Political parties without basic guiding principles; blind hero worship of political leaders; besotted party members taking to violence and anarchy on the natural death of leaders like N.T.R and M.G.R; sensationalized politics and power games. What’s all this about? Welcome to the world of South Indian politics! Political fanaticism at its best Call it political fanaticism, unquestioned party loyalty or simply stupidity; the obsession of low level party supporters and cadre towards their party and leaders is simply unbelievable in the southern states. Leaders are placed on par with gods. Falling at the feet of leaders in public, glorifying them with adulatory speeches and even sacrificing one’s life because the party leader was criticized by the opposition – the extent to which political parties and leaders can influence the common man is stupefying in South India. Politics sans discipline Political interest is something that is nurtured from childhood in the southern states, which speaks for the involvement of the masses in politics unlike in a few other states. It’s not surprising that political sentiment at times runs higher than even religious sentiment. In contrast to the earlier days, when there was a certain level of dignity and discipline with which politics was conducted, dirty politics is the order of the day. Goondas and people with criminal backgrounds form the core of most parties today and these people are ready to stoop to any level to retain power. The new power game While switching parties for personal gains has become a norm today in all the southern parties, it is only the misguided lower level political cadre who are swayed by their blind faith in party leaders. Believing in the founding principles of a party was essential for embracing a party in the early days, but today so many parties in the southern states are formed without any ideology. By creating caste politics and vote banks, shrewd South Indian politicians have cleverly manipulated the masses to their advantage. Where are our clean politicians? Elections are made a farce by the political parties in the south by influencing the illiterate masses to vote for them by giving away freebies. Elections mean merry making for party men, as liquor flows and money rules. Communist ruled Kerala might be an exception to the numerous atrocities of the political parties in the other states, but it has its own share of political madness. The south holds the glory of having raised clean and revered politicians such as Kamaraj, Rajaji, Ramakrishna Hegde, Achuthanandan, to name a few, but today it’s associated with some of the most corrupt and power hungry politicians of the country. From being the destination for service-minded individuals who want to contribute to the society, politics is today considered the easiest way for fast money and positions of power. Such is the sad state of South Indian politics today! What do you think is the need of the hour to revive clean politics in the south? Who do you think are responsible for the sad state of South Indian politics – the politicians or the people? Share your thoughts with us and other readers.
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