If you are given a choice to decide on the reason for political executives’ unending non-performance, whatever might be dispensation, what would opt for; that they are not inclined to manage or they are not able to manage. Unfortunately, this question has never plagued them. For the political class the be all and end all of their existence is to win elections, that is the formula they keep on deciphering all their lives. The more successful you are at this formula, the better politician you are. Somehow, sometimes you don’t make it to the grade, then you should know how to grab the media spotlight, otherwise you will find a place only in the dustbin of politics.
Government and governance are the booty which falls at their doorstep for having won the election battle. Great quality governance has never been their goal and that elections are just a via media. On the contrary, for the political class, government is the time to recoup, consolidate, be assured of the booty on a regular basis and then get ready for the next hustings. Hence the governments are not inclined to manage. By manage here we mean that management of things is not their concern. Leave aside good and responsive governance, few in the political class will be able to define governance in any manner whatsoever.
Have you heard of a political party imparting training to legislators or parliamentarians in the different aspects of the art and science of governance? Are all the top leaders and top political executives in the country are fine with the nature of ministers and other heads of organizations which the politicians adorn? Or are they convinced of the fact that there is no expertise required? The battle for ministerial position and negotiations which go for it, certainly makes it very conspicuous that some product is being talked about and the contenders are lustful of it. What has become very clear in 75 years of independence is that the political class has no will to govern, leave aside deliver.
It should seem that the governance is being carried out seamlessly for the benefit of the people and that they manage it by their paraphernalia, glib talking, political workers and last but not the least the media. Sitting on the official chair, talking some half baked stuff and passing / signing some orders, even without understanding both the intent and the granularity of it, is unfortunately delivery for them. As the political executive of the country they are not inclined to govern, manage, deliver, be accountable for but they should get all the fruits of it and also carry an impression that they are governing as per the best principles of public service. The class of elected representatives sans the ones in the government also throw an aura that they are a part of the executive. It is perpetuated by topmost political executives for their own survival and comfort. The Mahakumbha 2025 is a perfect example of this dilemma.
NOTHING CAN BE DELIVERED WITHOUT EXPERTISE, AND GOVERNANCE CAN BE NO DIFFERENT.
Sanjay Sahay
Have a nice evening.