Understanding the Dynamics in Indian Political Landscape amid Lok Sabha election 2024
Shadab Peerzada
Election season in India, particularly during the Parliament elections like the Lok Sabha 2024, is akin to a political festival that electrifies the nation. As the world’s largest democracy, India witnesses a flurry of activities during this period, characterized by vibrant rallies, impassioned speeches, colorful campaign events, and intense political debates. Political parties engage in extensive campaigning, utilizing various platforms from traditional rallies and door-to-door canvassing to modern social media outreach. The air is filled with the fervor of democracy as citizens actively participate in the electoral process, attending rallies, discussing policies, and exercising their right to vote. The election season not only determines the composition of the government but also reflects the pulse of the nation, showcasing its diverse aspirations, concerns, and aspirations. Throughout the history of Lok Sabha elections in India, there have been instances of political cheatings, deceptions, and communal divisions, reflecting the darker side of democracy. Political parties have sometimes resorted to unethical practices such as vote-buying, electoral fraud, and manipulation to secure victories. Moreover, divisive tactics based on communal, caste, or regional identities have been employed to polarize voters and garner support. These tactics not only undermine the integrity of the electoral process but also deepen societal divisions, eroding the fabric of pluralism and secularism that India prides itself on. From the infamous Emergency era to recent controversies surrounding communal rhetoric and fake news dissemination, the specter of political machinations looms large over the electoral landscape, reminding us of the constant vigilance needed to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in Indian democracy.
Politics in India is a complex tapestry woven with threads of power and identity. Power politics, driven by the quest for control, influence, and governance, often intersects with identity politics, where social identities such as caste, religion, language, and region become pivotal in shaping political discourse and agendas. The interplay between these two forces shapes the trajectory of Indian democracy, influencing policies, elections, and societal dynamics. Understanding the nuances, importance, advantages, problems, and ethical dimensions of power and identity politics is crucial in comprehending the Indian political landscape. Power politics forms the bedrock of governance in India. The quest for power drives political parties to engage in strategies aimed at securing electoral victories and wielding authority. Power enables parties to implement their agendas, enact laws, and allocate resources. In a diverse and populous country like India, power politics determines the direction of economic development, social policies, and international relations. The ability to navigate power dynamics effectively often determines the success or failure of political actors and parties. Some of the advantages of power politics can be Stability and Governance, Efficiency in Decision-Making, Institutional Strengthening. Power politics, when exercised responsibly, can lead to stable governance. Strong leadership with a clear mandate can implement long-term policies beneficial for development. Political power allows expedited decision-making, vital for addressing pressing issues and crises promptly: A robust power structure can strengthen democratic institutions, ensuring checks and balances, and the rule of law. Moreover along with the above mentioned advantages there are grave problems of Power Politics are Corruption and Cronyism, Authoritarian Tendencies, Policy Paralysis. The pursuit of power often fosters corruption and crony capitalism, undermining democratic values and economic fairness. Concentration of power in the hands of few can lead to authoritarianism, stifling dissent and curtailing freedoms. Power struggles among competing factions can lead to policy paralysis, hindering progress and development.
The other form of politics dominantly found in India is Identity politics in India revolves around affiliations based on caste, religion, language, region, and ethnicity. These identities are deeply entrenched in the social fabric and often influence voting behavior, electoral strategies, and policy agendas. Identity-based movements have reshaped the political landscape, giving voice to marginalized communities and challenging dominant power structures. Identity politics serves as a mechanism for social mobilization and empowerment. Historically marginalized groups leverage their collective identity to demand representation, rights, and justice. Identity-based movements have led to policy reforms, affirmative action, and greater inclusivity in governance. Recognizing and addressing diverse identities is essential for fostering social cohesion and addressing historical injustices. The advantages of Identity Politics are Representation and Inclusivity, Social Justice, Cultural Pluralism. Identity politics ensures representation for marginalized communities, giving them a stake in the political process and decision-making. Identity-based movements advocate for the rights and welfare of disadvantaged groups, challenging systemic discrimination and inequality. Embracing diverse identities enriches the cultural tapestry of the nation, fostering tolerance and understanding. The Problems of Identity Politics are Divisiveness and Polarization, Vote Bank Politics, Exclusionary Tendencies. Identity politics can exacerbate divisions along ethnic, religious, or caste lines, fragmenting society and impeding nation-building efforts. Politicization of identity can lead to vote bank politics, where parties prioritize short-term electoral gains over long-term development. In some cases, identity politics can be exclusionary, marginalizing certain groups and perpetuating inter-group tensions.
Ethical dilemmas abound in both power and identity politics. Political actors must navigate the fine line between pursuing power for the collective good and succumbing to self-serving interests. Ethical leadership entails transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the common good. Similarly, identity politics must strive for inclusivity and social justice while avoiding the trap of sectarianism and divisiveness. Upholding ethical standards in politics is imperative for fostering trust, legitimacy, and social cohesion. The Mandal Commission in the 1990s recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions, reshaping Indian politics by mobilizing OBCs and altering electoral dynamics. Examples of such political steps taken in India political history are The Ayodhya dispute, centered on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, became a flashpoint for identity politics, leading to communal tensions and shaping electoral strategies for decades, The creation of new states such as Abrogation of Article 370, Telangana and Uttarakhand exemplifies identity-based demands for regional autonomy and political representation have been used to grab the attention of voters since decades.
Power politics and identity politics are intertwined facets of the Indian political landscape, each influencing and shaping the other. While power politics drives governance and decision-making, identity politics amplifies voices and demands for representation. Balancing the dynamics of power and identity is essential for fostering inclusive and ethical governance. By addressing the challenges and harnessing the advantages of both power and identity politics, India can move towards a more equitable, participatory, and cohesive democracy. Viewing the government as a service provider tasked with delivering essential services and facilitating progress for its citizens is a perspective that can significantly reshape governance dynamics. Just as individuals pay for services rendered by private entities, citizens contribute taxes to the government in exchange for various amenities and advancements. In this paradigm, the evaluation of government performance hinges on the quality and accessibility of services provided, the level of development achieved, and the overall well-being of the populace. By prioritizing efficient service delivery over divisive politics, communal tensions, corruption, and ideological clashes, governance can become more focused on meeting the needs and aspirations of the people. Embracing this mindset fosters accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in government actions, leading to a more equitable and inclusive society where citizens receive the dividends of their contributions in the form of improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Ultimately, viewing government as a service provider can shift the focus from political maneuvering to genuine public service, fostering a healthier and more productive democracy.
Shadab Peerzada is a Politician, Strategic-Analyst, & Technologist, can be reached at shadabpeerzada@yahoo.com
