In 2014, Narendra Modi took charge as Prime Minister of India claiming to be the voice of the people. People in this case meant the underprivileged class. Under these circumstances, it would have meant the PM would be interacting with the masses on a regular basis. However, that has not been the case so far. He has addressed massive political rallies and inaugurated many important projects across the country. These avenues still lack the exposure to the masses that one would expect this PM to have.
The recent report of BJP filtering questions from party workers addressed to the PM has kicked up a new political storm. The move came after a party worker from Puducherry questioned the PM on the tax being levied on the middle class. Modi was clearly seen dodging the question.
This was surprising because it came from a man who claims that an interaction must be two-ways. By choosing to filter the questions from party workers, the nature of discussion becomes a stage-managed affair. This puts the leadership in a bubble sustained by party workers and supporters. We all know the danger of being surrounded by yes men. It does not allow growth to take place or, if it takes place, it is usually detrimental.
In a democracy it is important to hear the opinion from all. People who support the opposition parties also have a stake in governance. Listening to only your supporters and party workers will be detrimental to a political leader’s career as well as distance them from ground realities.
India’s first past the post system allows a politician who gets less than 20 per cent of votes to come to power. Under these circumstances, if a leader was to only listen to filtered questions from his party workers and supporters, this would imbibe a superficial reality in him/her.
The current and future PMs must consider the fact that their interaction with the people is as important as inaugurating projects in full media glare. Hence, the PM needs to allow a free interaction between him and the people he governs.
The BJP on the other hands needs to remember that if concerns of party workers are not addressed, it would lead to dissatisfaction within its core supporters. It goes the same for parties that have strong family controls like Congress, BJD, TRS, TDP, SP, DMK etc.
The parties need to realise that by shielding its leaders from the public, they are not allowing them to flourish with the same masses that they draw strength from.
The recent elections were a good litmus test for two leading national parties. However, to avoid shocking defeats, a politician must have his ear to the ground. Merely relying on party workers and supporters does not serve the purpose at all.
Hopefully, the BJP will take Puducherry incident as a learning lesson and allow their leaders to interact with the masses as freely as possible. only then will the words, voice of the people mean carry some weight.
