THE RISE OF THE “INDEPENDENTS”

The 2009 Lok Sabha elections in many constituencies are witnessing an unprecedented number of high-profile independent candidates. Though I understand the sentiments and appreciate the intent of these high-profile independent candidates, I can’t stay away from asking whether they are doing the right thing and whether they are going about it in the right manner. First of all, some of these candidates are taking a sabbatical from their usual corporate jobs in order to contest an election sending out the message that perhaps this is a mere fling. If it is indeed a fling then they can go about it whichever way they wish to but if it isn’t then my view is that they are going about it in the wrong way.

It is possible that a myriad of factors ranging from the inspirational “change – yes, we can” campaign successes of Barack Obama to the shocking 26/11 attacks in Mumbai might have inspired these candidates to take the leap into politics, if indeed this is a “leap”. “Politics” can be defined in many ways. I define it as public service. There are a few things that these candidates need to come to terms with. Firstly, public service is not a part-time job. If they are serious about it, they need to devote their entire life to public service. Secondly, change does not happen overnight. They must be prepared to put in a lifetime in order to inspire or initiate change.

Take the example of the USA and Barack Obama. The fight against racial discrimination in America started with Abraham Lincoln well over a century ago and that change has not yet been achieved, despite the symbolic significance of the election of the first black president. One needs to know that 12% of the black male population in the US is in prison while this figure is perhaps 1-2% for whites. In some neighborhoods in the US, 1 in every 3 black men between 18 and 35 is in prison. The election of Obama is only a significant milestone on the long road to change which may take another century to fully materialize. The situation is not very different in case of India either.

Taking sabbaticals from well paying jobs to contest elections suggests that when (not “if”) they lose, they will go back to their air conditioned offices and fancy board rooms. Public service requires a greater commitment than a 2 month sabbatical. Also, these candidates seem to be expressing extreme confidence derived from the fact that the public is unhappy with the current political class. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the public thinks that these independents are a better, more competent and committed alternative. Talking and doing are two different things. I can bet none of these candidates are even fully aware of the constitution and of other governing machineries like the functioning of the executive.

They might argue that neither are the current politicians but that is no defense. When you are fighting them saying that you are different, you need to exhibit that difference. Being fully aware of the law, the constitution and the executive machinery would be a good place to start. The point is that just the fact that the current leaders are incompetent or ill-willed doesn’t make you trustworthy and competent. You need to prove before-hand that you are capable of bringing about change particularly when you do not have any loyal vote-banks. You have to prove yourself in social service and public service. A Lok Sabha constituency is not a low-cost airline firm or a branch office of a foreign bank. You might say none of the current politicians do this but then isn’t that what you are fighting against.

If they are serious about inspiring change in a society, once they lose the current elections, instead of going back to air-conditioned offices and boardrooms, they need to go back to the people. For the next 5 years they need to approach the people, talk to them and find out about their problems. They need to suggest ways in which the people can solve their own problems. If this is not possible, they must act as representatives of these people and approach the concerned authorities, bureaucratic or political, in order to report the problems that exist in various localities. They need to use the media effectively by writing articles in dailies about the problems faced by the people in the constituency in order to make the political class sit up and take notice.

They need to approach NGOs and social service organizations for help with various problems in regard to civic amenities or infrastructure or education and health care. Admittedly, only a few problems can be solved in 5 years in this manner. However, this will help them secure many more votes in the next election though in all likelihood not enough to win. After losing again, they must go back again to the people and offer to solve more of their problems in the next 5 years. This way, after a decade or two, they will surely garner enough support to get elected to the Lok Sabha and even during this period, despite not being in a position of power or authority, would have brought about significant change and acquired adequate knowledge about the nature of problems faced by the people and what approach to adopt in order to solve such problems effectively.

Once in power, with adequate knowledge and with substantial funds at their disposal, significant change can be brought about in a single 5 year term. This way, in a period of 20-25 years, one can bring about the change that one wishes to see. Patience, perseverance, dedication and a long-term, full-time commitment to public service are essential to bring about change. Taking mere sabbaticals for a couple of months in order to fight elections sends out the wrong message that one is not serious or committed to the cause and that this gesture is merely symbolic. If these high-profile independent candidates are serious and committed to bring about change, they need to take the “plunge” into public service and not merely “test the waters” with such symbolic gestures. You cannot convince yourself or anyone else that you tried sincerely by saying “I contested and lost. What else can I do?” Losing is only the first step.