- The Indian political scenario is not only extremely engrossing, even for the common citizens who may yet not fully comprehend the nuances surrounding the same, but also people from every walk of life, who will be affected directly or indirectly. Such are the intriguing aspects associated with the elections in the country that one is bound to be sucked into the vortex of politics unwittingly. By nature, the democratic form of government itself is extremely chaotic the voices of dissent, disagreement, diffidence, and verbal attacks are quite common. Indeed, the Constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression allows Indian citizens protection within the parameters prescribed. But the misuse of the provision is quite rampant.
PC: Niranjan Gurram
- But the compulsions of politics take precedence over many relevant issues. Over the years, Indian political parties have developed a phenomenon that is not only intrinsic to the country’s diversity based on ethnic, linguistic, and religious parameters but also relies heavily on caste equations. As you are aware, the Indian political landscape is largely based on a caste conundrum which only gets increasingly absorbing with parochial considerations compelling parties to root for quotas, reservations, inducements, and some such measures. As a consequence, we have very few national-level parties, and innumerable but established regional parties dotting the political landscape. With the youths not finding enough avenues for employment opportunities, it’s a given fact that political opponents explore the situation to their fullest advantage.
- Since assurances, promises, reassurances, inducements, and clarion calls to support political parties on caste lines have assumed predominant positions, there is no way one can desist the appeasement phenomenon coming into even more prominence. No wonder, the southern states are extremely adept at enticing the electorate with promises that may not be fiscally prudent for the health of the economy. We are aware of how freebies and sops are announced by political parties hell-bent to assume power conveniently discarding the sane advice from the economic pundits. Mind you, even before the polls are announced, freebies in the form of allurements, gifts, and other ingenious methodologies are adopted to lure the electorate.
PC: PTI
- Of course, electorates too have become more demanding anticipating gifts and inducements in kind and cash. And then there is urban apathy of electorates who are loath to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise despite humongous efforts from all the stakeholders including the Election Commission of India. The moot point to ponder over here is how can appeasement politics be stopped where real issues like developments, growth, and effective governance alone should matter. The answer will be a resounding no. So long as inequalities, lack of opportunities, discrimination, and general apathy from the elected representatives exist, there is no way an easy path like inducements/ appeasement to influence the electorate will be discarded. Let’s live with it.
