Political outfits are hence compelled to scout external terrains for a ‘suitable’ candidate. And they find names such as KPAC Lalitha, Mukesh, Suresh Gopi, Bheeman Raghu, Jagdish, Siddique and the like. Elections are no child play. The poll arena requires warhorses, and not toy ponies to match the expectations and aspirations of the electorate.
In the years gone by, communists M. V. Raghavan and K. R. Gouriamma were such war horses. Even their nominations sparked a frenzied enthusiasm among the voters. Such leaders’ lives represented an age of sacrifice.
Times have changed, and the present reflects Geoffrey Chaucer’s words that a time would come when gold too would rust.
The 14th century poet seems to be right. Rust has caught up with not just principles, but even with those who stand for principles.
During the bygone days, the commitment to change the lives of those around created politicians. Gandhiji, who made his life his message, and Che Guevera, whose life itself was a struggle, equally enthused the masses.
Unfortunately, those who follow such personalities to politics now disappoint the people.
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Politicians, who stood for a change for the better, had followers willing to swim or sink with them. It was a pointer to the unwritten dictum that politicians should be above suspicion, and who took a committed stand for a cause.
Several slogans that reverberated in Kerala in the past are pointers to this belief. Today, such personalities are rare; and if there are any, they have been sidelined.
Political outfits are hence compelled to scout external terrains for a ‘suitable’ candidate. And they find names such as KPAC Lalitha, Mukesh, Suresh Gopi, Bheeman Raghu, Jagdish, Siddique and the like.
The gods of the tinsel town, besides godmen, too, stifle us during elections. KPAC Lalitha had to bow out of the electoral race following protests against her and the CPM from within. People have a question: why is the opposition reluctant to field heavyweights against those accused of corruption?
The LDF will field scapegoats against UDF heavyweights and vice-versa, ‘for favours received.’ Political gods on either side will not lose power when politics boils down to an ‘understanding’ between the two Fronts.
Film stars used to a life aloof from the public seldom recognize the micro-level realities. An MLA is expected to recongnize the local pulse, and interfere in the grassroots-level issues.
It doesn’t mean that a politician, willing to burn the midnight oil for his constituency, is in the public sphere just to address the local issues. He should also wield power.
It is not an easy task to introduce a filmstar, cultural leader, artist or journalist into the political arena. It requires a concerted effort, requiring time. It cannot be done overnight. When such cameos are introduced, it triggers protests.
Additionally, such ‘airdropping’ of candidates also helps local-level leaders to engage in backseat driving.
(The author is a litterateur and political thinker)
