In the run up to the next general election, India's two main political parties, the Congress and the BJP, have declared the ideas they hold in common: and that is, both are opposed to Capitalism.
The Congress has declared that it still swears by the Nehruvian model of central economic planning; and the BJP has said that it stands for the Gandhian model of economic development.
The only other political formation in India are the Communist parties. They are, of course, haters of Capitalism.
This means the Indian voter has no choice: All the political parties in this socialist democracy are anti-capitalist. There should be a liberal party campaigning for Liberty, Free Trade and Free Markets – but that is not allowed by legislation. This is a loss for The Voter. He cannot choose between competing political and economic philosophies.
Yet, looking back over the last two decades, it is obvious that everything good that has happened for the average Indian is only because of entrepreneurs, including foreign entrepreneurs. We now have mobile phones, cars, colour TVs, music systems, computers, low-cost airlines and whatnot only because of comparatively free markets.
Indeed, all the areas of stark failure are those controlled by our The State – like the railways, electricity, roads, water and so on. Note that bijli, sadak and paani – the voter's lament – are ALL under State control. These are all being "centrally planned."
If the Nehruvian model of central economic planning continues, the voter will never get bijli, sadak and paani. Recall that pre-1991, nothing much was available in Indian markets. When I was in college in the mid-70s, a 5-year old Fiat 1100D sold at more than the price of a new one because the new one came with a 10-year waiting period.
If I can vividly recall those horrible times, I am sure geriatrics like Chacha Manmohan S Gandhi can remember even more. We value old people because they have experience. In this instance, the old people seem to have learnt nothing during their long lives. They do not want India to progress. They want to take India back.
Of course, the BJP leads the race as far as taking India backwards is concerned. Their favouring a "Gandhian model of development" means more of "rural development," panchayati raj, and all the associated hogwash (including prohibition of alcohol). We have tried these for 60 years – and failed miserably.
India needs to look back only to see its mistakes – and Nehru and Gandhi were mistakes. India needs Free Trade and Free Markets – and a vigorous Urbanization. We need Mayors in every city and town – not panchayats. And we do not need any "model of development": we just need Liberty, which every Individual can utilize to develop himself. The idea of Free Markets is that each Individual is free to take the path that he chooses. This Individual is the Architect of his own Destiny. This is why Freedom matters so much. We Indians need to fight again for Freedom – because the geriatrics in the established parties want State Control only because they want to Control The State.
Young Indians, beware! Wrong idea destroyed the lives of two generations of Indians. If you want to secure your future and that of your children, and theirs, do not allow these illiberal ideas another reign. Gandhi and Nehru must both be unceremoniously dumped.
"There should be a liberal party campaigning for Liberty, Free Trade and Free Markets – but that is not allowed by legislation."
ReplyDeleteI did not know that. Could you provide some references please?
I agree that opening of economy in early 90's had put country on fast track of growth. But by that time India had solid vital infrastructure viz railways, electricity and indian companies manufacturing steel & cement. Because I see in Nigeria, inspite of having large oil reserve & comparatively free market economy, it is miserably a failed state. Only 1300MW of power for whole country. Railway is vitually non existant. It was also britsh colony and gained freedom in 1960.
ReplyDeleteRegarding,party contesting general elections with "free trade & free market" agenda, I do not see the constitution barring any such endeavour.
Sagarone: The Representation of People Act, as amended by Indira Gandhi, says that all "recognized" political parties must swear by the Constitution of India.
ReplyDeleteNow, Indira Gandhi also amended the preamble to the Constitution and included the word "socialist."
So India is now a "sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic."
All parties must swear by socialism.
Yet, the fact remains that all parties are NOT secular.
But the Congress is happier with such opposition than with genuine Liberal opposition.
Hence, BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS et. al. are legit. Their leaders get police security.
And liberalism is out of the competition.
I completely agree with what you said. And to make sure, I do not support any political party.
ReplyDeleteGrowth in 90s started after Manmohan Singh started with the idea of liberalization, that opened the market mainly for IT industries and other exports. It has two edged effect - We started getting a lot of business from outside without much hassle and there was a lot of money pumped into economy.
But, that would not have been successful if BJP govt later would not have built the necessary infrastructure and continued with liberal policies.
I see that both parties have done fairly well after 90s because of the changing world economy and we realized that key to growing economy is pumping money into economy and growth of secondary money markets. ( I am not saying we should overdo this, in that way we might end up like US economy). I feel the advantage goes to BJP govt for starting with infrastructure development.
I believe who ever comes to power (except communists) we should support fully for a more liberal policy, that will make sure people with ideas meet people with capital. That will ultimately lead to the growth of our economy.