Mr. Modi, I wish it was only one party's fault

I heard the slogan "Congress mukta Bharat" (Congress-free India) during this year's (2014) general election campaign by BJP leader Mr. Narendra Modi. Many BJP supporters liked the idea, after all, who doesn't like to wipe out their political rival from the picture? Somehow every other problem that India is facing today is blamed upon the Congress party and its ideologies. This is because the Congress has ruled India for most of the time since independence (1947). Superficially, this claim looks very legit, but if we analyze it closely it doesn't look only one party's fault. BJP itself has been in national politics in some form or another for the last 40 years or so. They also got a chance to run the central government for ~ 9 years in between (six years on their own and three years as a part of the Janta Party govt). They have been a major opposition party for the last few years and also have their government in some states of India. So, part of the blame also goes to them, but they may not accept this as they want to put all the blame on Congress. No doubt Congress cannot escape the responsibility, they have to accept responsibility for their mistakes but there is more than one culprit who is responsible for all this mess.

Over the years India has developed a very corrupt, unaccountable political and bureaucratic system. Our politicians hardly tried to modify the structure of the police or the bureaucratic setup that the British designed for the rulers. India got the new constitution which promises so many great things but they didn't support it with system reforms which was required to deliver those promises to every citizen. This system is still running but it failed to deliver the expected results. Lack of transparency and accountability are major salient features of this system. This system also heavily depends on the people who are running it, if they are honest and sincere system might produce some desired results but if not then there is ample scope for corruption, and if they are caught there are many loopholes to escape. So, the failure of Congress or even the BJP to deliver great results is in part because of the nature of this system. As this system is very beneficial for rulers, it allows them to have complete control over the judiciary, investigating agencies, and police (after all British designed it to control India), so these parties are very reluctant to change it. Whenever they got the opportunity Congress or BJP both never showed any intent to introduce desired reforms to make this system more transparent and accountable. They both made many promises which were not fulfilled mostly because of widespread corruption in the entire system. 

This so-called Congress-free India promised by the BJP is not going to be any different with this same system. I wish a solution was so simple to all the problems that India is facing today. Actually, no matter which party comes into power, with the same system in place, and with the same loopholes, not many things are going to change for the common people of India. India needs independent agencies that can implement existing laws impartially and effectively to protect people's interests. India lacks truly independent government branches, almost everything is under the control of the government. There are many laws and rules that protect the interests of political parties and their leaders, they all fight for it and these rules are effectively implemented but similar treatment is not offered to common people. They are at the mercy of these leaders or parties to get anything from the government. In a true democracy, it's the government of the people, by the people, for the people but we don't see that picture in India. That's why people are frustrated with the current system. This is the main reason why new and inexperienced parties like AAP are getting so much support and attention. It's easy to blame one single party and it's easy to put all the blame on them, but actually, it's the fault of the whole system which involves all political parties and voters. We need some reforms in every sector, it doesn't matter who brings them but we need them for sure. I think all political parties are aware of this demand but somehow they are not willing to take any action as the current system suits them. After all, who wants to dilute their share in power, who wants to lose their control over each agency including the judiciary. Congress-free India is not an appealing idea Mr. Modi, I don't even want it because I know it is not going to change anything, but yes, corruption-free India is desirable. A transparent and accountable system is very appealing and if you want to talk about that then I am listening. Another request to you and all leaders from other parties is it would be great if you all could support your promises with some concrete actions because, for the last many decades, we have only listened to false promises, especially about dealing with corruption. So far it is just talk but no walk from all political parties and I expect to see some change this time.

Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.

[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]