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| People’s Participation Can Alone Sustain Democracy | | |
KP Bhattacharjee
As critical as thousands being thrown out of employment on account of the recession is the fact that people in small towns and villages are also losing their earnings. They are either connected to the supply chain of activities in urban areas or are dependent on the government’s spending on development projects in rural areas. The suicides by farmers point to the burden of debt.
The state governments in general have drastically reduced their spending on rural development on account of economic constraints. In West Bengal, for instance, the budget allocation for the development of markets in Howrah and Hooghly have been curtailed.
In 2007-08, the government had planned to develop many markets in every district; it has now been decided that only one or two markets will be developed in each district. In real terms, this implies that the rural populace will not be able to increase their earnings that would have enabled them to have access to safe water and sanitation and provide education to their children. Development is being ignored for the rural population.
In course of the election campaign, the political leaders, cutting across party lines, were obsessed with issues that are far removed from development. They didn’t seem to be overly bothered with the economic crisis, unemployment, suicides by farmers, the equity of food distribution, supply of water and energy and terrorism.
In a word, those who wanted to enter Parliament ignored the common man’s urgent needs. There was no debate or discussion to fulfil the basic requirements ~ access to employment, adequate food throughout the year, affordable fuel, electricity 24 hours a day, safe water and sanitation, transport, minimal pollution, housing and education for all, and respect for human rights.
Pertinent was Sitaram Yechury’s observation at the end of the first phase. “It is indeed sad that the politicians are talking about gudhia parties and budhia parties while the common man is worried about the price rise and unemployment. People are debating issues which the leaders don’t seem to be debating. The leaders are far removed from the realities of life.”
Earnings have declined on account of the economic crisis. The cost of living is going up in spite of lower inflation. Unemployment and pink slips haunt the younger generation in the IT industry and call centres. A new recruit in a Bangalore IT company recently committed suicide fearing that he may not be absorbed by the company after the training period.
Whether in the cities or in the villages, the common man is finding it difficult to afford the basics. Did anybody hear a candidate raising the issue of dearer kerosene? Or potable water and sanitation. Or less expensive medicines and education for all. Candidates only indulge in banter and trade charges and counter-charges. Irrespective of the party, they are nominated to make money, win the seat and serve the party and its leaders. They are puppets in the hands of their parties.
No wonder we are saddled with inefficient and corrupt governments that are thrust on the people. The capable and the sincere do not enter politics. Which is why Churchill observed long ago: “People elect the government they deserve”.
If we really desire an efficient and functioning government, the electorate must protest against the irrelevant parameters of the present style of electioneering. There ought to be a dramatic change in the quality of the candidates. The voters must have the right to recall an MP. There is no such law at present.
The candidates, who are nominated, must not have criminal antecedents. Their performance level in public service must be transparent. The affidavits submitted by the candidates are often inaccurate and the Election Commission fails to take action. If voters are not satisfied with the record of a candidate, they should be entitled to object to his nomination.
It would be worth quoting Mr Yechury again. “We pride ourselves on being the largest democracy in the world with 700 million voters. Nowhere else does such a big exercise take place. But the democratic process is eroded by the interplay of money and musclepower and by threats and intimidation. People are not allowed to cast votes freely for the candidate of their choice. I think the entire set of political parties in Parliament will have to think in terms of electoral reform.”
No wonder questions have been raised as to whether the form of democracy that we have in the country is suitable for India. Are drastic changes required in the present parliamentary system of government?
In his book, The Audacity of Hope (2006), Barack Obama recounts how he became acquainted with the problems and sufferings of the common man while campaigning for the Illinois state seat and then for the Senate seat in Washington. He had met families where the father had lost his job because the company had shifted its production unit to Mexico to reduce cost; the son was in need of liver transplant; the family had exhausted its healthcare entitlements. Hence the US President’s current thrust on the social sector.
Our election candidates ought similarly to go to the root of the problems by interacting with the people, and gain first-hand knowledge about the sufferings and dreams of millions of Indians who suffer and languish under the burden of inefficient and ignorant politicians or under dynastic rule.
In India, the Prime Minister has often been thrust upon the people by the political parties without considering whether he/ she is the deserving candidate; the democratic process is not followed while selecting the Prime Minister. How can we expect the Prime Minister to guide the country’s development in a democratic manner?
The Prime Minister must have proven experience in social welfare and community work, is conversant with the laws, and has the managerial skill to implement projects The people must be the watchdogs of all government activity, including that of the PM. It isn’t possible to sustain democracy without people’s participation.
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