Very few people in India
enter politics to serve the people. Many want the power of being in charge or
the chance to make big money. Some want both power and money. Criminals are
attracted to politics because it helps them get away with their criminal
activities. Once in power, they get bribes and kickbacks which can run into
millions of dollars. It is the most lucrative profession. Some are reported to
have Swiss bank accounts. Police and criminal gangs are used to silence or even
eliminate their opponents. In most countries the interest in politics is only
during the elections. In India
there is a constant interest and the media gives unnecessary coverage to
politicians. We can’t trust the media because many are owned by politicians and
some are just bribed.
If they are in the opposition, they oppose just for the sake
of opposing. They will not allow any progress. They will call for a hartal or
bandh for silly reasons. Political processions block the roads. Students are
divided along political lines and made to fight each other. They are also used
in agitations. Dynastic rule is rampant. Most politicians groom their children
to take over when the time is ripe.
During elections, votes are bought with bribes and gifts.
Almost all the candidates are corrupt and almost all the people are corrupt. So
a totally corrupt candidate can win a landslide victory. A Huge amount of money
is needed to win an election. Money and position lure politicians to defect. Some
parties split because of the tussle for leadership. Many want to be the leader. So regional and communal parties have sprung up and the only way to form a
government is through coalition.
It is not ideology that attracts people to a political
party. I know some communists who dream of settling in the United
States . They say communism is more suitable
for India but
they would prefer to live in the capitalist United
States . People support a party because they
have relatives or friends in that party who can help them, if they come to
power. Most of the public feel insecure. They need the help of politicians to
get a job, since there is a very high level of unemployment. Businessmen need
politicians to help them get licenses and permits. A friend of mine met with an
accident. It was midnight and only a
few junior doctors were available at the hospital. His relatives called up a
politician. The politician contacted the chairman of the hospital who got the
best doctors to attend to him immediately. His political
connections helped him.
