I'm not a politically inclined person, with almost no insight into the machinations, political rhetoric, posturing and manoeuvering, social engineering, of the political parties. I find all this political innuendo very disgusting. It is appalling, and humiliating to imagine how these politicians could expect reasonably intelligent people like us to believe their paediatric accusations, allegations, claims, counter claims against each other. Or the statistics from unknown sources,that they rattle off to drive their point home, or claiming the legacy of heroes from a bygone era.
The average voter is not a moron,or an imbecile.
This country needs to do a lot of catching up. Every time I return from a trip to US, or Europe, I am acutely hit by the anachronistic disparity that plagues our country. To this end, we need to change our mindset, before anything else.
Most political parties, rulers, historically survived on disempowerment of their subjects. The crumbling down of communism in the cold war era, bears testimony to the irrelevance of a philosophy that ruled with an iron hand, and reduced the subjects to impersonal entities, mere links in an unbreachable hierarchy. Decision making was entirely the domain of the ruler, whose benevolence was never to be doubted or questioned. The emergence and thriving of 'Bourgeois' elements was undeniable proof of the doublespeak and hypocrisy of this inappropriate and unsustainable ideology. The fledgeling democracy of India functioned with an inherently communist ideology. The power of the iron fist was replaced by subjugation that masqueraded as benevolence and yet ensured depravity of the subjects. These power hungry despots used the depravity of the masses as their capital in this business of politics. All controls were in the hands of the state. This pseudo-democracy, thrived on the weakness, helplessness and ignorance of the masses.
Education, progress, fiscal growth of the subjects demanded greater accountability from those wielding power. The ruled expected transparency from the rulers, started asking them uncomfortable questions. This was in direct conflict with these power hungry autocrats, living in their virtual world created by their sycophantic followers, who never questioned or contradicted.
To the best of my knowledge, any claims of achievement or allegations made by leaders or their detractors have to be viewed from a comprehensive geopolitical perspective. Global phenomenon like recession, crude prices, can scarcely be within the jurisdiction of any national leader. Inflation,unemployment, trade wars, weather, rainfall, are phenomenon that are largely out of bounds.
I happened to read a news item, that suggested displeasure of a local satrap over licencing becoming online. He claimed that most of the applicants could not manage this online procedure. I was really very depressed.
When this process was manual and involved red tapism, these same people shouted themselves hoarse about the corrupt practices and hours wasted in the application process. I have myself been driven in an Uber cab by a non local, with no clue of the city, only because he could navigate his way using the GPS. If he expressed resentment at the changing face of cab services, he would perish, and no government or leader would sympathize or subscribe to his incompetence. Empowerment is a philosophy, that's at best aided by efficient governance. Empowerment, progress, better living conditions, prosperity, are no handouts, to be delivered to the subjects as part of an election manifesto. Progress requires one to break the comfort zone cocoon, proactively incorporate newer skills and technologies, to evolve into better and wiser individuals. Progress is not just about material affluence, that is expected as a handout by this perverted belief of 'Maaybaap Sarkar'. Progress, material or otherwise is a personal choice, based on personal effort. The decision about electing any government should be based on the vision, the intent,the policy,efficiency of decision making, and ensuring accountability. These are what determine our future as well as the future of this great country.Electing a government that promises freebies, just as a means to come to power is regressive, and indeed a form of social Harakiri.
Dr Deepak Ranade.
The average voter is not a moron,or an imbecile.
This country needs to do a lot of catching up. Every time I return from a trip to US, or Europe, I am acutely hit by the anachronistic disparity that plagues our country. To this end, we need to change our mindset, before anything else.
Most political parties, rulers, historically survived on disempowerment of their subjects. The crumbling down of communism in the cold war era, bears testimony to the irrelevance of a philosophy that ruled with an iron hand, and reduced the subjects to impersonal entities, mere links in an unbreachable hierarchy. Decision making was entirely the domain of the ruler, whose benevolence was never to be doubted or questioned. The emergence and thriving of 'Bourgeois' elements was undeniable proof of the doublespeak and hypocrisy of this inappropriate and unsustainable ideology. The fledgeling democracy of India functioned with an inherently communist ideology. The power of the iron fist was replaced by subjugation that masqueraded as benevolence and yet ensured depravity of the subjects. These power hungry despots used the depravity of the masses as their capital in this business of politics. All controls were in the hands of the state. This pseudo-democracy, thrived on the weakness, helplessness and ignorance of the masses.
Education, progress, fiscal growth of the subjects demanded greater accountability from those wielding power. The ruled expected transparency from the rulers, started asking them uncomfortable questions. This was in direct conflict with these power hungry autocrats, living in their virtual world created by their sycophantic followers, who never questioned or contradicted.
To the best of my knowledge, any claims of achievement or allegations made by leaders or their detractors have to be viewed from a comprehensive geopolitical perspective. Global phenomenon like recession, crude prices, can scarcely be within the jurisdiction of any national leader. Inflation,unemployment, trade wars, weather, rainfall, are phenomenon that are largely out of bounds.
I happened to read a news item, that suggested displeasure of a local satrap over licencing becoming online. He claimed that most of the applicants could not manage this online procedure. I was really very depressed.
When this process was manual and involved red tapism, these same people shouted themselves hoarse about the corrupt practices and hours wasted in the application process. I have myself been driven in an Uber cab by a non local, with no clue of the city, only because he could navigate his way using the GPS. If he expressed resentment at the changing face of cab services, he would perish, and no government or leader would sympathize or subscribe to his incompetence. Empowerment is a philosophy, that's at best aided by efficient governance. Empowerment, progress, better living conditions, prosperity, are no handouts, to be delivered to the subjects as part of an election manifesto. Progress requires one to break the comfort zone cocoon, proactively incorporate newer skills and technologies, to evolve into better and wiser individuals. Progress is not just about material affluence, that is expected as a handout by this perverted belief of 'Maaybaap Sarkar'. Progress, material or otherwise is a personal choice, based on personal effort. The decision about electing any government should be based on the vision, the intent,the policy,efficiency of decision making, and ensuring accountability. These are what determine our future as well as the future of this great country.Electing a government that promises freebies, just as a means to come to power is regressive, and indeed a form of social Harakiri.
Dr Deepak Ranade.
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