Politics is the art of managing public life. It basically means not only to rule, but to establish justice and equality in the society. But when politics becomes a mere ‘mathematics of power’, its substance is gradually overshadowed by cunning.
1. 1. Dialectics of Philosophy: Kautilya versus Gandhi
Two currents are still alive in Indian politics. Kautilya’s Arthasastra teaches pragmatic politics, where tactics like ‘sama, dan, danda, shayya’ are very important. On the other hand, Gandhi’s politics believed in the purity of the ‘possible and attainable’ Indian politics today tend to sacrifice ethics in the name of this pragmatism. When strategy becomes religion, politics loses its meaning.
2. 2. Emotion vs. Facts: New Trends in Modern Politics
The impact of the ‘post-truth’ era on contemporary politics is evident.
Substitution of information: Emphasis on emotional propaganda rather than scientific or fact-based approach to policy making.
Algorithmic politics: Dividing public opinion by posting personal information on social media. It has not only shaped public opinion, but has turned society into an echo chamber where dissent has no place.
3. Institutional decay and democratic balance
The nature of democracy depends on the independence of its institutions.
Impartiality of Institutions: The ongoing debate over the Election Commission, investigative agencies (ED, CBI, IT) and the Supreme Court has questioned the foundations of democracy. When investigative agencies are only active for the opposition and indifferent to the ruling party, public confidence in the rule of law is eroded.
Parliamentary Tradition: The tendency to pass bills by majority vote rather than debate in Parliament has narrowed the scope for democratic debate.
4. Reality vs. Economics Hype
Indian economy has a dual picture.
Positive: Digital Infrastructure (UPI), construction of highways, and expansion of major welfare projects.
Extreme truth: But at the same time, unemployment (especially among the youth), a K-shaped recovery – where the rich get richer and the incomes of the middle or low income stagnate) and a lack of transparency in government statistics have called economic growth into question. Covering up this harsh reality through propaganda is a form of political deception.
5. Politicization of Religion and Nationalism
Nationalism is a sacred concept, but when it is used as a weapon to suppress rivals, it becomes synonymous with ‘intolerance.’
Conclusion: Role of Conscious Citizen
Democracy is not just a process of voting every five years. It is a continuous process. To combat the hypocrisy of politics we need:
Courage to ask questions: Asking reasonable questions versus blind endorsements.
Role of Media: Media should be freed from the role of ‘spokesperson of the government’ and become the ‘guardian of democracy’.
Constitutional Values: Accepting the Constitution not just as a book but as a guide to life.
Today’s India needs a strong ‘politics of being’, where power is secondary, but the dignity and rights of every citizen are paramount. The only answer to defeat the hypocrisy of politics is the awakening of civic awareness and conscience.
Recently, a movement called Telapoka Janata Party has hit the streets after getting a huge response in digital media. The young generation has joined this movement. They have spoken out against widespread conspiracy-based corruption in the educational examination system. There have also been government efforts to ignore it entirely. The government may temporarily send it underground through harsh repression, but there will come a day when it becomes more complicated. Then it can turn into a mass movement. Then it will be difficult to stop its movement by resorting to superstition.