Political Views and Comments.

Tuesday 14^th October, 2008.

I posted a blog on politics related topic about two years back on this site. I am touching upon it once again from a different perspective.

Politicians, political behaviour, political parties form an integral part of top governance of any country. They take up the role and occupy that seat of governance as per that country’s constitution. We may call the process as elections, or coup.

To remain in power, or to seek that seat of power, they set their own rules to follow in that game of politics. Once in power, their decisions affect the populace at macro and micro levels within their country and outside as well. They justify their actions with catchy words like being a ‘Super Power’ and for ‘Global well being’.

Their subjects- the powerless, the hapless citizens- use the only tool available to them, their own voice to express views orally and better through their pen. Using the electronic media, and the internet, the citizens react immediately to outpour views instantly.

As the decisions of the political leadership affect us, politics is one topic that attracts all. Like commercials in the TV channels, Politics engulfs us. So, we express our views. In expressing those views, we get emotional, take sides, and hurl abuses without any control. In this process, friction develops followed by more friction. What trigger’s our anger is the unscrupulous words and actions of these political leaders who do not walk their talk. Their behaviour has spread to their cronies and bureaucrats as well. Their combined actions result in crisis in every walk of life.

Certainly, our blood pressure shoots up, hearing and watching them. Is it worthwhile to lose our temper and spoil our health? To lose temper is fine, but allowing it to spoil our health-No. They are not going to come to our rescue.

All of us must exercise our right to express views and comment upon the views of others as well. Nothing wrong in this, and in fact a healthy debate could emerge that could become a force to reckon with. However, before expressing views and offering comments, if only we could see others viewpoint from their vision, that would only help understand the subject better.

Here is a classic example of how politicians, or shall I say National leaders accuse each other for the spurt in communal violence across the states in India in recent times.

The under mentioned report and extracts were published in the national newspaper- THE HINDU in its print edition of October 14^th, 2008.

At a meeting on 13^th October, 2008 in New Delhi, inaugurating the 14^th National Integration Council (NIC), India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of states, leaders of National and state parties stating that terror attacks in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi and Jaipur and communal violence that erupted in Orissa and Karnataka need to be dealt with firmly, and there should be no compromise with terrorism and terrorists.

Dr. Singh said “Recent tragic events in Orissa, Karnataka, and Assam have pained all right-thinking persons. There are clashes between Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and tribal groups. An atmosphere of hatred and violence is being artificially generated. There are forces deliberately encouraging such tendencies and also spawning militant outfits who are engaged in irrational violence. These need to be firmly dealt with. At the same time, it is important that in trying to counter terrorism, wrong methods and means are not adopted. Any impression that any community or sections amongst them are being targeted or that some kind of profiling is being attempted should be avoided. This is vital, as otherwise it could lead a major polarization in society”.

The Newspaper further reported with a headline: Centre flayed for spurt in violence.

The report elaborates “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPI(M) led the charge against the government at the NIC meeting, citing entirely different reasons for the spurt in communal and caste violence in the country. While the BJP blamed the increasing violence on “vote bank politics” and “lack of political will” to tackle terrorism, the CPI (M) said lack of land reforms, regional imbalances, majoritarian communalism giving rise to minority communalism and neo- liberal economic policies were responsible for socio-economic conditions that led to strife and conflict between various groups of people.”

Well, what is the public view? All those in governance used choice words in the blame game. However, the fact remains, that terrorism and communal violence has been happening in parts of this country for decades.

As most situations are beyond our control, we, as peace loving citizens are justified in getting angry, but we should choose to express our anger in moderate terms rather than use abusive or intemperate language. This would be healthy for our mind and body.

Though I keep myself updated with news and events reading newspapers, magazines through print and online editions, I thought it wise NOT to dwell too much on the political scenario that keeps unfolding nationally and globally.

Watching Cartoon shows are fun and enjoyable with chuckles than getting irritated with the gimmicks of political stars.