Elections and Debates

Last couple of weeks we saw the political drama unfold in the election going states, we can be proud of managing such complex electoral challenges (every other election in the world dwarfs to our elections in terms of size and complexity), a true tribute to the spirit of democracy in Indians. Unfortunately our achievement ends here, we are yet to mature in having real issues come out for debate in the electoral process.

We are happy to see our political leaders slug it out in the open and through abuses and allegations against each other but not engaging in real debate on the issues that impact the citizens on a daily basis. Political parties are fine doing this way since they do not have answers for the issues that need debate. They are comfortable belching out rubbish on their opponent’s day in and out.

For example In UP it is Muslims Vs Hindus (Hindus vs. Yadavs vs. OBCs vs. Dalits) vs. Regional parties vs. Regions. Political parties spend time only in managing caste and religion equations. There is no time for real issues. They know it is futile to discuss real issues. 50% of the electorate in the country is still illiterate and they are gullible, our political parties are aware of that. In UP it was promises about reservations for so and so group not about universally common issue regarding child mal-nutrition, female foeticide or education.

Parties have silly manifestos which basically promise everything to everyone.They themselves junk it post declaring the manifesto.

This is going on for a long time and is a cause of worry, when do we discuss real issues - not in the electoral process, not in legislatures (there is hardly any real debate), not in municipal councils, then where. Our aspiration to be a developed nation will take longer if we do not change the debate.

I was watching Hans Rosling’s “New insights on Poverty” – he talks about elements of “dimensions of development “ namely - Human rights, Environment, Governance, Economic growth, Education, Healthcare and Culture. All relevant for a country which aspires to be a super power, but who is talking about these.

Governance is at the heart of all the above dimensions, are we not sure that we are perhaps one of the most poorly governed country. Take any dimension of governance we will fall short.

Having said that kudos to the Election Commission for having added one more feather in its cap. EC and RBI are examples of how strengthening institutions will lead to positive outcomes. They are two shining exmaples in an other wise listless list of institutions that govern this country.