Why should people join politics ?

Oinam Nabakishore Singh *

There is a popular saying –Politics is the last resort of scoundrels.

To understand the meaning of this sentence, it is worthwhile to know the meaning of politics and scoundrels. According to Cambridge Dictionary, Politics is defined as: the activities of the Government, members of law-making organizations, or people who try to influence the way a country is governed.

In short, those who want to join politics like to do any or all of the works mentioned in the definition. What kind of people join politics ? One category is scoundrel, who is a person, especially a man, who treats other people very badly and has no moral principles as per definition in Cambridge English Dictionary.

It may be safely concluded that dishonest people without principle having no other option will finally join politics. However, non-scoundrels may also choose to join politics for varying considerations, which may be well understood by all readers without being elaborated.

There is another saying by Greek Philosopher, Plato, encouraging people to join politics-“One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Democracy flourished in Greece before Christ.

Debates and discussion on Democracy and Government was daily activities on the streets of Athens. Awareness about politics, political parties, their ideologies, leadership of political parties and their vision and goals, etc.is crucial for the voters to decide on the party and candidate.

Earlier, there used to be hotels where people discussed on the Government policies and programmes over a cup of tea. However, discussion is not free and fair as people with political affiliation would try to prop their parties.

In a republic like India, democracy will be vibrant and thriving when political parties and individuals participate freely in all electoral processes and express opinions on various issues. Such freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution and laws made thereunder.

We have a multi-party system, where any political party can be registered with the Election Commission of India. In Manipur, it is interesting to note that many candidates contest at the general election-a good sign for democracy and freedom.

Should we not take interest in the affairs of the country and State ? Should we remain a silent spectator of the events taking place right in front of our eye ? Should we not raise our voice fearing retribution from the authorities ?

Better still, should we not join politics and partake in the governance of the country or State ? All of us know that any policy and programme implemented by the Government (read political executive) has far reaching impact on the lives of many people.

If we care for the people, is it not imperative to ensure making good policies and good governance to deliver the required services promptly and efficiently ?

Leadership in any organization, be it State Government or department matters a lot. Any book on leadership prescribes essential qualities and skills of the leader. One requisite skill is having domain knowledge of the works to be done. Leaders with knowledge of the subject do better job.

A good example of leader with good knowledge is Dr Manmohan Singh, who was appointed as Finance Minister of India, when there was an economic crisis. He is appreciated for bringing liberalization in Indian Economy and paving the way for economic growth, which the country witnessed. Other qualities like charisma, honesty, transparency, delegation, etc. are required to be embodied in the leader.

Considering the importance of politics and its impact on the people across board, and future generation, it is indeed sine qua non for any well-meaning citizen to consider joining politics. The barrier to joining politics also need to be removed.

Voters in Manipur are, by and large, very poor. In an environment of poverty, voters are easily bought by those who can afford it.

Till such time when money is extensively used to buy voters, barrier to joining politics will remain. Pray to God to remove poverty to remove the barrier to politics.