- This is one phenomenon the country can do without. For all its worth, the political landscape in the country is strewn with so much uncertainty, unpredictability, and unquantifiable intangibles that it requires a greater understanding of the situation to make some semblance of sense. Off late, the party hopping by the turncoats has assumed such proliferation that even the keen followers of political happenings might fail to come to terms with what’s happening around them. Not for nothing the moniker Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram was penned highlighting the malice inflicting the political fraternity for changing sides so nonchalantly.
PC: Pranav Jalan
- Strangely, this trend is not restricted to a few political outfits alone but is widely prevalent amongst all of them. Of course, none can deny any leader from seeking out greener pastures even if the stated objectives, ideologies, assurances, promises, and reassurances are thrown into the wind while making such a move. Seamlessly adorning the new party ideologies comes easily to political manipulators whose only intention is to stay in power or near Power-Centre. Who will question if someone chooses to bid for the winning horse, you see? Since the announcements for the five state assembly elections are behind us, the churning has already commenced with prominent leaders shifting allegiance in right earnest.
- How this gets manifested can be seen in some of the surprises thrown during the 2017 assembly elections allowing the BJP to ease into government formations in Manipur and Goa. Mind you, Congress was the single largest party in both states. As the Congress high command waffled, BJP’s central leaders were quickly off the block to forge overnight alliances with several regional parties to form governments in Manipur as well as Goa. Now, small assembly sizes and fragmented political fields make it easier to woo deserters and change governments unlike big assembly, say Uttar Pradesh. The moot point to ponder over here is what will happen to pre-poll alliances formed before fighting the elections on an agreeable common minimum program.
PC: BusinessToday.In
- Needless to mention, nothing, as what matters ultimately for the political leaders is to grab power even if it entails breaking the promises made before taking a plunge into the conundrum. On the flip side, these uncalled-for frequent defections are certainly not a good sign for democracy to thrive and sustain its vibrancy in all its hues and colors. Remember, it is a vibrant opposition that keeps a government on its toes. Note that any post-poll realignments by small regional parties or for that matter big national parties and subsequent defections by individual MLAs have little to do with voters’ choices.
- The price of a defector in the post-poll political market is the main motivator. And pre-poll enemies quickly becoming post-poll allies does not bother any political parties either. Marriage of convenience and an opportunity to don power-role overrides every other consideration. Sadly, voters alone are at a disadvantage here in deciding who to vote for. Ultimately, opportunities and not principled ideological positions or fear of voters remains the main poll theme for political turncoats. Can we expect to see any change in the foreseeable future? My guess and apprehension are as good as yours.
