The fast rallied citizens to an extent that made the political class close ranks
Anna Hazare’s fast can variously be called a phenomenon, an outpouring of public disgust with the state of affairs, a crusade against the malaise of corruption and even a challenge to the current political dispensation. Some consider him a blackmailer who wants to usurp the authority of a Constitutionally elected authority. Although the opposition parties supported the fast initially, they soon realised the gravity of threat that the agitation posed to the entire political class. They quickly changed track and closed ranks. A concerted campaign is now being orchestrated to paint Hazare and his supporters as anti-democracy elements attempting to subvert the system by unfairly tarnishing the image of political leaders.
It is being claimed that India’s political leadership is not as bad as is being made out to be by the civil activists. The political leaders are either far removed from the ground realities or have intentionally become oblivious to public opinion. They should see the annoyance of the people when traffic is stopped by bossy policemen to let the cavalcade of some self-opinionated and egotistical leader pass. People find it obnoxious to see elite security personnel providing protection (at taxpayers’ cost) to notorious goons and history-sheeters occupying ministerial berths. Over 60% of NSG commando strength is deployed for personal security duties. Some citizens are of the view that, like ordinary people, leaders should also learn to live with day-to-day trepidation and risk.
It is commonly said that cinema is a true reflection of popular thinking of the society at large. Villains have been an integral part of Indian cinema since the days of KN Singh. For the past few years, villainy has become the exclusive domain of political leaders. The moment a character in khadi and white cap appears on the screen, the audience recognises him as the chief villain. Worse, he is shown to be occupying the post of Home Minister. He patronizes criminal gangs, has corrupt police officers in tow and has no inhibitions in selling the country for money. He supports widow homes overtly but demands women covertly. He divides people by instigating religious riots. In short, he is depicted as the most unscrupulous and devious specimen of humanity. No political leader has dared to dispute such projection so far.
Two cartoons that appeared in the press in the wake of the terrorist attack on Parliament are indicative of the poor esteem in which the political leadership is held. One showed a terrorist trying to dissuade another terrorist from entering the main hall of Parliament to lob grenades, saying, “No, no, don’t kill Indian politicians. That will be a pro-India act.” Another showed Indian citizens talking amongst themselves, “These Pakistani terrorists have let us down. They would have earned Indian gratitude by ridding us of a few politicians.”
Three incidents are worth recalling as illustrative of the true quality of our political leadership. One was the State Home Minister terming the terrorist attack in Mumbai as a small incident. It indicates that the loss of nearly 200 lives is a trivial matter for our leaders. The second was when a Chief Minister ridiculed the memory of a martyr by remarking, “If it had not been (Major) Sandeep’s house, not even a dog would have glanced that way.” Did he not realize the extent of the trauma suffered by the family? Three was when a senior politician of the ruling party condemned the commemoration of the Kargil war, terming it an intelligence failure of the previous government. It makes one wonder if the country deserved the supreme sacrifice of 527 soldiers.
Politics: lucrative profession
The quality of political leadership can also be judged by the fact that not a single political leader of independent India has ever sent his progeny to the armed forces for real service to the nation. A look at the scions of all the political families shows them having no worthwhile professional qualifications, yet living in utmost luxury. Despite frequent protestations, no one joins politics for public service. It is the most lucrative profession and has acquired the traits of a family business.
Earlier, all parents dreamt of their offspring joining the civil services or becoming engineers and doctors. Today, all sensible and far-sighted parents want their children (especially if they are good for nothing else) to join politics. It is commonly said that a single tenure even at the municipal corporation level is good enough to cater for the next three generations. The present crop of political leaders started as petty traders and today command wealth worth hundreds of crores of rupees. In no other profession can so much be amassed in so short a time.
The politicians’ attack on Hazare is seen by many as symptomatic of the degree of immorality and decadence that has infected the body politic of India. Most observers fear that all political leaders will join hands to preserve the current dispensation as it is a question of safeguarding their family fiefdoms. Politicians bank on short public memory. Their conscience is unlikely to be stirred by public derision. To them, only votes and power matter.
However, according to many optimists – whose number, though, is rather limited – there is a silver lining visible now. They are hopeful that the recent public outcry in support of Hazare will force politicians to carry out some introspection and initiate steps to redeem their reputation.
Citizens’ contribution
All concerned citizens should also contribute their bit to improving the quality of India’s leadership. Although there is no quick-fix solution, a beginning can certainly be made by exercising our franchise and ensuring that the leaders we elect are deserving of our confidence. All leaders over 65 years of age must be rejected outright. Has not the current crop of senior leaders ruled and ruined India enough? Any leader promoting his progeny must also be shunned. Dynasty politics is the bane of India. Parties functioning as family fiefdoms are anathema to the concept of democracy.
Any leader who seeks votes in the name of caste, religion or region must be considered an enemy of the nation and meted out apt treatment. Politicians threatening the fabric of India’s social cohesion by playing vote bank politics should never be tolerated. Any party that gives tickets to anti-social elements and criminals must be boycotted as a whole. Finally, political parties must be made to fear the wrath of the awakened public. Our current disgust with our political leadership must force a change. Our faith in democracy can never be allowed to waver.
