POLITICS IN INDIA

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.