If the Congress gets 20 more seats than the BJP, there will be an exodus in its direction and the focus will shift to bargain-hunting on ministerial portfolios. If the BJP surpasses the Congress by 20 seats, it will be the same process, by and large. Let us get real. India lost its innocence on 'ideological divides' a long time ago. Power now defines and drives Indian politics. The deeper question is, will this power politics detract from or drive the nation's economic development and reform agenda?
Another piece of news I found interesting was about a speech made by an NGO-type in Chennai, during which he said that “political parties are rogue institutions.” He talked of the sale of tickets. He talked of the “cash-crime nexus” – whatever that implies.
So let us get back to what Amit Mitra said: “Power now defines and drives Indian politics.” Is this power exercised through “rogue institutions”? That certainly must be the case when there is no “ideology,” no fixed principles upon which to base policies. When everything is all about “power.”
As Lord Acton famously said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
As we muddle along with our corrupt and debased democracy, let us turn to Pakistan. What can a libertarian say about the state of affairs there?
All that can be said is that civilization lies in peaceful market exchange, while predatory militarism is the path of the barbarian.
We have nothing more to say to the barbarian, except that he is a barbarian, an outlaw. His way of life is immoral. And primitive to boot.
This is the strong moral message India should be giving out in the south Asian region, as the biggest nation with the biggest markets.
But this requires an “ideology.”
For in the end how much difference is there between predatory militarism and corrupt Indian politicians to whom power is everything – when both misuse force?
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