2014 general elections are not very far and political
parties have already started tapping Indians with different sets of agendas. As
compared to early and mid nineties when all political parties(even national
parties) were focused heavily on
religious and caste based agendas, we are witnessing more emphasis on
development and anti-corruption policies (At least it looks like this on
surface). One interesting theme that is
noticeable among all national parties is that they are avoiding declaring a
single leader early on whose vision and leadership skills can take India to the
next level.
The objective here not exploring the reasons why the political
parties are avoiding doing so (Moreover all Indians are highly intellectual politically
to figure it out so no need to do that) but more about how it is impacting the Indian
people, national and local governance and the future of our country. In an
ideal scenario, the objective of political parties is to create an ideology and
thought process that can be distributed to all party members in order to build
a unified thinking force. This helps a political party in getting elected
because the more number of party workers you have who can think alike, better
chances you have winning the elections. This process of collective thinking is a
great tool for winning elections but without a leader who can think beyond
elections and who can push the political agenda aside in national interests, it
becomes difficult to meet the real objective of getting elected.
This lack of identifying and grooming right person for top
position early on is hurting not only India as a nation but states also. After
winning the elections, tug of war among political leaders for the top position
is a common sight. This leads to instability, increased corruption, lower
growth and demoralized investors. As a result, the winning political party
struggles and somehow completes five years rather than executing the vision of
an impactful and well accepted leader.
Looking back in Indian history, Chanakya also identified
this difference between a great leader and a group of people who can think
alike. He knew very well that he needed a strong, honest, influencing and
visionary leader to unite the country against the supreme forces of Alexander.
He presented Vikramaditya as a leader who can represent the whole country. What
if he had decided to create a group of people that can think like him without
selecting a person to lead them? History would be very different and Chanakya’s
name would not have been mentioned in any history book. Similarly can we
imagine that the Congress party (Pre independence) would have made the same
impact during the freedom struggle as it did, without the leadership and vision
of Mahatma Gandhi? Current political thinks tanks and strategists should learn
from these historic examples and follow the practice of selecting the right
leader at right time. How can political parties bring confidence in Indians
without being confident that they are selecting a right leader? Unless people
can connect with the leaders, unless they know who they are voting for and who
will be their guide for next five years, how can they think clearly and make
the right decision?
Identifying a leader in early stage will also bring
accountability in the political arena (Well that lacks in the entire system but
changing the most challenging area will also improve the other sections). If
you win the elections, you are the one who did it. Otherwise please make way
for others. More importantly, if your government does not make an impact or if
your subordinates follow wrong practices, the buck will stop at you. If you
really make a significant improvement during your tenure, not only people will select
you again but history will also remember you as a great leader. This simple
concept of meritocracy will provide a great chance to all those who want to
prove themselves.
Elections in India are still heavily political parties
oriented rather than leaders oriented. We are seeing some debates on this topic
recently but much progress is still to be made. Common people and media should
also make more noise out there and press the political parties to become more
transparent and decisive while selecting the leaders.
