Trend of populist politics in India -The Asian Age

Populist politics has now become a common phenomenon in India. It is also a common phenomenon in Bangladesh. But as there have been various analyses about this burning issue, this writer from the Indian city of Kolkata intends to write on this purely from Indian perspectives. India is a vast nation with around 138 crore populace along with 29 states and 9 union territories.

Along with the above statistics we are also well aware of that the literacy rate in India is estimated to be around 73%. Among the 29 states, Kerala tops the national level chart with around 93% rates and Bihar is the lowest among all with around 60% rates. West Bengal population is estimated to be around 10 crore.

The reason for Bangladeshis deeper curiosity about West Bengal is that this state is closely located to that country. At the present juncture we find that literacy rates has improved slightly to be around 80% but as per real literacy is concerned it is estimated to be around 30% to 35%. In this regard, populist politics in India in her different states and union territories badly malign the true literary and academic atmosphere.

Political personalities publicize the development of literacy and academic advancement but in reality we see that the development taking place is limited within segmented sections of Indian populace. In the Northern part of India as well as to a greater part of the country we find poorer and deprived sections of Indian populace are broadly hoaxed by the present generation politicians. Now the feeling among the poor and deprived sections has become as such that building up temples in different parts of India is a type of solace to the poor and downtrodden sections of Indian populace.

In Bangladesh, populist politics once upon a time played pivotal role in steering the country from deeper woods to path of progress and prosperity. Even in other South Asian nations, populist politics is in full swing. Apart from India and Bangladesh it is deeply prevalent in other South Asian nations. Even in other continents of the globe populist politics has become a common phenomenon. Because my focus on the subject is purely upon India I should be fully focused about this pertinent issue chiefly upon the above nation along with short definition in the subsequent paragraphs.

'Populist politics' is a vital term in the subject of political science. It is referred to as such that indicates ranges of diverse political standpoints which connotes the idea of common citizens and diverting the common people's attention from the threshold of key issues of the nation which needs to be seriously looked into. In India populist politics is badly eating up the social, political and cultural fabric of the country.

Some might feel the term 'populism' is closely interlinked with the breath of common citizens of India but in real sense of the term we find that both remain quite apart from each other. In India there are some exceptional political personalities available in her different parts but pity aspect is that they are rarely noticeable in India. Anyhow despite all the odds we find that there are some exceptionable political personalities in different who intend to do something positives for the betterment of entire nation. Those who intend to do something for country's betterment they are badly heckled and maligned by some political personalities.

Populist politics in India has taken a vicious turn. All around the country politicians deliver sweet discourse in front of the masses but in real sense of the term we find that all those turn to be a classical hoax. Throughout five years term there is no trace of representative of the people but when the dates of assembly elections of states and union territories as well as that of Parliamentary ones are announced representatives of the people starts visiting their respective constituencies thereby rendering populist discourse in order to secure votes to get elected to assemblies and parliament for a term of five years. In this regard the striking feature noticeable is that rational, educated and analytical minded citizens of India understands the inner meaning of politician's versions but the poor and downtrodden sections are badly hoodwinked from this kind of cheap political discourses.

Now Indian political culture has become as such that constructive works are badly missing rather politicians are more prone this kind of populist discourse which is extremely shocking and distressing. That is why we find that development work is not taking place as per desired expectations. Very sorry state of affairs India is passing through at present. In the economic aspect we find that political interference is badly eating up economic and social values.

In the Western world populist politics are carried with common agendas. In those countries we find that all political parties work with certain goals to usher in development work for the benefits of entire nations. Not only the ruling parties are involved but also views opposition parties are also taken into account then only the real development takes place. This way populism of the ruling and opposition parties takes place which ultimately usher in new hopes and aspiration for the citizens. This is also badly required in India, Bangladesh and other South Asian nations.

Judging by the trend of populist politics in India we find that not only educated classes but also the common citizens are deeply aggrieved at our political fraternities. Political personalities of India might utter populist dialogues but that should be translated into reality otherwise it makes no sense in India. All of us should take serious note of it.


The writer is a freelance contributor based in Kolkata