May 30, 2009

Inner party democracy

Now, have we heard of this.... Inner party democracy in India??? That's how great the World's Largest Democracy works!!!
Take any party under the Sun, from National to Regional parties, they all share a common bond... none like to adopt democracy within the party. What has this led us to?? Dynasty rule, psychophancy, corruption, leaders without merit, and I can go on... Has this not led us, Indians, into a cynical, apathetic lot? Most of us are so de-motivated, we don't want anything to do with the political class. But is this the right approach to adopt? Shouldn't and wouldn't we like a change?
India's problems are plenty and complex and diverse, but we can start somewhere... My suggestion is a good place to begin reforms is to have elections within parties. The Election Commission can make it mandatory for all parties to conduct elections for recognition or face disqualification. Before you scoff / laugh at my suggestion, just look around the world. Look at US, how fierce and close the contest was between Mr. Obama and Ms. Hillary to get elected as the Democratic nominee... Isn't that how we must be? I am not a US admirer in many aspects but I do think their political strength and the quality of leaders they produce is because of the high degree of democracy within their party
I may sound naive and ideal but I think wisdom is in having a blend of idealism and pragmatism in life, else we will all end up as highly, disgruntled, cynical, selfish, pessimistic individuals.... Care to comment??



May 29, 2009

Back!

Its been long time since my last post.. My world was rather chaotic and topsy turvy with a major renovation project we did at home. Didn't realise the magnitude of the project till the men (masons, painters, carpenters, plumbers, electricians etc. etc.) raided our home and made it theirs. Anyway, will keep that for later.
What really caught my attention now was the utter brazenness of the Tamil Nadu CM to appoint his son MK Stalin as the Deputy CM!! I am aghast, shocked. Oh yes, I knew it was coming and so did most people of the State but the timing has left me shaken, not stirred:-). Our grand old man is actually dividing his share between his sons like its all his property... centre to Azhagiri and state to Stalin.. This is amazing shamelessness... but thinking aloud with you, what does this man need any shame for?? He is ensuring his sons get the lion's share, in case, any grand nephew, party worker has better ideas!!

Surely, he is not alone in India...

Many friends from other states have always accosted me with this question "What's wrong with you people, can't you guys be more sensible in TN?". I have always been ashamed and defensive of these politicians, but a cursory glance at the MPs in the current Lok Sabha reveals this dynastic trend in every state... we have sons and daughters of Gandhis, Pilots, Abdullahs, Sangmas, Pawars, Dutts, Scindias, Gowdas, Rama Raos ruling us... On the whole... its simply disgusting!! Whoever said India has a Democracy??