policy parameters. It will be political extremism which has the portent of being as dangerous as any other form of extremism. Simmerings of conflict at home, Obfuscates the beauty of our heritage.
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