- There’s no disputing the fact that the democratic form of governance is always driven on the premise by the people, for the people, and of the people. In other words, it’s the people’s mandate in choosing their representatives which ultimately empowers the elected leaders to carry out entrusted responsibilities to the best of their abilities. Simply put, the elected representatives enjoy the fruits of power till the time the real masters i.e., we the people, decide to back leaders hoping to deliver on expected lines. No sooner than the trust of the people diminishes in their chosen representatives, the political leaders, or the party that they represent will be rendered powerless to carry on with the mandate.
- This is what is on full display in the unfolding dramatic situation in Maharashtra as more rebel Shiv Sena leaders join the ranks of dissidents camping in faraway Assam. The entire country is glued to the financial capital of the country as power struggles driven by political undercurrents, dubious machinations, and unparalleled ambitions drive the leaders to seek greener pastures and/or a niche for themselves. One aspect is crystal clear though. There’s an apparent leadership failure in Shiv Sena with the alleged aloofness of Thackerays coming to the fore. The high number of rural MLAs who have deserted Sena is indicative of how Thackerays’ preoccupation with Mumbai and cash-rich Bombay Municipal Corporation has meant costly neglect of rural and mofussil Maharashtra.
PC: IANS
- As mentioned above, the MLAs are answerable to their electorate and any signs of injustice or promises not being addressed are bound to pile on the pressure. You see, optics are extremely crucial in a democracy, and more so in the Indian context. Remember, in an ultra-competitive political landscape where every successful player is deepening/expanding its social base, sitting pretty on one’s laurels is not a winning strategy. Taking the electorate for granted will be counterproductive. The Bharatiya Janata Party has been a top-class player in this game, transforming itself from a middle-class/upper-caste party to a big tent accommodating numerous social groups, the marginalized among them.
- Likewise, two regional Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu consistently preserve electoral dominance over every election. Even the ruling TMC in West Bengal and BJD in Odisha have assiduously built their base by relentless outreach to impress upon the electorate. Notably, BJD still fights for more in every election, this year scripting history by forming all the Zilla Parishads. One thing is common to these parties. They do not take their voters for granted. Look at BJP and Sena in Maharashtra. The BJP’s energetic inroads into the cooperative sector that has been the backbone of the state’s rural economy, and also an NCP-Congress citadel, are plain to see. Yes, clever parties know that intense competition for votes also makes voters feel engaged and empowered.
PC: OpIndia Staff
- Contrarily, immobile organizations lose connection with today’s restless and aspirational citizens at their own peril. This is what is happening in Maharashtra as the electorates are pressuring their elected representatives to stay aground to be more realistic and readily available to listen to them. Did somebody mention Hindutva agenda in an extremely polarized environment is a crucial element too? Yes, it is but not the all-encompassing one though.
