The price of democracy

As the world’s most populous democracy moves closer to elections, I, as a citizen, am getting more and more worried about the political realignments and constantly changing political calculus.

Regional parties have begun to flex their muscles- which is good- but I worry that the leaders of such parties lack the national (forget global) perspective required to lead India at a particulalrly fragile time in its history. At the state level, regional parties are likely to understand the issues and the solutions better. But at the national level, we need leaders who have the vision and courage of conviction.

I do not mean to imply that leaders of regional parties cannot acquire such vision, or that they are incompetent. My fear is that in the next 2-3 years, when we need really good and deft governance, such regional parties will spend more time in fissiparous squabbles with their numerous coalition partners rather than focus on putting India firmly back on the path to 9+% GDP growth. Foreign policy matters too must be managed adroitly, given the instability looming in Pakistan and President Obama’s policies, that might in act, stoke the fires in the short term.

I sincerely hope that this time round, at least the educated voter will exercise his/her franchise carefully, and with due thought to the likely outcome of his/her vote. What is also needed is for us as a nation to vote- and not just cavil and carp about pathetic politicians and poor policies after we have forfeited our chance to influence who forms the next government.

And finally, I fear that all pre-poll rhetoric and posturing notwithstanding, our shameless netas will not flinch to get into the right beds once the results are announced, in order to consummate their marriages of political convenience.