Turn around

Anytime is a good time for corrective action but sometimes delayed action helps to identify, understand and prove the root cause better to root out the problem; to reduce and remove its effect from your system. Congress turn around is brewing and its blooming is imminent.

No one presently can predict the quality of concoction and the vitality that the potion being cooked. But remembering and removing some misconceptions; considering some additives, preservatives and purification measures may help to achieve its mission with speed and precision.

It has many skilled chefs to adorn the coat and cap while many others as always waiting to kill and abort its political process and rejuvenation. It is worth recapping some of the kinds of stuff they tested and dished out for public consumption. It may help in course correction.

I start with a quote from my old blog. ‘Group of 23’ – ‘Rahul in all probability will not ignore them. It is uncharacteristic of him to do it. He will respect them for their past services and will honour them for their future potential.’(7 Sep 2020) Hope it is happening now.

When Rahul has no hatred towards Modi/ BJP/ RSS despite their calling him names; insulting him non-stop, how can he dislike, disrespect his seniors? Egos drive in suspicion and hatred; drive out logic and sense out of one’s mind; should apply lateral thinking to discern the truth.

We have to understand the sensitivities of the younger generation. That too when Rahul with so much discipline, love and compassion for all, how can he be discourteous to seniors who worked with and earned the respect of his father and mother. But elders should give him space.

When conglomerate of people with different ages, maturity, passion, share a table for discussion in an Indian context, the status of the relationship becomes delicate; patriarchal or dictatorial attitudes usurp; contra opinions do not emerge; truth and sense do not prevail.

Congress leaders do not spare anyone to impose their superiority, knowledge and views. They are so self-righteous; presume themselves to be 100% tested and error-free. They should not blame the mirror or scan for adverse comments. Some self-examination/ purification is required.

Political decay

Britishers divided us to rule. It is perhaps an overblown, overhyped contention. They exploited the preexistent territorial divisions to capture power and authority; created rules and laws to exercise control over their occupied territory which they united under their flag. 

It was in Britishers’ interest to sustain the preexisting divisions to thwart any organised effort for unity, independence and self-rule. They still tried to comply with ‘their rules and laws’. But BJP/ RSS is spreading hatred to divide society; breaking laws of a united India.

Why don’t we follow Mahatma Gandhi? Love, concern, compassion is the best political weapon against hatred. It is not even a weapon. It is being human. This is nothing new. It is an inborn character in all humans. Farmers show it. Everyone has it. Why are we hesitant to use it?

Many exhibit real concerns about issues affecting people. They may have constraints in the pragmatic life they lead. They may also not be able to channelise their concern in a productive way. We miss leaders like Mahatma Gandhi to lead us. There is really a political vacuum.

Are we to wait for the emergence of a Mahatma for our political salvation? It is not sensible. Still, we are not applying our senses and search for solutions. Our system has delegated this job to political leaders. If we go by their past or present actions it is not promising.

Our Indian culture is deep-rooted in humanism and philosophies. But our political leaders presently are not true representatives of our culture or people. They are more egocentric and materialistic; may not be all of them but most of them are. They have to change. It can happen.

We do not want our political leaders to behave like a king or queen; do not expect them to gift territories and treasures. They can go soft on their egos without surrendering it. They can become service-oriented foregoing their selfishness and the perennial search for power.

It is a real dream in the present context but not impossible. Farmers agitation, people’s protests may succeed. Fascists may go. But political opportunists will take charge again. India needs a movement and a few no-nonsense leaders controlling power to set right its political decay.

Human touch

India cannot afford to underestimate the extent to which our political system has been corrupted and destroyed by political polarisation and power-hungry politicians for decades; the manipulations, mismanagement of the economy and the country by the Modi regime.

A systemic response is possible. India has vast reservoirs of talents and practically nothing is impossible. India has to go through the process of political change. If politicians do not change, people will force them to change. What they demand is a responsive government.

India needs leaders who are honest, impeccable, effective, responsive with a human touch. It is not only in the political arena but also in bureaucracy and judiciary. It is not that we do not have them now. Their voices are submerged in the current political devastation. 

India often gets into rough political weather due to failures of redressal mechanisms and corrupt, covert tricks and deals by selfish elements and power mongers. Open, trustworthy, timely and foolproof problem-solving mechanisms are required. Presently they are inadequate.

Beyond systemic checks and balances provided, there is a need for a human touch. A mechanical response will not bring in the cohesiveness, care and concern which warm, frank personal interactions can generate and bond people together. People are missing that humanism.

The political theatre is presently filled with all kinds of dramas, soliloquies, sermons, discourses with repeated visual presentations of lies and propaganda by paid media. The artificiality, villainy and misadventures are being portrayed as great acts leaving people numbed.

We are facing the consequences of forgetting Gandhian values. Much of it is basic human values.  He was a true exponent who could fully put into practice those values. Speaking truth and practising human values is made difficult now especially in politics where it is essential.

The political situation presently is delicate and difficult. India is facing its tryst with destiny again. The only political party that can save us at this difficult juncture is Congress by reverting back to Gandhian values. Congressmen and its leaders should start practising it.

Practising Gandhian values is a tall order even for Congressmen to accept and adopt on the face of it. Replace it with Human values, humanism, love, care and concern for the people. Rahul is practising it. People are practising it in day to day life. Why Congressmen cannot?

Is it not a fact that Congressmen lost their human touch, care, concern and connectivity with people? When Congress and the country are passing through difficult phases they can revert to their successful, tested measures of the past. It may not be as difficult as it appears.