Though I got a moderate response to my first article on politics, I am continuing to write more. Last time I went on writing too much on our ‘Aam Aadmi’. Today the focus is on our so called ‘Leaders’. Now almost all parties are busy with final tweaks to their manifestos for the upcoming General Elections. As usual the old story continues with hefty of promises and never ending creamy dreams. Most of these leaders are busy on what to promise and how to get blessed by our ‘Aam Aadmi’ in elections. I have a couple of serious thoughts which every leader should think before going to public.
Just a while back I was watching news and got astonished by the announcement made by one of the prominent party in Andhra Pradesh. This leader is an ex-CEO (he doesn’t like the term CM though!) of that state and revolutionized IT industry to such an extent that Bangalore was given a good run to maintain its dominance. Keeping the history aside, now this same old guy has announced ‘free Color Television’ sets for all the poor and middle class people who do not have one! He might have copied the idea from the Tamilnadu politics, but still what I don’t understand is is it the right way to tackle issues? Another leader quotes free power for agriculture and general lighting purposes. Yet another leader comes up with reservations for backward classes (not in terms of economical condition, but casteim is the main factor here!). One more leader still goes strong with the good old saying of ‘rice @ Rs 2/- per kilo gram’, many more such *Free* and *Subsidised* benefits to a class of people. Nobody bothers about another class of people who shell out at least Rs 30/- per kg for a similar rice. This class of people don’t qualify for any reservations nor any benefits, yet government completely relies very much on the tax that these people pay. Why is this socio-economical imbalance in our country? How long do these leaders continue to promise such things. Is it the right way to look at the issues?
I have a list of points that might help our leaders to solve many of the issues.
- Strengthen education system.
- Abolish reservations in every form, make it a common ground for everyone to compete.
- Life time ban from service for those who indulge in any form of corruption, irrespective of the magnitude.
- Stop all forms of subsidies and *free* stuff, instead create opportunities for everyone to live life on their own.
- Provide a fair price market for farmers to sell their products directly to consumers.
- Eliminate all forms of middle men interfering between producer and consumer.
- Don’t make people lazy by giving sops, provide opportunities to work hard and earn a better living.
- Take stringent norms to control population – we are already more than a BILLION!
I know all problems cannot be solved immediately, but certainly most of them can be addressed if our leaders could strive optimistically on these points. Any political party or leader to take these? I know there are none as we live in a not so perfect world and if we solve all the issues, how to seek votes next time? Annoyingly, we still say ‘God save this country’!
Anonymous says
For more views on indian politics, visit http://www.indiavoting.com India’s most comprehensive site on Indian politics, with current focus on General Elections 2009. For the first time in India, an internet media platform will try to use an edutainment route to capture the Kumbh Mela of Indian politics.
See also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu90mFIlna0
Mohan says
@Ruchi
Yes, that is one of the strongest method. Lets hope our leaders take a note of these.
@enidhi
Well, that kind of debate! It would be a great surprise if our prime ministerial candidates can get up and walk without anyone’s support. Probably we can think of a debate there after. Sadly, there is no retirement age for politicians.
Ruchi says
The first point Strengthen education system i believe can solve 50% of the problem.
enidhi.net/ says
One simple thing missing in India is debate… Like US there has to be some discussions among candidates to explain what and how they plan to go forward. They should answer people when questioned “you told so and so last time…where are the results?”