Why I Am Optimistic

Ever since the results of the elections were announced, there has been open soul-searching in both the BJP as well as the Left front. The BJP-RSS-Hindutva equation has been repeatedly challenged. The overall conclusion of the pundits has been that the BJP needs to re-invent itself if it is to survive as a serious contender in Indian politics.

Funnily enough, it is the same story for the Left. Of particular note is an interview with the Communist leader AB Bardhan, where he has talked of “party cadres” alienating the public by acts of bossism, interventionism and outright predation: they cannot be “sharks,” he says. Today, the ToI has commented editorially on Bardhan’s interview, concluding decisively that the communists of India have to morph into social democrats if they are to matter.

But what are the communists and who are their “party cadres”? From Bengal the news is that they are all “armed goondas.” This is why the main opposition to the Communist regime in Bengal is calling for an end to the operations in Lalgarh: because what is actually happening, they allege, is that CPI(M) party cadres, armed to the teeth, are taking over territories vacated by the Maoists. And this is what the average Maoist is like. Both sides are armed. Both sides engage in predatory "politics."

Note the total absence of the “civilian administration.”

It is in this context that the Nilekani 1,50,000 crore rupee agenda of “smart” ID cards for all must be viewed. Here is an interview; and here are some extracts from his recent, and first, book. The card is to be a means by which our The State can “deliver services” to the poor. He cites the example of US Social Security; of European bureaucracies. The very idea is socialist and such ID cards are of no use in practical administration. The only thing that really matters is marketable property titles to land and buildings. Hernando de Soto’s ideas are vital here, not Nilekani’s. But then again, that requires a “civilian administration.”

Note that we have a “civil nuclear pact” with the USA – but we have no “civilian administration.”

Of course, smart journalists are waking up to the fact. Here is an Express editorial on the need for sweeping reforms in our public administration.

However, what really matters in all these discussions is that dreaded word “ideology.” Only classical liberalism believes in private property and free exchange. Only classical liberalism abhors the misuse of force. It is this that must be taught in the academies of public administration.

However, I remain optimistic. We are bound to overcome someday soon. The enemy camps are a shambles.