Politics is about vested interest
The nexus
between politics and corporate always existed but, today, it has become a norm.
So much so that politicians can’t see anything beyond their selfish needs.
The preparations
for the Lok Sabha elections are underway. The UPA-2 Government has also started
gearing up for the elections. And those who had expected a lot of excitement
around the Cabinet reshuffle are disappointed. Many had thought that the
elections would be held in 2013 and not in 2014. It is said that the Budget
session of March 2013 would be a people-friendly budget. The message from the
Finance Ministry would be clear for all to read – it would be the aam aadmi who would benefit the most.
One waits
for the day when the prices of essential commodities would be slashed and the
benefits of various schemes started by the Centre manage to reach the common
man easily. As is common, many wannabes join the political bandwagon just
before elections. This is because today, there is no better business than being
a politician. Joining politics is rather tempting; it is an easy route to
making money and having a lot of power. We know that politics today is dirty
but it has its advantageous.
It is
impossible to stand for an election without a strong financial backing whether
it is national parties, regional parties or even Independents who are backed by
business houses who have their own agenda. Many demand and push for policy
changes to suit their purpose. Recently, many businessmen have started to openly
associate themselves with politicians and political parties so that they can be
nominated to the Upper house. Rajya Sabha, at one point of time, was reserved
for the elderly statesmen today, unfortunately has many businessmen as its
members. A lot of their time is spent dining and wining with policy-makers. As
a member, they can easily meet the people who matter. This is one of the reasons
that the kind of people entering into politics has gone down leaving a bad
taste in the mouth of the ordinary man. It is difficult for the common man to
be able to identify with the leader who travels in a private jet without a care
for the public who voted him to power. Such leaders can’t see beyond their own
selfish needs.
The media
and some activists have exposed the nexus that exists between politicians and
businessmen. In this era of coalition Governments, it is known fact that the
Capital has its share of people who liaisons with different Ministries get the
maximum benefit for their business house. Lobbying is a reality today. In fact,
in countries like the US, it is legal and is political parties openly made use
of it. I believe that as long as the Government protects the interest of the aam aadmi and works for the betterment of
the nation, it is okay to lobby. The public is not so innocent to believe that
the Congress is the only party which can deliver. It is no doubt the oldest
party in the country but regional parties, which work only in a selective area,
are gaining ground.
The Congress
really needs to get its act together. It is a difficult task but with hard work
and commitment it can change its image.
No comments:
Post a Comment