The word “Politics” has become a dirty word. An abusive word. Wrongly!
Politics has become synonymous to political parties. To partisanship.
And civil society has been the biggest looser.
Consider this:
Don’t we “see” dirty politics in neighbourhoods?
Don’t we see dirty politics even within small communities or fellowships?
Don’t we see dirty politics within Resident Welfare Associations?
Don’t we see dirty politics within the residents of a single street?
Don’t we see dirty politics within two neighbours?
Economics affects all, without exception. Like it or lump it!
It being a macro mechanism, it’s usually driven by politicians and their economists.
Yet, discussing economics is looked down upon as partisan politics!There cannot be a more myopic view of life.
It’s time for Indians to stop being stooges of politicians and political parties and openly discuss economics from their ground level point of view without fear or favour. After all, aren’t politicians supposed to be “representatives” of the people? Not the other way around? How would they know what people think unless people voice their opinions?
What doesn’t work is that we have not learnt to discuss political matters without rancour and based on facts not opinions.
Put 10 people together and you’ll find politics – overt or covert.
Time to wake up, India to the age of instant communications.
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I’m on Twitter @jsvasan